Question
I have a house palm plant.  I have had it for about 7 weeks.  I noticed worms and
I was told to soak the plant in tepid water and the worms would vacate the palm.  
Now I am soaking it a second time because I saw more worms and now I see
white bugs.  Please advise me what I should do.

Answer
Michele,

The worms are the larval stage of an insect that likes wet soil. Soaking it just made the soil wetter and increased the wet environment for the larva so they multiplied. The white insects are the adult stage. You have to kill the larva and dry the plant out as quickly as possible. Remove the drain tray and set it in the tub for 24 hours so as much water as possible drains away. Then water it with a bottle of rubbing alcohol while it is still soggy.  Spread the alcohol over the entire surface. It will kill the worms and insects on contact. Then do not water it again until it is bone dry, probably 3-4 weeks and make sure you only water it when it is dry. That will keep the worms and insects from coming back. If you still see signs of insects when it is dry water it with half the amount of water you normally give it then apply another bottle of rubbing alcohol. Keep applying the alcohol after you water until you feel the insects are gone. Good luck.

Darlene