Question
I have a lot of tiny white flying bugs on the poinsettias (4 plants) my husband brought home last year at Christmas time.  What on earth are they and how do I get rid of them before they destroy the poinsettias and my other plants.

Thanks.

Answer
Dear Vicki,

In all the years I have had poinsettia plants - a new one every Christmas! - I have never known any of them to be attacked by any sort of insect.  That doesn't however help you I know.  

The most obvious answer is that your plant has been infested with whitefly which are small mothlike insects.  The greenish larvae which you will find on the underside of the leaves suck sap from the plant and deposit a sticky substance known as honeydew.  

You will need to spray with an insecticide and repeat at 3 day intervals.  They are difficult to eradicate and will quickly spread to other plants so make sure your plant is isolated whilst it is being treated.  So my advice is get along to your garden store as fast as possible, choose an insecticide which specifically mentions whitefly and get spraying as per the instructions.

Good Luck!

Diana