Question
Hi Will,

I have a Palm I keep indoors.  I recently repottted it (5 months ago) and it seems to be doing well, but there are many work like insects at the base of the plant.  Sometimes they are dead and on the floor as well so I think they may even drop from the foliage.  There may be even some white sticky stuff getting on it which has also happenned to another flowering tropical houseplant that got way out of control and I had to discard.

Are these things what you call meally worms?  Do oyu know a good product I can get to control these insects and other pests for indoor plants.

Thanks,
Steve

Answer
Hi Steve,

I need a more detailed description of the insects you are seeing. Size, shape, texture, body parts, do they move, and any thing else that you observe about them.

Do you find them in the soil? On the leaves?

Is there actually sticky stuff on the plant? If so, where do you find it?

I do not recommend the use of all-purpose pesticides as they are environmentally hazardous and it is a scatter shot approach. If that is what you want, then go to a garden center and get a broad spectrum pesticide.

I would prefer to help you identify the insects and then treat them with something that is less hazardous and more specific to that particular pest.

I look forward to your reply.
  
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

Visit my web site at www.HorticulturalHelp.com

If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.