Hoover and a Make up Brush!? Surprisingly Cheap and Effective Pest Control.

[Triffid]

Just thought I'd share two cheap methods of pest control that have worked for me in the past.
Experiences, Comments and Thoughts always welcome.
As are any other cheap methods for pest control

Whitefly and Other Tinies Up a Hoover (Carefully!)
Holding it relatively close to the pot top and having the nozzle covered with some tights (to stop any potting medium getting up there) and holding the leaves away from the nozzle. Gently rotate/move and get those pesky tiny bugs such as white fly and other small bugs disappearing up the Vortex.

Advise Caution!, You don't want to damage your plant so don't hold the nozzle too close (especially if you have a powerful hoover!)

My Experience
First time I've done this (I was soooo careful), but seems to have worked and the starting infestation was averted. No more signs of infestation. Used at least every other day for just under a week. After the first going over there were no more visible/obvious signs of bugs. Watering today and there are still no signs after two weeks!

Q: Why Did I try this?
A: Saw a reference to it online (Sorry forgot to BM).
and
Historically Scientist believe the Human Louse/Flea is or has become instinct thanks to the introduction of the Hoover (Another QI info acquisition there), so I guess this method has it's validation.
(Though I prefer to encourage predatory insects outside the house)

Spider mites Brush them Up!
A good make up brush and or large soft paint brush is great for this. If used before treating with any chemicals and the like you can stop the infestation before it takes hold. But always clean or use a different brush before going to the next plant. If done daily the spider mites can be gotten rid completely. When they start to disappear you can reduce the paintbrush treatment to every other day and so on till there is no need

The brush can get into the nooks and crannies without stressing the plant and can bring the bugs up and out into the bristles as well as getting up all that webbing.

It's cheap but can be time consuming (especially if you have only one usable brush and many plants)

Another use for a soft paint brush is to help mop up any water that gets into the crown and help avoid potential rot. Use a piece of paper to wipe the brush on between moppings.
Stating the obvious here but, Be Gentle!

My Experience
An Old favorite method, being into my art and also getting those freebie blusher make up brushes in gift packs (Which I never end up using for make up) I can't quite remember when I started doing this. Probably over a decade ago now.
It works to a degree, but is obviously most effective if the infestation is spotted early rather than late. If the infestation has taken a good foothold you may need bigger guns. If I ever get spider mites again and they get a good foothold, I may use the combined method of Make up brush and hoover