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

[Connie Star]

Good ideas!

[Triffid]

Cheers.
After trying it, I wish I had known about the Hoover method years ago.

[nibbler]

Thats a brilliant idea...... and we had a white fly problem last year.

By QI do you mean the TV show cause if yes..... its brilliant

[Triffid]

Originally Posted by nibbler

By QI do you mean the TV show cause if yes..... its brilliant

An absolute Gem of a show!... All Hail Stephen Fry!

Another Cheap method of Pest Control to add (For those who haven't come across it... yet.)

Caffeine Sensitive Slugs & Snails.
If you grow your plants somewhere where these pests can get at them and ever drink non-instant coffee you may want to try this!

For those who aren't aware for some Bizarre reason Coffee grounds act as Slug and Snail Repellent if sprinkled around the area you wish to keep these pests out of. This was one of those read in a magazine, tried it, used ever since methods.

I'm not saying you have to up you consumption of Coffee, just that you don't chuck the used grounds (even if you don't have a garden perhaps you know someone who does). Let the Coffee grounds dry and break up before putting them around the zone, makes it easier.

I have no outdoor Orchids as yet, but have seen the evidence that this method works with my Azalea. A circle of coffee grounds was put round the poor plant. When I checked the next day I saw all the slime trails lead to then away from my plant. Not one Slime trail crossed the circle of coffee!
Used in conjunction with other methods of Snail/Slug control such as Beer traps and Porridge Decoys, it can be very effective and lasts a while (Weather dependent).

Why Don't I Just Use Slug Pellets?
Because there is a link between Slug Pellets and the decline of the indigenous Hedgehog. The Hedgehog eats the affected snail/slug and basically becomes poisoned. Some Hedgehogs survive, but usually only with outside assistance and even then it's usually touch and go.