Spraying Plants

Spray the foliage with a diluted spray made of a natural soap such as ivory. Be sure to cover the entire plant, wetting both sides of the leaves so the soap comes in direct contact with the pests. Don't spray in sunlight, and again, be sure to let the plant dry in a shaded location. Mealy-bugs and spider mites may require a second spraying a few days later. For delicate plants, try dabbing the pests with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, which will kill the insects by dehydrating their them. Rinse the plant with water afterward.