Question
I have been using warm water mixed with a little Murphy's oil soap on thrip on pothos plants.  It doesn't seem to be working very well.  Should I mix some rubbing alcohol in or will that hurt the plant?

Answer
Hi Jayne,

Thrips are hard to eradicate after they are well-established. If they are just on the surface, then a thorough cleaning with soapy water should be successful. However, once they start to burrow under the leaf surface, then the soap is not a effective and only a systemic pesticide will work. You might consider discarding the plant rather than resorting to the pesticide.

Alcohol won't hurt and might help a bit.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.
   
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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

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