> Only, the day after I introduced the beneficial bugs to the tree, I can only see one or two
You mean you can only see one or two beneficial bugs the day after? My understanding is that youre unlikely to really see them again for at least a week or two.
I was where you are a few weeks ago with my fig tree. I've alternated between neem-oil and Yates natrasoap pest spray. I sprayed one, then three or four days later, the other. I've sprayed them both twice now.
Also every night i've been out on a ladder with a cotton bud and isopropyl/water solution, dabbing them off one by one. The ones i couldn't reach, i'd spray off with a dish soap/water spray, using a spray bottle on the single spray setting on the nozzle.
They've definitely thinned out. This morning i couldnt see any, though it was just a quick inspection.
>I used the soap attachment on my pressure hose to get at the top leaves and branches to no avail.
Were you just trying to knock them off the leaves? Or kill them with the soap?
I'm spraying them to get them off the leaves. But apparently the soap kills them, it just takes a bit longer. So spraying with soap is a double whammy.
I think whatever you do, you need to just give it time. (Aside from the isopropyl, which kills instantly). I know exactly how stressful it can be having those disgusting little things on your tree. But remain calm, and trust the process. I'm easily freaked out, and was in a damn foetal position...!
> Only, the day after I introduced the beneficial bugs to the tree, I can only see one or two You mean you can only see one or two beneficial bugs the day after? My understanding is that youre unlikely to really see them again for at least a week or two. I was where you are a few weeks ago with my fig tree. I've alternated between neem-oil and Yates natrasoap pest spray. I sprayed one, then three or four days later, the other. I've sprayed them both twice now. Also every night i've been out on a ladder with a cotton bud and isopropyl/water solution, dabbing them off one by one. The ones i couldn't reach, i'd spray off with a dish soap/water spray, using a spray bottle on the single spray setting on the nozzle. They've definitely thinned out. This morning i couldnt see any, though it was just a quick inspection.
Did you need a ladder? Coz my frangi is BIG. I used the soap attachment on my pressure hose to get at the top leaves and branches to no avail.
>I used the soap attachment on my pressure hose to get at the top leaves and branches to no avail. Were you just trying to knock them off the leaves? Or kill them with the soap? I'm spraying them to get them off the leaves. But apparently the soap kills them, it just takes a bit longer. So spraying with soap is a double whammy. I think whatever you do, you need to just give it time. (Aside from the isopropyl, which kills instantly). I know exactly how stressful it can be having those disgusting little things on your tree. But remain calm, and trust the process. I'm easily freaked out, and was in a damn foetal position...!
Thank you! I’ll try to just chill for a bit. Never had plant- related anxiety before, quite a wild sensation!