i've just about given up on hibiscus, because they were always being attacked by something. i'm giving the one last shot... pests are a pretty big problem in my yard, usually i keep them under control w/ soapy water. lady bugs are great and so are prey mantis. i also love to watch the assassin bugs, but i haven't seen any in over an year. good luck.

Fungus gnats live in the soil and are an indication of too much water. They love soggy soil. Spider mites love hot, dry conditions. Use water to mist your bananas and these critters will head for the hills. A strong blast of water will knock aphids off your hibiscus and rose. If you can avoid pesticides, the ladybugs, lacewings, syrphid flies, and aphid predators will take care of your aphids for you. When temps hit the 90's the aphids will leave.

A great reference book is Desert Gardening for Beginners or Earth Friendly Desert Gardening. Both are available from the Master Gardener Press or you local bookstore.

Here is a link that might be useful: Books from Master Gardener Press

AZTree,

Thanks for the assistance. You know the aphids should be pretty much ready to leave then with the temps. I have traditionally misted my bananas but still have the spider mites. I usually never misted on the underside of the leaves though...I wonder if that's the problem.
I hate spider mites and just wish there was a pretty sure way to get them. I wonder if Monsoon starting in July is hard on them.

Zach

Does anyone know how to get rid of the "green capitellars" on my basil? They are the ones that are on the underneath of the leaves and leave black droppings? They are moving to my tomatoe plants and doing the same thing! I have everything growing in pots on my patio. I go out everyday and pick them off by hand. But I am sick of them! Any help please!!!!

my az. mesquite tree has long string like things coming down from the leaves and small branches. They also have small green things in the strings that look like bugs or leaves. Are they bugs and is this normal for an arizona mesquite tree to do this?