Using a systemic insecticide can do far more environmental damage than just control a few insect pests. Far better is to keep the plants healthy so they are not attractive to insect pests and control the few that might appear when they do appear.

green, this is a universal challenge for those who summer their plants outside. Unfortunately, our tropical foliage plants are quite attractive to mites, scale insects, mealybugs, aphids, and whitefly! No matter how healthy they are, by the way.

There are very few systemic pesticides that are labeled for use on indoor container plants. The reason for this is consumer safety. The peat based potting mix that most of us use absorbs these pesticides, creating problems for the indoor environment. Mind you, there ARE some of these pesticides available, but I'd still suggest that you avoid them.

Better to go with something like Neem oil and fish emulsion ( used as a spray). Yep, neither of them smell terrific, but at least they are not toxic! ;-) Most houseplants, too, can tolerate a spray of one part rubbing alcohol to three parts water very well. Do a foliage test if you have doubts. I've used it for many years on nearly all of my plants (no fuzzy leaves, though).

Before you bring your plants in, you might consider putting them in a basin or tub and filling it up with water. This will chase up any critters that may have taken up residence in the potting medium.

Rhizo, i bought Neem oil today. The bottle said concentrate. Do i just follow the directions on the bottle, or is there a special way to do this that only the top gardeners know?

Always, always follow all of the directions on the bottle.