I didnt even know this was a thing! Sounds like a good idea? I am not going to lie that I cant get past the word bug..*chills* after my husband understanding now my passion for violets he might just think I have lost it if I tell him I am buying bugs for them LOL!

Stamik2004 - right. One new wifey thing at a time. This is extreme for me however the no toxic chemical in the home sounds comforting. I like that they do the work and I won’t see them except when they are delivered for dispersal. But I imagine a microscopic lease will be needed.

Irina_co I callled the company and spoke Sterling about the risk/irritations to people. He says there is success in doing this. They are apparently voracious creatures who will travel for their food and eat adults and eggs. Their lifespan cycles like all and they too lay eggs like 43 a day. ( don’t quote me ). He said a couple of releases would be needed to give an eventual balance and when the bad boys are gone they can be fed with purchased food to maintain. They are too small to hurt people and would not be interested. With that being the case they also would carry no disease for people. He mentioned that if chemicals were used previously that a waiting period is neccesary to let the half-life to dissipate. It would kill these guys too. I appreciate the conversation. Husband would flip so want to explore the options with those who know the field. At this point, I have only used alchohol/peroxide and dawn but I see the need for prevention as eventually things happen. I soak new plants in warm bath and softly wash leaves too before repotting then isolate. I want healthy plants not unwanted healthy house creatures.

I did find a lady bug today trying to escape the snow. It had no interest at all in my AV’s no matter how often I made the introduction. Maybe they are all clean? Let’s hope. Tried to find him to photograph for you but he’s hiding. Couple of years back the local university released them by the thousands.

Somehow people have become afraid of the word 'chemicals' and in love with the word 'natural'. This can be a big mistake. A properly used 'chemical' insecticide where you follow the instructions precisely can be helpful and safe. On the other hand, some of the 'natural' insecticides, such as the nicotine based ones, have made people very ill.

And of course, do your research. Many times if you call the company they are trying to make a sale, get your info from a place that does not have a financial stake in the decision you make.

Think the only natural I would use is Neem. I’m not completely against chemical options. I do want safety for myself and family. 2nd Grandbaby due soon. He will touch and taste everything in the days to come. So I would say a better word would be hesitant. But hesitant in all cases. Even the one we are discussing. I am so new at all of this so I am making decisions based of others experiences and from what I’ve read. In this case, it may be too new for anyone to have tried I suppose.

Congratulations on the almost-there 2nd grand baby!

Ladybugs' favorite food is aphids, which aren't usually a problem in our houses. Also, aphids prefer other plants over African Violets. moreover, I once ordered some mealy bug predators (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri) many years ago when I lived in KY. I never received them. My supposition is that the CA AG dept confiscated them. To my knowledge they were not restricted at that time. I am not sure as to their effectiveness, since I could not try them.

Diatomaceous Earth can be effective against soil mealy bugs. The sharp edges cut into the bugs as the they crawl across the particles and die. Always wear a dust mask when mixing it in soil, as it is not good to breathe in the dust.

Alabamaav - Just received the Diatomaceous Earth recently. I bought it mostly for outside gardening. I haven’t had the soil mealies yet. I did have fungus gnats from rescue plants. The mosquito dunks worked well to conquer those.

Sorry to disappoint... but when Diatomaceous Earth is wet - it is NOT cutting anything. The old joke is it is useful having it in a soil because you cannot see your soil mealies anymore. Everything is white.

I had a raging success using it outside when grasshoppers were mowing my gladiolas. I reapplied it after watering or rain.. and all jumping eating machines were gone in a week. Fatal indigestion.