If your plants become infested with those little white bugs which munch away and eventually destroy the plant, put a spoonful of Carnation or other sweet milk on the top leaves. Red Ants eat all the nasties on their way to the milk, then go back to where they came from. it works - I've just watched it happen.

If I have 40 rai of pepper plants how much milk is required for 1 treatment, how long for Somchai to adminster said trearment, and how long before milk must be reapplied, ball park number of ants required, and what is name of little white bug, (photo would be nice)

Slapout,

If you've got 40 rai of infested pepper plants then you have been sleeping and failed to notice the infestation at its outset. If you see the infestation as it begins it could probably be squelched by just treating a small area....however I am not vouching for the milk treatment as I have never tried it....seems like somthing worth checking out though.

Chownah

Sorry for not replying sooner - I've been on the visa run. My Thai mother in law just used a spoonful of carnation on a shrub we have that was infested. The tiny white bugs are pinhead sized - sorry no digital camera for photos. The Red Ants appeared within an hour and after a couple of days the infestation had cleared up. So far no new bugs have appeared and the shrub seems to be recovering. Unfortunately can't promise this will work on all plants - but it's certainly worth trying as cost is minimal and chemical free.

Sounds like aphids. However, some ants actually keep them and 'milk' them.

I believe you are refering to mealy bugs right?

I believe you are refering to mealy bugs right?

I reckon that you are right.

Going by the photos, I'd say the white bugs are mealy bugs.

Plant is now starting to come back from being nearly stripped.

White oil should fix the little critters, for home made use 1/2 ltr cheap vegtable oil and 1/2 cup liquid dishwashing soap. Mix well spray on plant. Best to do it in the evening or not to bright a sun, so it won't cause sunburn to the plant. Good luck.

Thanks!!

We have some on my wife's roses, and she is getting very antsy herself about the matter!

I'll tell her to give it a go. Does it need to be sweet condensed milk or will Thai/Danish best (worst) do?

Another very effective remedy, although not pleasent. Gather as many used cigarette buts as you can, not dificult for smokers:) Boil a fairly large quantity in water, the resultant nicotine rich juice to be sprayed liberally on the infected plants. Works like a dream.

Yorkman, Sorry, we've only tried carnation brand milk - it's what I was brought up on back in the old country!

Fruity, I'll try the fag-end juice idea, if we get anymore in future. Sounds a good way to recycle (Cough, Cough).