Q: Are the insects on our hibiscus some sort of spider mites? Would spraying them off with water work, or should I just get rid of the plant completely? — Lois S.

A: Thanks for sending the photo. Your experience is quite common when hibiscus plants are brought indoors for the winter.

While these popular patio plants are outdoors, nature’s elements often keep pests in check.

When plants are moved indoors, insects have a free-for-all, no longer getting dislodged by rainfall or exposed to predators. Populations soon balloon.

The webbing on your plants, along with the small white insects, indicates the presence of both aphids and spider mites.

Spider mites are so tiny that the mites themselves are nearly invisible until the webbing they create appears, indicating their presence. Aphids,

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