I wondered why my previously beautiful alocasia was looking a bit sad, and then a nearby monstera started to go... i took a (very) close look and believe I have thrips - gah! Took them both outside and wiped them down thoroughly and sprayed with some diluted ecover washing up liquid and keeping fingers crossed they're okay. However, i have now looked at other plants and found more nasty suprises! 3 x Croton seem to have red spider mites (and possibily thrips too) and I seem to have also lost a tradescantia. feel very annoyed with myself for not noticing - the tradescantia especially has been declining for weeks and i didn't think to check for pests. They're so teeny tiny you have to really look closely.
Anyway - anhyone have tips to keep them away in future? is it game over for my alocasia and monstera???? would prefer not to use chemicals but also don't want to lose all my beautiful plants... I have a massive monstera i'd be devastated to lose, and I also read that thrips like calatheas and I have loads of them... no signs of the little buggers on them yet but I am worried now that my house is contaminated!