From Lisa Johnson, Dane County UW-Extension horticulture educator:

Houseplants: Check any houseplants brought in for winter to make sure they are not building up insect pest populations. Check closely under the leaves as this is where most of the insects hide. If your leaves have a sticky residue on them it is a reliable sign that insects with sucking mouthparts like aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, thrips or scale have been feeding on the plants. If you do find any, you can treat with insecticidal soap or a solution of neem oil. You will usually need to spray at least twice about 5-7 days apart to eliminate eggs and adults. I often recommend spraying the plant and leaving it in a tied or sealed plastic bag overnight. Some of these pests are hard to eliminate, so finding them sooner rather than later means a better outcome for your plants. Not all houseplants react well to sprays. Ferns, begonias and African violets are examples of plants that may be sensitive, so be sure to check the label to make sure the product is safe to use on the plant and that the pest is listed as being controlled by that specific product.

Vegetables: Inspect your stored winter vegetables such as winter squash for signs of spoilage. Remove any vegetables showing these signs and either use them right away or discard them in your compost pile.

Check back ften for home building, remodeling and maintenance tips.

For more go to http://www.crewcuttv.com/