How can i get rid of flies on a hibiscus plant?

Question

We have a potted hibiscus plant in our back yard. We got it last year, and it did great outside. We brought it in the house for the winter and then took it back outside once it got warm out again. We have had some big problems with it this year, it has been very sparse in its blooming and now i have got a big problem with flies. Not white flies though. All of the leaves are covered in just regular ol' house flies! What could be causing this? and how can i get rid of them???

Answer 1

Use a insecticidal soap.  "Concern" makes a wonderful concentrate.

Answer 2

Bayer makes an aspirin based product that fertilizes and keeps the bugs away. It comes in a blue plastic bottle, sold in most garden centers.

I use this on my roses, hibiscus, and geraniums. You can't believe the results until you see it.

My neighbors roses are completely eaten away by bugs, and mine have almost no sign of insect infestation.  

Answer 3

Are you sure they're flies and not aphids?

Regardless, I would start by simply washing them off with a strong, fine spray (enough to wash off the bugs, but not harm the plant). You can then either use a standard water-based insecticide (like the concentrate you put into a sprayer and add water) or spray on a mixture of dishwashing liquid and water (about 1 tablespoon of liquid per gallon of water).  

Answer 4

stand next to the plant, that will keep the flies off it.