How to take a wild outdoor plant (a fern) and rid it of bugs to be potted and taken indoors?

Question

I want to have a few ferns in my home for the winter.

How do I clean the bugs off of the plant so that they don't end up in my house?

Anything else I should know?

Answer 1

Mix up a solution of 1/10 dishwashing detergent/water, spray the plant heavily, undersides of leaves as well as top...the solution will drown almost all insects. This works on scale, white fly, most insects that infect plants. And it is harmless to the environment. (Also works as a flea bath on dogs and cats...keep the dog/cat wet in soapy water for about 10 minutes...bye bye fleas!   Goldwing