I bought several eucalyptus bundles from Walmart a couple of months ago. They were supposed to dried, but when I opened the package, they felt wet and sticky. Yesterday while I was dusting, I discovered many leaves were eaten by something, and on some half-eaten ones, I found tiny yellowish larvae. What are they? I thought they must be some sort of moths, but I wasn't sure. How can I get rid of them? Would they hurt other plants or cloths? Thank you for your help!
What are these "eucalyptus bundles", and what are they for? Bundles of seedlings for planting? Bundles of foliage for floristry? Some more information would help with suggesting treatments.
They are supposed to be "dried" eucalyptus branches for interior decoration. The kind floriests make wreaths or swags with. However, when I bought them, the leaves were still semi-fresh and they were sticky everywhere (one of my coworkers told me some sort of sweet spray is used to "cure" these branches - I'm not sure what it is, though). I had bought many eucalyptus products before, but this is the first time I have this kind of problem. None of my other dried eucalyptus leaves are eaten by worms... only these three bundles, which were semi-fresh at the purchase. The leaves are eaten, leaving only skeletal structures, there are larvae, small concoons and tiny webs... I don't know how to treat this problem, lest it spread to my other "live" house plants. Thank you for any advice!
Pop the bundle into a plastic bag and stick it in the freezer for a day or two. That'll kill the insects. Then dry it thoroughly before storing it wrapped up.
Sound like the damage is done. Return it for a refund ... I'm not sure how Walmarts' return policies are. Chances are others who bought them have had similar expeiences. Cheers, LPN.
