LOCAL

Superintendent Says 4X4 Not Totally Gone
State Tribes Must Comply With Federal Racing Laws
Nearly News
OSU Students Study Marland Estate Landscape
Guns for Hire
Celebration To Include Indian Blessing of 101 Ranch Book

Superintendent Says 4X4 Not Totally Gone

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

Although the 4x4 educational bill which led to local controversy may be “dead” for the moment, the matter is far from over according to Ponca City School Superintendent Dr. Bill White.

“I don’t think this matter is over just because the house committee defeated the bill Tuesday,” White said. “School administrators, as well as teachers, are very supportive of educational reform.”

The bill, as proposed by Gov. Frank Keating, would require high school graduates to complete four units in the four core areas of English, lab science, social studies and mathematics — including algebra and geometry.

It was White’s opinion about the “sacred” subject that spawned a volley of personal correspondence between the governor and the local superintendent.

The controversy began shortly after White and 25 other school superintendents replied to a question, posed by State Sen. Cal Hobson during a senate education committee last week.

“The senator wanted to know what affect the governor’s 4x4 plan would have on public schools and we answered — almost in unison — that it would increase the drop-out rate,” White explained. “I was then asked by Sen. Hobson to explain why we felt that way.”

White says he then explained his concerns to the senators.

“I told them that unfortunately in Ponca City and across the state of Oklahoma, we are losing about one out of three high school students and that about 30 percent of high school students are not completing their high school diploma within four years. And to implement this type of plan on those students that do barely make it through, would cause several of them to choose to drop out of school and the drop-out rate would therefore increase from 30 to 40 percent.”

Upon reading White’s professional opinion and comments, the governor wrote a letter to White last week, which read in part, “I was flabbergasted to see your comments as reported in this morning’s paper concerning the impact of my proposal to strengthen the high school curriculum.”

The letter compared the Ponca City school district to a school district that currently implements a 4x4 program — El Reno.

According to the governor’s statistics, the dropout rate is higher in Ponca City than El Reno.

In his letter, the governor concluded that “by every available indicator El Reno should have a higher dropout rate that Ponca City, if in fact your contentions are accurate. The reverse is true.”

Lastly, the governor stated, “While I certainly want and profit from the input of the Oklahoma school administrators as we discuss school reform, I categorically reject the notion that 40 percent of Oklahoma’s young people are too dumb to master a basic four-year-core curriculum.”

In his reply to the governor, White pointed out an important aspect of the El Reno plan which he felt, was not included in the mentioned statistics.

“Correct me if I am misinformed that El Reno exempts the special education, vocational students and alternative education from their version of the 4x4. You have never been quoted as permitting exemptions in your call for 4x4. If your plan exempts the 50 percent of the student body who do not go to college, I am sure the dropout issue will not be a factor.”

It was not the superintendent’s intention to ruffle the governor’s feather, but merely answer the question posed to him by the senator.

“I did not intend to light a fire storm but I think Sen. Hobson needed to hear that 4x4 might not accomplish what the governor intended, which is a higher graduation, but even if it did, it would in all likelihood increase the dropout rate.

“What I suspect is that the governor was unaware we are losing so many students and that with a 70 percent graduation rate in Oklahoma, the fact is that 30 percent of students are dropping out of class.

“If we increase the rigor for them without some other things happening first, then we are in all likelihood going to create a mountain that they can not climb,” White added.

Asked if he regretted his response, White did not hesitate in his response.

“I hope I never regret being honest and telling the truth. I regret I haven’t had the opportunity to discuss this vital issue with the governor and help him understand the ramifications of his position and the full ramifications of the 4x4.

“I regret that it has caused any controversy. I would have preferred to sit down and talk to the governor and find things that we can work on to improve and redesign our educational system. If this has prevented me from having that opportunity then I regret that — but I was merely being honest and candid when I was asked a question.”

State Tribes Must Comply With Federal Racing Laws

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Indian tribes in Oklahoma must comply with the federal Interstate Horse Racing Act when accepting interstate off-track wagers unless they have a specific waiver, according to an attorney general’s opinion released today.

The request for the opinion came after Gov. Frank Keating claimed in a letter to Choctaw Chief Greg Pyle in January that the tribal government had reneged on a promise to close its off-track betting operation at Pocola.

The opinion written by Neal Leader, senior assistant attorney general, says the act applies to all tribes unless a specific provision nullifies a right guaranteed in a treaty between the federal government and the tribe.

The opinion said that even if the federal act did not apply, ‘‘some or all of the act’s provision’s could nevertheless be applicable to a tribe’s acceptance of interstate off-track wagers.’’

That would be the case, the opinion said, if the tribe agreed in a compact with the state to the application of some or all of the act’s provisions.

Gordon Hare, executive director of the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission, asked for the opinion.

In his letter to Pyle, Keating said the tribe’s compact with the state excludes off-track betting within 60 miles of a horse racetrack. The tribe’s OTB site is 24 miles from Blue Ribbon Downs in Sallisaw.

Nearly News

NN has the word that the Supermarket Shopping 101 program at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center is a “must” — teaching folks to shop healthier by reading labels. The program is scheduled for tonight at the medical center at 7 p.m. in Conference Room B. It’s a “come and go” event NN understands, and you can stop by at your convenience and find the information you need at your own pace. You will be able to read actual food labels and gather information concerning nutrition — and there will be several educational stations that will include information on topics such as exercise and foot care and a diabetes risk test will be available. If you need more information, NN suggests you call Blubaugh at 765-0600. The word from NN is “learn to shop healthier.”

OSU Students Study Marland Estate Landscape

By S.L. DICKEY

News Staff Writer

The grounds around Lydie’s Cottage at the Marland Estate were swarming on Tuesday afternoon with tape measures, pencils, paper and 25 Oklahoma State horticulture students.

Students in Dr. Lou Anella’s Landscape Construction and Planning class at the university were in town to design a landscape plan for the cottage as a class project.

The renovations on Lydie’s Cottage are almost complete and the Landscape Committee of the Marland Estate Commission contacted the Horticulture School at OSU about this outdoor project at the cottage.

The students measured and sketched the perimeter of the cottage as well as made notes about existing trees and plants on the grounds. “Our goal is to design a plan that is low maintenance, hardy, true to the times and beautiful,” stated Anella to the students.

Phyllis Kennedy, Chair of the Marland Estate Commission relayed the idea behind the use of the OSU students, “We thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be great to get horticulture students at OSU involved and have them create a landscape design true to the gardens of the ’40s’ and that’s why the students were here on Tuesday.”

Dr. Anella’s class recently designed a landscape plan for Main Street in Sulphur, Okla.

Once their measuring and note taking was complete the students toured the Mansion Estate.

In addition to the landscape project at the cottage, the Landscape Committee is involved in many other improvements to the Marland Estate grounds.

The City has streamlined the severe jag that occurred when driving in the main gate of the Mansion. The curbing has been shortened and splayed to create a softer, smoother approach.

The City has painted lines, surveyed and increased parking on the Mansion grounds by adding more parking spaces along its driveways where none had previously existed.

The concrete slab between the Artist’s Studio and Lydie’s Cottage was removed in February.

Currently, the Committee is researching various pavement surface options around the grounds for the Marland Estate Commission.

As a long term goal, the Committee would like to restore some of the original water sources present during Marland’s time.

The hand-painted tile planters around the outside of the mansion are colorful pieces of Marland’s legacy. The Committee is researching what can be done to restore these beautiful pieces of art.

The Landscape Committee is also creating a map "to scale" of the grounds, buildings and utilities of the Marland Estate grounds and facility. James York has been working with the city planner and surveyor in creating this map.

The map is scheduled to be completed by year-end, providing not only the committee but anyone working with the Estate an invaluable tool. This is a pioneer project by the Landscape Committee.

Landscape Committee members include Sherry Muchmore, chair, Stan Paynter, Richard Winterrowd, Maureen Danielson, James York and Jon Kennedy.

Additionally Phyllis Kennedy, Chair of the Marland Estate Commission; Kathy Adams, Mansion Director; Eldridge Manering Vice-Chair Marland Estate Commission; and Lynda Clark, Long Range Planning Chair are part of the Landscape Committee.

Guns for Hire

An imposing figure, you immediately know Joe Bowman, fast-draw gun expert, when you see him. He will be at the 101 Ranch site, Saturday to entertain all at the Wild West Show Of Entertainment for the first book signing of Michael Wallis’, “The Real Wild West.”

Joe is six feet tall, wears a white hat, fancy boots, and his silver spurs jingle as he walks. He looks like he came out of one of Gene Autry’s, or Roy Rogers’ old western movies. That is not too far fetched either, he has a long history of work in movies, and has worked with “The Duke” and the late actor’s family.

In 1993, John Wayne’s son, Michael, presented Joe with a replica of the Special Congressional Gold Medal awarded by the U.S. Congress to John Wayne in 1980, after Joe helped put on a show for the anniversary of the Winchester Repeating Arms Co.

“I have a great interest in history, of Texas and the old west,” says this man from Houston, Texas who was Robert Duvall’s gun coach on Lonesome Dove. When he reaches for his twin holsters, his silver pistols flash and spin — then, like lightning — they come to rest back in their holsters. Joe shoots like the silver screen heroes, he can split a playing card in half, pop a silver dollar out of the air, and makes three shots from his .45-caliber pistol sound like one.

Bowman is one of the few Americans to have a long-term gun permit for European countries, and when he travels abroad, his cowboy hat and western clothes always attract attention. He is in heavy demand, especially overseas. He performed to a sellout Wild West Show in Finland and has entertained for sheiks and Englishmen, cosmonauts, and corporation presidents.

In 1988, Governor Bill Clements appointed him as an official Texas Goodwill ambassador. His scrapbooks are filled with photos and testimonials from many of Hollywood’s greats, including Humphrey Bogart, Lone Ranger Clayton Moore, Roy Rogers’ sidekick Pat Brady, and Stuntman and actor Jock Mahoney.

Joe was inspired by Western movies to take up sharpshooting. He owned and operated Bowman and DeGeorge Boot Shop in Houston until 1956, and crafted boots for some of Hollywood’s movie stars and stuntmen, including Roy Rogers. He used these connections to learn more about fancy gun handling. His teacher was Johnny Mack Brown, former football and movie star.

Joe Bowman is more than just an entertainer, however. Occasionally he gives a safety talk and demonstration to school children. He frequently gives shooting instruction to sportsmen, hunters and law enforcement officials. Bowman has even conducted precision shooting seminars for the Texas Rangers. He said, “they don’t need to be taught how to shoot, I just helped enhance their shooting.”

Joe Bowman, shoots like the men in Michael Wallis’ book about the 101 Ranch, and. his marksmanship and dazzling “triggernomentry” you will never forget.

Celebration To Include Indian Blessing of 101 Ranch Book

The latest work by Tulsa-based author Michael Wallis, titled “The Real Wild West, The 101 Ranch and the Creation of the American West,” will make its first public appearance at a celebration and reunion of western entertainers and wranglers to be held at the former ranch headquarters south of Ponca City, Oklahoma, on Saturday.

Festivities include a rare ceremony in which members of the Ponca Indian tribe will perform a blessing of the book, which chronicles the story of the George W. Miller family. The ceremony is part of a day long celebration that will be open to the public. The event promises to attract visitors and guests from across the country, including Miller family members and veteran 101 Wild West Show performers. Various state and national dignitaries are also scheduled to appear.

“Many years ago, a Ponca chief placed what many people believed to be a curse on the 101 Ranch, the Millers, and E.W. Marland, the oil tycoon who first drilled for oil in a sacred Ponca burial ground,” explained Wallis. “That curse was whispered about for a long, long time, and I made sure that particular story is in my book.”

According to Wallis, Pawnee spiritual leader Ron Goodeagle blessed the old ranch grounds and helped lift the legendary curse during a 1996 ceremony at the ranch headquarters site.

“Because my new book deals with the issues which brought about the curse in the first place, it is my understanding that the Ponca tribe is now ready to take the next step,” said Wallis. “During the March 27 celebration at the ranch, tribal representatives will offer their blessing of my book. I am truly honored by this development.”

The ceremony is one of many activities scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the 101 Ranch site. Other activities include Native American fancy dancing, a tepee raising, stagecoach rides, cowboy music and singing, Wild West riders and ropers, and a chuck wagon luncheon, according to Jean Evans, president of the 101 Ranch Old Timers Association, one of the chief sponsors of the event.

Wallis will deliver an address and read from his new book, after which he will autograph first-edition copies of “The Real Wild West.”

Evening activities will take place at the Marland Mansion Chapel in Ponca City and include a second book signing and reading by Wallis. 101 Ranch and Wild West memorabilia will be on display, with some pieces available for purchase. Music and light refreshments will be provided.

Both events are sponsored by Brace Books and More in Ponca City and by the 101 Ranch Old Timers Association, Inc.

DEATHS

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NEWS BRIEFS

Fire Department Chili — Chili supper fund raiser at the Ranch Drive Volunteer Fire Department from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday. Bring a covered dish of salad or dessert. There will be live music. Adults are $3, and kids are $1.50. Everyone welcome. For more information, call 765-5081.

Dougan's Bar-B-Q Friday special from 4-8 p.m., all you can eat

ribs with beans, potato salad and coleslaw, $7.49. 215 South 14th,

765-7979. adv.

Hethushka Dance — The Hethushka Society will hold its spring dance, Saturday, at the Ponca Cultural Center at White Eagle. The mourners feast will be held at noon and dancing will start at 2 p.m. After the supper break, dancing will resume. Members are reminded to bring their grocery baskets. Damon Roughface will lead.

Being Relocated, or in town for a short time? We have homes

available by the month or longer. All homes are full furnished with

appliances, furniture, linens, pots and pans. Inclusive of cable,

local phone, and utilities. Please call 580-762-7980 or 580-718-0681.

adv.

Senior Citizens Dance — A Senior Citizens Dance will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday at the Senior Citizens Building, 320 South A in Arkansas City. The Pete Coli Country Band will play for dancing. All senior citizens are invited to attend and bring a favorite snack to share.

Spring Carpet cleaning-most modern method. Trained person-

nel, reasonable prices, references. Floorcraft. 762-8381. adv.

Herb Remington Concert — Country music is coming to Del City at the Country Western Hall of Fame, 3925 S.E. 29th from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Friday when Herb Remington, a steel guitar player is in concert. Admission is free. For additional information, call Bob Woods, (405) 677-8777.

Free Pregnancy test. Birth Choice cares. Confidential.

Hours: Monday, 4-6 p.m., Tuesday, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, 1-3 p.m. and

Thursday, 6-8 p.m. 700 West Broadway. adv.

Stolen Bench — At 7:39 a.m. Wednesday a man in the 600 block of Greenbriar Road contacted police regarding the theft of a bench, stolen from his front porch.

Head Country all day Friday special - All you can eat, smoked

BBQ ribs, beans, potato salad, and coleslaw, only $7.49, all day.

1217 East Prospect. 767-8304. adv.

Burglary — Police were informed of a burglary at 8:12 a.m. Wednesday at Sam’s Industrial Electric, 620 South Third Street. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

MODA Fabric at Linda’s, 111 North 4th, Ponca City. adv.

Juvenile Arrest — A 17-year-old woman was arrested at 9:42 a.m. Wednesday from the police station for uttering a forged instrument.

Black Mamba yo-yos. Best yoyo on the market. In stock now.

Mrs. Brown’s Attic, downtown, Ponca City. 762-4838. adv.

Window Broken — At 9:54 a.m. Wednesday a person in the 100 block of West Hazel Avenue informed police of a broken window. Extra police patrol was requested.

Gas Drive-Off — At 3:16 p.m. Wednesday police were notified of a $2.10 gas drive-off at the Sav-A-Trip, 207 East Highland Avenue. An officer was assigned and report was taken.

Break-In — Police were notified by a resident in the 700 block of West Broadway Avenue at 9:59 a.m. Wednesday that a nearby church had been broken into. An officer was assigned and a report was taken.

Spring Trades! Back on The Rack. adv.

Hit and Run — At 11:41 a.m. Wednesday a hit-and-run accident in the 700 block of North Oak Street was reported.

Dougan's Bar-B-Q Thursday special from 4-? 1/2 BBQ chicken

with 2 vegetables. $4.25. 215 South 14th. 765-7979. adv.

Arrest — A 23-year-old man was arrested on a city warrant for failure to pay at 11:49 a.m. Wednesday from the police station.

Accident — A two-vehicle accident at Fourteenth Street and East Grand Avenue was reported to police at 9:05 p.m. Wednesday.

Pellet Gun — At 4:34 p.m. Wednesday a man in the 1500 block of North Osage Street contacted police regarding three juveniles in a nearby alley reportedly shooting birds with pellet guns. An police officer located the boys and instructed them to put the guns away or their guns would be confiscated.

WWF Wrestlemania XV: The raging climax. Live, Sunday,

March 28th at 7:00 p.m., $34.95. To order call Cable One at 762-6684.

adv.

Forged Check — Police were called to the 200 block of East Broadway Avenue at 5:21 p.m. Wednesday regarding a forged check.

Arrest — A 25-year-old man was arrested at 11:39 p.m. Wednesday from North Sunset Street and West Highland Avenue on charges of driving under restriction, no insurance, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Arrest — A 26-year-old man was arrested at 8:13 p.m. Wednesday from First Street and Grand Avenue for driving under suspension and no insurance.

Arrest — Police arrested a 22-year-old man at 8:54 p.m. Wednesday from the 800 block of West Ponca Avenue on a city warrant for failure to pay.

Arrest — At 9:21 p.m. Wednesday a 26-year-old man was arrested from the 800 block of West Ponca Avenue on a city warrant for failure to appear.

Stolen Vehicle — A man in the 1000 block of North First Street contacted police at 9:53 p.m. Wednesday reporting a stolen car, which was later located in Pawnee County.

Prowler — A woman in the 1900 block of North Seventh Street contacted police at 5:02 a.m. Thursday regarding someone “beating” on her window. An officer was assigned.

GARDENING

Superintendent of Parks Offers ‘Tree Tips’
Plans Finalized for Tree 2000
Watch for Pests on Houseplants

Superintendent of Parks Offers ‘Tree Tips’

Editor’s Note: The following “tree tips” for Arbor Week are provided by Jim Eck, superintendent of Parks for the City of Ponca City.

The trees that are considered large (60-80 feet tall) take extra thought in planting if you want them to live to maturity. I have heard some people say “I don’t care, I will not be here to worry about it” when asked why they planted a tree that has the potential to grow into power lines or disturb the house foundation, etc. I don’t think they really mean that, because most homeowners don’t know one tree from another, let alone how big or wide a tree will become. This is a very good reason to trust only those people who know the characteristics of the different trees to help you make a selection, and not just randomly pick up a tree on sale somewhere.

Another way to check out a tree is to find one in town to look at and just see how much room it will take at a mature age. It is so disheartening to see the power line maintenance crew start sawing up a tree in the prime of its life, destroying its natural beauty and opening up wounds to let in disease and pests. The point I want to make is that when planting one of these big trees extra thought must be given or they will never make it to maturity before something happens to them. I noticed the other day what was once a beautiful pecan tree had to be topped out because it was too close to the house. This topping out was for safety, but to the tree, it starts the slow process of dying prematurely.

If you have the room for these big trees, their size can be used to provide shade for the house if planted on the west side. This can be economic in reducing the electric bill as well as providing shade. They can be used for wind breaks on the south and west ,but need some other plants under them to really be effective. The big trees are needed in the background of two story homes for reducing the massive appearance of their height.

One method of reducing the large size of a single tree is to plant them in groups of three or four. The grouped trees cannot attain the large size because of competition. The growth that would be on a single tree would then be distributed between three of four trees in a group, thus reducing their size.

Some more large trees, other than the red and white oaks, are hackberry, bald cypress, sycamore, london plane, sweetgum, silver maple, ash, cottonwood, honeylocust, lacebark elm, tulip tree, Kentucky coffee and pecan. Silver maple and cottonwood would be the only two trees I would not recommend planting. Both are very weak wooded and have numerous other problems. Sweetgum should be planted far away in a back corner in a swampy situation, otherwise they produce surface roots. Tent caterpillars love them, and hard bur covered seeds are nuisances; however, there is a seedless variety available that would be acceptable.

London plane and sycamore are fast growers and very large trees that need “mega” room. They are self-pruners which means they drop limbs all year long. They have their place, but not in the front yard. The seedless green ash trees are very good with few pest problems and many varieties to choose from. Bald cypress is very durable and has interesting, fine textured foliage. The male Kentucky coffee tree is hard to find, but should be planted more in this area. It has no pests, no fruit, an open crown that grass can grow under, and is a moderately fast grower. If you don’t mind the large fruit, the female tree of this variety is also a very good tree.

The hackberry will grow about anywhere you put it and, with some extra care, is a fast, strong durable tree, but give it lots of room. The only problem it has is the nipple mite which makes little galls on the leaves. Honeylocust, which has a few acceptable varieties and are almost indestructible, tolerate about any soil condition and will allow grass to grow under their canopy. The worst pest it has is the webworm.

The pecan is a nice large tree with fruit benefits, but must be planted way away from the home. Falling leaves and fruit will stain your concrete, and this tree needs the webworm controlled frequently. The tulip tree is a nice background tree which needs wind protection and room. It has a neat looking bloom, but is kind of inconspicuous. It has a pleasing shape with no pest problems. The lacebark elm is an all around good multi-purpose tree that is not too particular about soil condition and should be planted more than it is. It has an interesting flaky bark as it matures. “The best friend on earth of man is the tree.

When we use the tree respectfully and economically, we have one of the greatest resources on earth,” said Frank Lloyd Wright.

Plans Finalized for Tree 2000

By PATTI PFEIFFER

News Staff Writer

Plans for the “tree-mendous” task of planting 2000 trees by year end 2000 are currently being finalized.

The “Tree 2000” project — as the undertaking is called — involves planting 2000 trees in Ponca City in celebration of the new century, and the public is encouraged to participate in the program.

“The Ponca City Millennium Commission issued a challenge to us to have 2000 new trees planted by the end of the year 2000,” says T.L. Walker, Tree 2000 chairman. “We have commitments from the City of Ponca City, Pioneer Technology Center, the Ponca City schools, and others to participate in this project, and it will take active involvement from local citizens to achieve this goal.”

Whether as a memorial, or for a birthday, an anniversary or “just because” — there are several options for those wishing to participate in the tree planting project. Bronze medallions, with both millennium insignia and the tree owner's name, will be available for sale to the public.

According to Walker there are several plans available to those wishing to participate in the tree planting project.

The first option involves purchasing a tree from the nursery or garden center of their choice and then separately purchasing the Millennium Tree medallion, which will be engraved with the tree’s number and the owner’s name. The cost of the medallion is $40 and payment must accompany the order.

The other plan is a package plan which includes the purchase of the medallion and the tree for one price. “The tree will be selected by the project partners and planting assistance will be available,” Walker explains.

Each millennium tree will be numbered and become part of the permanent record of the Ponca City millennium celebration festivities.

The medallion order forms and information regarding tree selection and planting tips are available at participating nurseries, the Chamber of Commerce office, and the office of Ponca City Tomorrow.

For additional information call T.L. Walker, 765-8203, or Dane Pryse, 765-7308.

Watch for Pests on Houseplants

By LEE REICH

For AP Special Features

Insect pests start building up on houseplants, especially this time of year. Pesticides are dangerous enough used outdoors; indoors, they are doubly so, because of the close proximity of plants to humans and pets. Fortunately, most insect problems on houseplants can be pinned on a handful of culprits which usually can be controlled without resorting to pesticides.

First, who are the culprits? Aphids are common, clustering usually at stem tips and making them curl up and die. Whiteflies make their presence known when they puff up as a cloud of little white “moths” whenever the leaves of an infested plant are disturbed. Whiteflies, like aphids, suck plants’ juices and can weaken plants to the point of death.

Less mobile on plants than whiteflies and aphids are scale insects and mealybugs. These insects find a nice spot, settle down, then just sit there and feed. Once they form their protective armor, scale insects look like blisters on the undersides of leaves or on the bark. Mealybugs look like dabs of cotton.

Mites are not really insects, but arachnids, related to ticks and spiders. But they do feed on houseplants, increasing in number especially when the air is dry, as it is indoors this time of year. Mites are very small, just barely visible to the naked eye. Attacked leaves gradually take on a bronzed appearance as the mites destroy the chlorophyll in the plant. In severe infestations, tiny cobwebs became evident on the undersides of the leaves.

All these pests are easier to control before an infestation becomes severe, so check plants periodically. An occasional shower for houseplants washes some pests off before they gain a foothold, provides an environment inimical to others, and makes plants healthier by cleaning the dust off their leaves. Graduate to soap and water if pest problems escalate. You can buy insecticidal soap for this purpose.

A burgeoning population of whiteflies can be kept under control by trapping. The whiteflies’ attraction for the color yellow can be turned into a fatal attraction if yellow-painted cards or wide row markers coated with something sticky like vaseline are placed next to infested plants.

Hand-to-hand combat can be effective against mealybugs and scale insects. Scrape off scale insects with your fingernail. Scale insects or mealybugs can be killed with a dab of cotton swab that has been dipped in rubbing alcohol.

Pests often spread from infested plants to nearby uninfested plants. If a plant is not particularly valuable and is severely infested, consider just discarding it rather than threatening other plants with its presence.

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