QUESTION: I saw tiny red bugs on my bearded iris leaves this weekend. I gave them a blast with the hose, but when the leaves dried out they came right back. So far I have not seen them on anything else. What should I be spraying them with? Or should I be spraying?ANSWER: Congratulations on taking the right first step by spraying the plants with a blast of water. It is likely those insects are simply aphids, which show up early and aim for tender young growth, where they suck plant juices. I doubt those that were dislodged from their feeding site survived and returned. But more hatched out.Aphids breed prolifically and new generations hatch rapidly. You are probably seeing the next generation. Another blast of water would be a good thing because this is unlikely to kill ladybugs, which are strong fliers, that feed on aphids, and it is a good thing they do.Spraying the plants with insecticidal soap would be a next choice because it works well on soft-bodied insects such as aphids and has limited effect on the ladybug beetles. However, if you see the ladybugs at work, I would let them do the work.Follow directions on fungicide for azaleasIt's time to ...Resist temptation. Though it is April, it is still early spring.Nights remain too cool to leave tropical houseplants outdoors. If yours are small enough to put outdoors easily for the day when it's warm, do so, but bring them inside before dark.If you put houseplants outside, keep them out of direct sun. A covered porch is better.Houseplants that have outgrown their pots can be repotted now in a pot 2 inches bigger in diameter.This will give roots space to develop during the new growing season.