I have potted pansies on my balcony, and this evening I saw that they are completely wilted and the stems are covered by little white bugs. This is really strange, as they looked fine this weekend...
I checked on google, but I can't even determine what the bugs are... Based on pictures, they look like whiteflies... but they don't fly when I move the pots. I guess they're not aphids, as all websites I checked say they're either black/grey/orange/green.
I don't know anything about gardening, and I was wondering what my options are at this point? If I need to get rid of the plants, can I re-use the soil, or will it be infested as well? If so, is there a specific place where should I dispose of it (we don't have a compost) or should I just put it in a normal garbage bag?
Thanks!
Mag

pretty sure I have seen white aphids easily killed by some dishwashing liquid diluted in spray bottle of water and wont harm some plants . but at my apartment house we have green dumpsters that the hausewart told me i could dump old soil (and plants).
hope this helps (am assuming you live in a merhfamilehaus)

Yes, aphids can be white and soap is a good idea. Best thing is old fashioned soap. Cut off bits with a knife, put it in a sprayer, shake well, then add a bit of oil, like sunflower, olive oil. The combination kills aphids by making them too sticky to move. Wait half an hour, then wash your plants with water, as the soap will damage the leaves if you let it dry and the plant is in the sun the next day. (They will burn). Then wait a few days, if the soil stays clean you can reuse it. To avoid soap dripping into the soil, put the pots onto their side first.