Schefelara loosing leaves

[Mare]

My schefelara was beautiful for many years. Then it began rapidly loosing leaves. I found minute skinny black bugs on nearly every leaf. It had spread to my Ficus, but not as extensively. I washed every single leaf with alcohol and then doused with water. Then I pruned away the empty branches to a point where they might leaf again. Then I added new soil to the top. I’ve checked every leaf on each plant every day and rubbed off any bugs I saw. They are both getting new growth, and I’m only finding a few bugs on a few leaves; but they are still there. I continue to check every day. It takes a long time and I’m getting tired of it. Any advice or words of comfort? Thanks!

 

[Chuck]

My schefelara was beautiful for many years. Then it began rapidly loosing leaves. I found minute skinny black bugs on nearly every leaf. It had spread to my Ficus, but not as extensively. I washed every single leaf with alcohol and then doused with water. Then I pruned away the empty branches to a point where they might leaf again. Then I added new soil to the top. I’ve checked every leaf on each plant every day and rubbed off any bugs I saw. They are both getting new growth, and I’m only finding a few bugs on a few leaves; but they are still there. I continue to check every day. It takes a long time and I’m getting tired of it. Any advice or words of comfort? Thanks!

If you could take a picture of the bugs we could tell you how to rid yourself of them.