FlytrapCare Carnivorous Plant Forums

My beautiful flytrap has been looking under the weather these past few weeks—based on the tiny black bugs I saw crawling around, I'm guessing it's being noshed on by aphids or mites. I got the BioAdvanced 3-in-1 concentrate and a ready-to-use spray bottle of Neem oil, but as a first-time VFT owner, I don't want to do anything stupid.

It's low-growing and planted in LSFM—what are the logistics involved in killing all the bugs without causing further damage to the plant? Top watering and spraying is tricky since it's so crowded. I also have a bag of carnivorous plant potting soil and fresh LSFM. I wasn't planning on repotting until spring, but I could do it now if it would save the plant (my instinct tells me to get the VFT healthier before stressing it out).

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First, try to determine what the pests are.
If springtails, no treatment necessary.
If aphids, hit it lightly, once a week, including the undersides of the leaves, with the 3 in 1. VFT's are pretty resilient when it comes to most pesticides. Treat for at least four weeks.
If mites, 3 in 1 may do something, applied as above, but a little heavier and longer. You may need something stronger depending on the type of mite.
In my experience, neem is pretty ineffective all around.