Hoping you can help me, again!!

Last month i posted my first DG inquiry regarding my young braided hibiscus. Kyle (Eclipse) was kind enough to help me identify the scale that was attacking my beloved baby... Today, to my horror, I discovered a new threat - some sort of minute, black insects, at soil level and just above, decimating the bark of my otherwise healthy trees. The bugs almost appeared to be hopping or flying up to low levels on the stems. The bark on the bottom 4 - 6" now is full of holes and looks tattered and loose around the trunk; not tight and healthy the way it normally is. I sprayed the trees thoroughly w/ soapy water and will replace the top layer of soil. Is there anything else I should be doing to save the trees from whatever is attacking them? Also, can I use Fertilome Triple Action spray on Hibiscus?

Any information or thoughts that any of you Pros could offer would be a huge help. Many thanks, in advance. I have already learned SO much from this forum, and I'm completely hooked!

Here is a pic of my two "baby trees"...

A safe and relaxing Fourth to all - Polly

Can anyone give me brand names of an insecticide, fungicide, miticide, etc.. that I can safely use on Tropical Hibiscus? I'm afraid I'm going to lose my little trees if I don't take drastic measures soon. I have Fertilome Triple Action, but it says not to use on Hib. flowers. Makes me wonder if it would be okay if used only on the stems...?
Thanks! Polly

Cant you call any nursery close to you?
I know what I would have done first. take off as much soil as you can with out ripping the roots. BAG that soil and trow it away. give a HARD shower to the roots and stem. Then as quickly as possible get to a nursery to get the proper treatment for them. If what you have at home says (Not Hibiscus) maybe that alone will kill the plant.
Janett

Did a little googling. On hibiscus you can use Orthene, Cygon and Neem products but be a little carefull with spraying on the leaves. DONT spray on midday.......... Early mornings or in the evening
Those three product ANY of them should take care of the bugs.
Janett

I got rid of a MASSIVE aphid infestation with a dose of Bayer Advanced Tree & Shrub formula...available at Lowe's, and a little pricey, but WELL WORTH IT!!... but, mine are planted in the ground... being yours are in pots...hmmm, may require repeat doses as it dilutes thru soil when watering... good luck...

Thanks, Shoob...
I SO appreciate your response!! I've been having MAJOR anxiety about my trees, and have been hoping to hear from some of you experienced and generous folks who could help me sort this out. Now three of my trees are affected, and I'm still somewhat in the dark about what is attacking them. A friend's father who is in agriculture said it looks like canker to him, which is one of the things I've been researching, but there are definitely little black flies involved, too. It's amazing how sickening it can be to feel like you may be losing the battle with treasured plants like these! I just love them, and I'll be crushed if they should die. I have been working a ton and have had to neglect the trees a bit. Tomorrow I intend to get to a nursery and buy up various products to really resolve this thing.
Will try to update you on how my patients are faring after their TLC and treatments.! Many thanks for your support. I will try the Bayer if I can find it.
By the way, have you or anyone else reading had experience with canker on Hib.s? If yes, please share... I'm holding my breath!!
I'm very grateful for your input. Enjoy the Holiday, Everyone! Polly

Polly, Just curious here, how long have you had these trees? Could they be fairly new? It sounds like your problems may have come with the plants or in the soil in the pots. Your little black flies sound like fungus gnats but I have never heard of them boring into the stem like you describe.
One more question, what type of potting mix do you have them planted in?
Have a happy 4th, alice

Polly--
I've never even heard of canker... sounds painful... :-)... you haven't been kissing them to make them feel better have you?? Ha!! ...that's the only kind of canker I've ever heard of... seriously...check out the Bayer product....it's systemic so it will take care of almost everything... my uncle even uses it in a sprayer on his hibiscus'....