Having houseplants can bring great joy and tranquility to any home. However, dealing with pesky bugs and insects that attack your plants can be frustrating. Don’t worry – with some diligence and the right techniques, you can get rid of most common houseplant pests and keep your plants healthy.
Identify the Pest
The first step is identifying what type of pest is causing the problem. Here are some of the most common houseplant invaders:
Mealybugs
These soft-bodied insects look like small, cottony blobs on the stems and leaves. They secrete a sticky substance called honeydew that leads to black sooty mold growth. Mealybugs suck nutrients from the plant.
Aphids
Tiny, pear-shaped and often green or black, aphids cluster on young shoots and the undersides of leaves. Like mealybugs, they feed on plant sap and excrete honeydew.
Thrips
These tiny elongated insects rasp plant tissue and suck sap, resulting in silvery-scarred leaves and buds that distort and fail to open. Thrips fly or jump when disturbed.
Spider Mites
Too small to see with the naked eye, spider mites spin cottony webs on the undersides of leaves and stems. They cause stippling, discoloration and leaf loss. Knocking the plant releases tiny dots that are the mites.
Fungus Gnats
These tiny black flying insects look like fruit flies. They don’t damage plants directly but indicate overwatering, which leads to fungal root disease. Larvae in the soil eat plant roots and transmit disease.
Carefully inspect plants regularly to identify pests before major infestations occur. Use a magnifying glass if needed to get a close look. Identifying the pest early allows for more effective treatment.
Isolate and Quarantine Infested Plants
At the first sign of pests, separate the infested plant from healthy ones so the bugs don’t spread. Check all your other plants carefully for signs of bugs. Even plants that appear pest-free may harbor eggs and juvenile insects. Isolate any questionable plants as well.
This quarantine period allows you to use pest-control measures on the infested plants without harming others. It also prevents false alarms from tiny insects landing harmlessly on neighboring plants.
Remove by Hand
For mild infestations of aphids, mealybugs, spider mites or other pests that congregate in groups, manually removing them may eliminate the problem:
- Use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to wipe aphids off stems and leaves.
- Prune off seriously infested parts.
- Hose or spray the plant vigorously to knock off insects, then wipe leaves dry to avoid fungal issues. Repeat every few days until pests are gone.
Check under leaves for colonies and repeat treatment until no pests are found. This safe, nontoxic method may resolve minor infestations.
Apply Insecticidal Soap
Insecticidal soaps provide an effective, non-toxic treatment:
- Spray plant leaves, stems and undersides thoroughly. Avoid blooms if possible.
- Let soap sit for a few minutes before wiping leaves dry.
- Repeat every 4-7 days for 2-3 weeks until pests are gone.
- Test on a small area first since some plants are sensitive.
Soaps dissolve soft insect bodies but have no residual impact, so repeat applications are needed. They also help remove honeydew deposits. Use soaps as a preventive treatment on plants prone to pests.
Apply Neem Oil
Extracted from the neem tree, this traditional botanical pesticide kills many insects and mites on contact:
- Follow instructions for dilution rate. Avoid plant blooms when possible.
- Thoroughly coat leaves top and bottom along with stems.
- Let dry before placing back in sun.
- Repeat weekly for several weeks until pests are eliminated.
Also used as a fungicide, neem oil has low toxicity to people and pets but still requires caution. Test on a couple leaves first to check for plant sensitivity.
Apply Horticultural Oils
Lightweight horticultural oils smother insects and mites:
- Use a high-quality, plant-safe product and follow dilution instructions.
- Spray plants entirely including tops and undersides of leaves. Let dry before placing in sun.
- Repeat every 7-10 days for several weeks until pests are killed.
Oils also deter fungal disease but may burn delicate plants. Test first on a few leaves and never apply during hot sun. Oils kill all insects present at application but have no residual effects.
Apply Insecticidal Soap Drench for Soil Pests
Fungus gnat larvae in the soil are controlled with insecticidal soap drenches. Mix a few teaspoons in each gallon of water and slowly pour onto the soil every few days until adults and larvae are gone. Avoid getting soap on leaves.
Apply Systemic Granules
Systemic insecticides applied to the soil are taken up by the roots, making the plant itself toxic to pests:
- Use granular products designed for houseplants. Follow label instructions carefully.
- Sprinkle onto moist soil and water in well.
- Takes 1-2 weeks to take effect. Controls soil larvae and insects that ingest plant material.
Avoid using systemic chemicals unless absolutely necessary, as they have a wide impact on beneficial insects as well.
Apply Sticky Traps
Sticky traps capture adult insects flying about, preventing them from laying more eggs on plants:
- Use yellow traps for fungus gnats, whitefly and winged aphids. Blue traps attract thrips.
- Set traps just above the soil line, and check and replace weekly.
- Also monitor to assess when population is diminished and treatment can stop.
Sticky traps are non-toxic and a good addition to the other pest control methods but generally not adequate alone to control infestations. They also trap beneficial insects.
Prune Offensive Branches and Stems
Pruning off stems and branches highly infested with scale insects or mealybugs can eliminate part of the problem:
- Use sterilized pruners to prevent spreading pests.
- Remove the worst sections and dispose of immediately in sealed bags.
- Treat any remaining insects on the rest of the plant.
Inspect carefully for eggs on nodes of stem joints which may reinfect the plant. Severe pruning may help save an infested plant.
Apply Beneficial Insects
Some beneficial predators available for home use effectively kill pests:
- Ladybugs and lacewings devour aphids. Release onto plants with established populations.
- Predatory mites control spider mites. They are shipped on boards that are placed on the soil.
- Nematodes applied to the soil kill fungus gnat larvae.
The predators multiply and disperse to keep pests under control but work best in combination with other methods. They require specific conditions to survive. Follow instructions carefully.
Control Ants if Needed
Ants may tend aphids or other sap-feeding insects and prevent beneficials from controlling pests. To keep ants away:
- Wrap double-sided sticky tape around pot bases or legs of plant shelves.
- Sprinkle natural diatomaceous earth around pots.
- Mix a small amount of Borax with powdered sugar for ants to ingest.
The goal is to prevent ants from accessing plants and forming protective “ant farms” around the bugs. This facilitates other pest control methods.
Adjust Growing Conditions
Prevention is the best approach! Avoid inviting pests by creating healthy growing conditions:
- Allow plants to dry adequately between waterings and provide good drainage.
- Give plants proper sunlight and fertilize monthly in season.
- Ensure adequate air circulation with fans.
- Clean up fallen leaves and debris that harbor pests.
Vigorous plants better withstand and outgrow pest damage, so provide optimal care. Check new plants closely for pests before purchasing and isolate them for a few weeks. With persistence and varied methods, you can eliminate common houseplant pests and enjoy your plants. Let them enhance your indoor environment pest-free.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Rid of Houseplant Pests
How do you kill bugs on indoor plants naturally?
Some safe, natural ways to kill bugs on houseplants include manual removal, insecticidal soap spray, neem oil, horticultural oils, sticky traps, and beneficial insects like ladybugs or predatory mites.
What home remedy kills bugs on plants?
Effective homemade remedies for plant pests include spraying plants with diluted dish soap mixed with water, or spraying with a diluted solution of mouthwash or rubbing alcohol and water. These remedies kill many soft-bodied insects through contact.
What is the best pesticide for indoor plants?
The safest, most effective pesticides for indoor plants are insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils, and neem oil extracts. Always follow label directions for proper dilution and application. Avoid overuse of chemical pesticides indoors.
How do you get rid of bugs in soil naturally?
To safely eliminate bugs in potting soil, try watering plants with an insecticidal soap drench, adding beneficial nematodes to the soil, or sprinkling diatomaceous earth on the soil surface. Avoid using chemical pesticides in the soil.
What home remedy keeps bugs off plants?
Some homemade remedies to deter plant pests include spraying plants with diluted mint or citrus oil, applying cornmeal sprinkled on the soil to kill larvae, or mixing a chili pepper and garlic spray. Keeping plants healthy also prevents pest issues.
When should I be concerned about bugs on my plants?
Pay attention to bugs on your plants if you notice leaves yellowing or dropping, growth slowing, sticky residue on plants, or too much soil gnats flying around. Even a few pests can lead to major plant damage if not treated promptly.
Conclusion
Controlling common houseplant pests takes some time and effort, but is very possible with consistent monitoring and multiple treatment methods. Focus on organic approaches whenever possible to avoid harmful chemicals in your home. With a little diligence, you can keep pesky insects from damaging your indoor plants and maintain a healthy environment. Vigilant inspection and quick action at the first sign of bugs is key to protecting your leafy friends!