Don’t let pests ruin your indoor plants!

Indoor plants can be a beautiful addition to any home, but they’re not immune to pests. Some of the most common bugs can cause a lot of damage if left untreated. Nobody likes pests, especially when they’re invading our plants.

But don’t worry – there’s help! We’ll review some common indoor plant pests and how best to get rid of them. 

So read on and learn how to protect your plants from these pesky critters.

Mealybugs 

Mealybugs are small, white insects that feast on plant sap. They’re often found in clusters on stems and leaves. Mealybugs can cause yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth. If left untreated, mealybugs can kill a plant.

Perhaps you’re wondering how you get mealybugs. Mealybugs often hitchhike their way into homes on new plants. They can also be introduced by other pests, such as aphids. Additionally, you can get mealybugs from grocery stores on fresh fruits and veggies that are already infested.

To get rid of mealybugs, start by isolating the affected plant to prevent the bugs from spreading to your other plants. 

Then, use a cotton swab or Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol and apply it directly to the mealybugs. 

Alternatively, pour the rubbing alcohol into a spray bottle and spray the affected plant, ensuring that you are directly spraying the bugs. Be sure to coat the undersides of the leaves, as this is where mealybugs like to hide. And check the pot and potting mix for any mealybugs that may be hiding there.

Repeat this process over several days to increase the chance of successfully getting all of them.

It’s important to act quickly as once they’re in your home, mealybugs can multiply fast and spread to other plants.

If you have a severe infestation, you may need to discard the affected plant.

Aphids 

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that come in many colors, including green, black, and brown. They’re often found in groups on the undersides of leaves. Aphids feed on plant sap, which can cause stunted growth and curling of the leaves.

Just like mealybugs, aphids can come from new plants that are already contaminated. They can also be introduced by other pests, like whiteflies.

Aphids can be controlled with a few methods. For small infestations, you can wipe them off with a damp, soapy cloth. Test the soap first on a small area of the plant to make sure it doesn’t damage the leaves.

For larger infestations, you can use neem oil – a natural insecticide. To use this, combine it with water and dish soap, then spray it on the affected plant. 

As well, using a water hose to blast the aphids off the plant can be very effective. Taking your plant outside to hose it down is often the best option when using this method.

Be mindful that aphids’ rate of reproduction is very high, so it’s important to act as soon as you see them.

Spider mites 

Spider mites are tiny, spider-like creatures that feed on plant sap. They’re often found on the undersides of leaves. And they’re hard to see. What you’ll likely notice are the dark spots they leave behind as they feed or the webbing they spin.

Spider mites cause damage by sucking the sap from plant leaves.

One effective method for removing spider mites is by using neem oil. Simply mix it with water and dish soap, then spray it on the plant.

To prevent spider mites, it’s vital to maintain high humidity levels in your home (greater than 60%). These pests thrive in dry conditions. So, if you live in a dry climate or heat your home during the winter, be sure to use a humidifier.

Fungus gnats 

Fungus gnats are small, dark-colored flies that are often found near plant pots or soil. The larvae of these insects feed on organic matter in the soil, which can damage plant roots.

So, how do you get fungus gnats? Typically, they come from infested plants or potting mix.

To get rid of fungus gnats, start by making sure to keep your plants well-watered. Then, use a thin layer of sand or diatomaceous earth on the surface of the soil. This will help to kill the larvae.

You can also try using yellow sticky traps to catch the adult flies.

Thrips 

Thrips are small, slender insects that can be black, brown, or straw-colored. They’re often found on the undersides of leaves. Thrips feed on plant sap, which can cause stunted growth and curling of the leaves.

Your plants can acquire thrips when you purchase new plants that are already infested. 

Using water and mild dish soap to get rid of thrips is an effective method. This process involves mixing water and dish soap, then spraying it on the affected parts of the plant. 

Do a test first, to make sure that there’s no sensitivity. 

Whiteflies 

Whiteflies are small, white insects that feed on plant sap. They’re often found in groups on the undersides of leaves. 

Using neem oil is an effective method for getting rid of whiteflies. Simply mix it with water and dish soap, then spray it on the plant.

Also using yellow sticky traps is an effective way to control whiteflies. These traps are specifically designed to attract and trap whiteflies.  Place the sticky traps directly on the plant.

Scale 

Scale are small, hard-bodied insects that can be brown, black, or white. They’re often found on the undersides of leaves. Scale also feed on plant sap.

You’ll typically find scale on the underside of stems or leaves of a plant. 

Scale produce honing fluid, which helps them to attach themselves to a plant. They then insert their long mouthparts into the plant and feed on the sap.

They produce honeydew, a sticky substance that can attract ants and promote the growth of sooty mold.

Here are a couple of ways to get them. One way is by leaving a window open near an infested plant. Another is by potting mix already containing these bugs. 

To get rid of scale, one method is to use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Now, the alcohol must have direct contact with the insect for it to work. Be sure to check the roots and underside of the leaves as well.

And going forward, it’s important to check your plant frequently for scale.

You can also use an insecticide, such as horticultural oil or an insecticidal soap. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label and only use as directed.

Conclusion 

At the end of the day, if you suspect that your plant is infested with pests, it’s important to act right away. The sooner you treat the problem, the better chance you have of saving your plant.

Some key things to keep in mind with pests on plants, always isolate the plant from others to make sure the pests don’t spread. Check the underside of leaves since that’s where a lot of these insects like to hide. Keep neem oil handy as it’s a great organic way to kill and prevent pests on plants. Check your plants regularly for signs of pests and as previously mentioned, act quickly if you see any!