A number of insects will make a home in your houseplants if given the opportunity. Insects like spider mites, aphids, mealybugs and white flies are some common pests that will damage your houseplants. These insects work by feeding on your plants, which can stunt growth, cause a loss of color or even kill the plant. Many bugs also leave unsightly signs. Aphids will cover a plant in a sticky substance. Spider mites may leave webbing on the underside of leaves. Mealybugs look like little cotton tufts, covering your plant in white puffs.
Prevention is your best defense against indoor pests, but if an infestation does occur, there are a number of steps you can take to save your houseplants. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Prevention
1. To prevent infestation, check your plants for signs each week. Look for obvious bugs, and look for any changes in your plants' health.
2. Observe the soil when you water your plants. Some bugs live in the soil and may damage the root system.
3. Wash your plants with warm, soapy water once a month. Keeping them clean will keep them healthier and make them less attractive to bugs. Many species of bugs prefer plants that are already ailing.
4. Use packaged potting soil whenever you repot your plants. Using outdoor soils can introduce bugs.
5. To prevent soil bugs from making your plant a home, allow the soil to dry between watering. Soil bugs seek out a damp environment. Taking this step will make the plant's soil inhospitable.
Treatment
6. If you discover bugs on one of your houseplants, immediately move it to a room away from your other houseplants.
7. Attempt to wash away the bugs with mild soap and warm water. Wash the plant each day for a week.
8. Cut away any dead, damaged or heavily infested parts of the plant.
9. Remove large bugs by hand or dab them with rubbing alcohol using a cotton swab. Contact with rubbing alcohol will kill most bugs.
10. If the bugs persist, you may need to use an insecticide. Many nurseries carry insecticides made from various oil extracts such as thyme or garlic. Try these first. If they don't work, you might need to try something stronger. Choose your insecticide based on the type of bug you're trying to kill and follow the directions carefully.
11. To get rid of soil bugs, mix an insecticidal soap with water according to the insecticide directions, and use that to water the infected plant. Only water it once, and then wait at least a week for retreatment.
12. Watch the plant closely for a week to see if the bugs come back before bringing it out of isolation. If the bugs do come back, repeat the treatment steps or discard the plant.
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