Indoor plants are not just a source of beauty and fresh air, they can also help improve the air quality in your home. However, with indoor plants come common indoor plant pests. These pests can cause damage to your plants, reduce their growth and in some cases, kill them.
In this article, we will discuss some of the common indoor plant pests that you should be aware of and what you can do to prevent and treat them.
Common indoor plant pests
Scales
Scales are insects with delicate bodies that feed on plant sap. You may not even identify the little white or brown lumps as bugs since adults wrap themselves in a waxy, protective covering and remain stationary.
Scales are more often observed on the underside of leaves and on stems. Scales may eat a wide variety of indoor plants, although they like figs, Devils Ivy, and citrus trees.
How to get rid of Scales?
Spray neem oil or insecticidal soap on your plant to remove them. Adults are more challenging to manage due to their waxy exterior. Scratch off any scales you see on your plant until all of them have been eliminated.
Whiteflies
Whiteflies look like small, flying insects that is delicate and powdered white. Adults flutter around when startled. Although both stages consume plant sap, the juvenile stage feeds from the underside of leaves and does the greatest harm.
They are the arch enemy of the Zebra Plant. The plant frequently becomes stunted, and infested leaves turn yellow and die.
How to get rid of Whiteflies?
Whiteflies can be rid of by using neem oil or insecticidal soap. Apply the solution to the underside of the leaves. Treatment will likely need to be carried out once a week until no more immature or adult whiteflies are seen.
Spider Mites
Because these common indoor plant pests are so little, spider mites could go unnoticed. You can see their white silky webs on leaf axils or along veins, albeit they appear as black dots on leaves. The mites cause leaves to droop and become brown by sucking the sap from them.
How to get rid of Spider Mites?
Mite infestations are challenging to manage. We recommend that you get rid of your plant if it is severely afflicted so that the pests don’t spread.
You can use some of the simpler methods, like crushing the infected leaves and rinsing them off with soapy water. Additionally, increasing humidity around plants may also help prevent the accumulation of spider mites.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are sapsuckers and have a waxy covering. Mealybug females create a white, cottony substance where they deposit their eggs, which develop into crawlers. Mealybugs are especially prone to attack gardenias, hoyas, jades, and coleus.
How to get rid of Mealybugs?
To get rid of the mealybugs, use a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol. To get rid of pests on bigger, more robust plants, vigorously spray the leaves. For severe infestations, insecticidal soap and neem oil can work wonders.
Aphids
Another insect that feeds on sap is the aphid, which makes sticky honeydew. They may attack a wide variety of plants, even super tough ones such as the Cast Iron Plant. Because of their brief life cycles, populations may grow quickly.
How to get rid of Aphids?
Most aphids may be removed with a strong water spray. If it’s not too chilly, either take your plant outdoors to be hosed down or use the shower sprayer. Sprays with neem oil or insecticidal soap are also useful.
How to get rid of common indoor plant pests?
Indoor plants can be a great way to bring a touch of nature into your home. However, they can also become a haven for pests.
Common indoor plant pests pests can cause damage to the leaves and stems of your plants, making them look unsightly and unhealthy. In extreme cases, pests can even kill your plants. However, there are several ways to get rid of indoor plant pests and keep your plants healthy.
Regular inspection
One of the most important things you can do to prevent indoor plant pests is to inspect your plants regularly. Look for signs of pests such as webbing, discoloured leaves, or small white or brown spots.
If you suspect that you have pests, isolate the affected plant from your other plants to prevent the pests from spreading.
Water and dish soap mixture
A simple and effective way to get rid of indoor plant pests is to use a mixture of water and dish soap. Mix a few drops of dish soap with water in a spray bottle and spray the mixture on the affected plant.
Be sure to cover the entire plant, including the undersides of the leaves, where pests often hide. The soap will suffocate the pests, and the water will wash them off the plant. Repeat the process every few days until the all the pests are gone.
Neem oil
Neem oil is a natural pesticide that is effective against a wide range of indoor plant pests. Mix a few drops of Neem oil with water in a spray bottle and apply to the affected plant.
Repeat the process every few days until all the pests from the plant are gone. Neem oil is safe for humans and pets and is a great alternative to chemical pesticides.
Keep your plants healthy
A healthy plant is less susceptible to pests, so it’s important to keep your plants in the right conditions. Keep the soil moist, but not too wet. Also, make sure your plants are getting the right amount of light and nutrients. Proper care will also help your plants recover faster if they do become infested with pests.
Conclusion
Getting rid of these common indoor plant pests can be done using simple and natural methods. Regular inspection, a mixture of water and dish soap, and keeping your plants healthy are all effective ways to control indoor plant pests.
However, if the pest infestation is severe, you may need to discard the plant to prevent the pests from spreading to other plants in your home. Do not worry, as getting rid of these common indoor plant pests is easy, if you follow this guide.
