As a plant lover, there's nothing quite as frustrating as discovering pests on your indoor plant collection. These unwelcome visitors can wreak havoc on your plants, causing damage to leaves and even killing them if left untreated. Pests like spider mites, mealybugs, whiteflies, and scale insects can feed on the sap of your plants, causing them to weaken and die. Here's some tips on how to prevent and treat pest infestations in your indoor plant collection.
Common Houseplant Pests
These unwanted guests can cause extensive damage to your plants, resulting in harm to leaves and even death if not addressed promptly. Let's discuss the most common houseplant pests you may encounter.
Spider Mites
"Leaf miner injury to noni (Morinda citrifolia)" by Plant pests and diseases is marked with CC0 1.0.
Spider mites are small, spider-like insects that feed on plant sap. They can cause leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To treat spider mites, wash the leaves with a mixture of water and dish soap. You can also use insecticidal soap, rubbing alcohol or neem oil.
Mealybugs
"Mealybug 1" by CIAT International Center for Tropical Agriculture is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
Mealybugs are white, cotton-like insects that cluster on leaves and stems. They suck plant sap, causing leaves to yellow and wilt. To treat mealybugs, use a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol to wipe the insects off the plant.
Scale
"Octopus agave: Scale insects" by Plant pests and diseases is marked with CC0 1.0.
Scale insects are small, flat insects that attach themselves to leaves and stems. They can cause leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To treat scale insects, use a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol to wipe the insects off the plant. Then wash the leaves with a mixture of water and dish soap. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Fungus Gnats
"Dark-winged Fungus Gnat" by John Tann is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Fungus gnats are small, black flies that hover around plants. They lay eggs in the soil, and the larvae feed on plant roots. To treat fungus gnats, water your plant with a 1:1 ratio of water and hydrogen peroxide. This solution will kill the eggs laid in the soil. Use sticky traps to catch the adult gnats. To prevent fungus gnats in the future, let the soil dry out between waterings.
Aphids
"Oleander Aphids, Aphis nerii on Tropical Milkweed, Asclepias curassavica"
by In Memoriam: Ecuador Megadiverso is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.
Aphids are small, green, white, or yellow soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap. They can cause leaves to curl and turn yellow. To treat aphids, wash the leaves with a mixture of water and dish soap. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Thrips
"Thrips combat Brazilian peppertree" by MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
Thrips are tiny, slender insects that can cause leaf discoloration, distortion, and silvering. They feed on plant sap and can also transmit diseases. To treat thrips, use yellow sticky traps or introduce beneficial predatory mites to the plant to control the population.
Leaf Miners
"Leaf miner injury to noni (Morinda citrifolia)" by Plant pests and diseases is marked with CC0 1.0.
Leaf miners are larvae of flies or moths that tunnel through leaves, creating thin, white or brown trails. To treat leaf miners, remove and dispose of the affected leaves, and apply sticky traps to catch adult flies or moths. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Preventing Pest Infestations
Prevention is the best line of defense when it comes to pest infestations. Here are a few tips to help you prevent pests from invading your indoor plant collection:
Inspect new plants before bringing them home
Before purchasing new plants, inspect them for any signs of pests or diseases while you're in the store. This will help catch pests before you purchase, saving you time, money and frustration. Look for holes in the leaves, sticky residue, or webbing on the stems. If you notice any of these signs, do not purchase the plant.
Quarantine new plants
Quarantine new plants for a few weeks in a separate area from your other plants. This will help prevent any potential pests that were missed in your initial check from spreading to your other plants. This is especially important when ordering plants online since you were unable to do an initial check. This will give you time to monitor the plant for any signs of pests.
Keep your plants clean
Regularly wipe the leaves of your plants with a soft cloth and a mild soap solution. This will help remove any dust or debris that may attract pests.
Use good quality soil and containers
Use good quality soil and containers with proper drainage to prevent overwatering. Overwatering can weaken the plant, making it more susceptible to pest infestation.
Treating Pest Infestations
If you do discover pests on your indoor plants, don't panic! With the right treatment, you can get rid of pests and restore your plant's health - without throwing them away! Non-pesticide treatments are a safer and more eco-friendly way to treat pests on your indoor plants. Here are some effective non-pesticide treatments:
Non-Pesticide Treatments
Beneficial pests
Beneficial pests can be a great way to prevent and control houseplant pests. By introducing natural predators like ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory mites, you can keep pest populations in check without resorting to pesticides. These beneficial pests can help control a wide range of common houseplant pests, including aphids, spider mites, and thrips. Plus, they won't harm your plants, making them a safe and eco-friendly pest control option.
Prune and isolate
If you notice any leaves or stems with signs of pest infestation, isolate the plant immediately. Then prune the infested leaves and stems. This will help prevent the pests from spreading to other plants in your collection.
Neem oil
Neem oil is a natural oil that is derived from the neem tree. Azadirachtin is an active ingredient found in neem oil. It disrupts the pests' hormonal balance, preventing them from reproducing. Neem oil is effective against a wide range of pests, including spider mites, mealybugs, and whiteflies. To use neem oil, mix neem oil with water, rubbing alcohol, and a few drops of dish soap. Shake well and pray the solution on the affected leaves and stems, making sure to cover the entire plant thoroughly. Repeat the treatment every week until the infestation is gone.
Pesticide Treatments
If non-pesticide treatments are not enough to control the pest infestation, you can use pesticides. However, it is important to use them as a last resort and follow the instructions on the label carefully, especially if you are using them around pets or small children. Here are some effective pesticides for indoor plants:
Pyrethrin
Pyrethrin is a natural insecticide derived from the chrysanthemum flower. It is effective against spider mites, whiteflies, and aphids.
Spinosad
Spinosad is a natural insecticide derived from a soil bacterium. It is effective against thrips, spider mites, and leaf miners.
Insecticidal soap
Insecticidal soaps are among the safest pesticides available. It is a soap-based solution that suffocates pests and is safe for most plants. Mix the soap with water according to the instructions on the label and spray it on the affected leaves and stems.
Regular monitoring and care are essential for preventing and treating pest infestations in your indoor plant collection. Non-pesticide treatments, such as neem oil and insecticidal soap, are safe and effective for most plants. If non-pesticide treatments fail, pesticides can be used, but be sure to choose the right pesticide and follow the label instructions carefully. To keep your indoor plants healthy and pest-free, inspect new plants, keep them clean, and use quality soil and containers. Establishing a regular pest prevention routine can also help ensure that your plants remain thriving and pest-free.