Protect Your Plants: How to Identify and Treat Common Houseplant Pests

Houseplants are a wonderful addition to any home, but unfortunately, they can also attract unwanted visitors in the form of pests. Pests can damage the foliage and roots of your houseplants, causing them to weaken and even die if left untreated. In this blog post, we’ll go over the different types of houseplant pests, how to identify them, and how to treat for them.

Aphids

Aphids are tiny, pear-shaped insects that are often found on new growth, the underside of leaves, and at the stem of your plants. They can be green, yellow, brown, or black and may leave a sticky residue on your plants. 

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There are several ways to treat aphids on houseplants. You can blast them off with water, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap, use a commercial insecticide, or prune heavily-infested parts of the plant. For a natural approach, neem oil and insecticidal soap are effective options. If the infestation is severe, a commercial insecticide may be necessary. Always follow the instructions on the label carefully and make sure the product is safe for use on your specific plant. Remember to monitor your plant closely after treatment and repeat the treatment if necessary.

Spider Mites

Backyard Garden Geek

Spider mites are also small, but they are not insects – they are actually arachnids. They spin webs and feed on the sap of your plants, causing leaves to turn yellow and drop off. You may notice tiny specks on the leaves, which are actually the mites themselves. 

These tiny pests can be difficult to see with the naked eye. Look for webs on your plant or speckled leaves. To treat, try spraying your plant with a mixture of water and dish soap, or neem oil. You can also wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth. Make sure to keep the humidity high to prevent a re-infestation.

Mealybugs

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Mealybugs are white, cottony insects that can be found on the stems and leaves of your plants. They feed on the sap of your plants, causing them to wilt and die if left untreated. To treat for mealybugs, you can use an insecticidal soap or spray with neem oil.

These pests look like small cotton balls and can be found on the undersides of leaves or in the crevices of the plant. To treat, try wiping the plant down with a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water or spraying with neem oil. Be sure to remove any infected leaves or parts of the plant and isolate the plant from other plants until the infestation is under control.

Scale

Gardening Know How

Scale insects are small, flat, and often brown or black in color. They attach themselves to the stems and leaves of your plants and feed on their sap, causing them to weaken and die. To treat for scale insects, you can use an insecticidal soap or scrape them off with a toothbrush.

These pests appear as small, circular bumps on the stems or leaves of your plant. They can be treated by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or using a mixture of neem oil and water. Be sure to isolate the infected plant and monitor it closely for any signs of re-infestation. (Note: mealybugs are a type of scale, along with soft and armored scale)

Fungus Gnats

Planet Natural Research Center

Fungus gnats are small, dark flies that lay their eggs in the soil of your plants. The larvae then feed on the roots, causing them to rot and making it difficult for your plants to absorb nutrients. 

These pests are common in plants with moist soil. They look like tiny black flies and can often be seen flying around the plant. To treat, try letting the soil dry out more between waterings or adding a layer of sand on top of the soil to prevent them from laying eggs. You can also use yellow sticky traps to catch the adults.

Thrips

Thrips are small, slender insects that are often found on the flowers of your plants. They feed on the sap, causing them to become discolored and distorted. To treat for thrips, you can use an insecticidal soap or spray with neem oil.

Planet Natural Research Center

Whiteflies

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Whiteflies are small, white insects that can be found on the underside of leaves. They feed on the sap of your plants, causing them to weaken and become discolored. To treat for whiteflies, you can use an insecticidal soap or spray with neem oil.

These small, white insects can often be seen flying around your plant when disturbed. They can be treated by spraying your plant with neem oil or a mixture of dish soap and water. Be sure to keep the humidity high to prevent re-infestation.

The Bottom Line

In addition to using insecticidal soaps and oils, you can also prevent pest infestations by practicing good plant hygiene. This includes regularly cleaning your plants, wiping down their leaves, and ensuring they are not overcrowded. If you do need to repot your plants, be sure to use fresh soil to avoid introducing any pests to your plant’s new home.

It’s important to note that different pests can be attracted to different types of plants. For example, spider mites are often found on succulents, while mealybugs are more commonly found on tropical plants. Keep an eye out for any signs of pest infestation on your plants and take action immediately to prevent further damage.

By being proactive and keeping an eye out for any signs of pest infestation, you can keep your houseplants healthy and thriving for years to come. Remember, the key to treating any pest infestation is to catch it early and be persistent with your treatments. Monitor your plants closely and take action at the first sign of an infestation.