Protect Your Indoor Plants With This Hack
If you love gardening, chances are you also love having plants inside your home too. Indoor plants are a great way to add some greenery to your home and spruce up your decor, but they can also be a magnet for pests. There are a whole host of critters that would love nothing more than to munch on your plants. Don’t let them get too comfortable though. They neither paid you rent nor were welcome in the first place! Here are some of the most common insects that you might encounter as an indoor plant owner, and a few tips for preventing and ridding your home of these unwanted critters.
TYPES OF PESTS
Aphids, fungus gnats, mealybugs, and whiteflies are just a few of the pests that can plague your indoor plants. Each type of pest has its own unique appearance and feeding habits, so it’s important to be able to identify them so you can best address the issue.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that range in color from green to black. They have long antennae and piercing-sucking mouthparts. Aphids feed on plant sap, which they extract from leaves and stems using their mouthparts.
Aphids are often found in large numbers on the undersides of leaves, where they can cause leaf yellowing, distortion, and stunted growth. Aphids can also transmit plant viruses.
You can get rid of these bigs by first taking the plant outside and using a sharp stream of water to dislodge them from the leaves. Try dusting plants with an insecticidal powder or dust. You can find pyrethrins, a naturally occurring pesticide from the chrysanthemum family, at your local home improvement or gardening store. You can spray these pesticides on plants or use them as a powder. If you’re looking for a DIY option, try creating a garlic oil spray, there are plenty of home recipes online.
Fungus gnats
These flies are small and dark-colored and are often seen near potted plants or houseplants. These pests are attracted to damp soil and organic matter, and they can quickly become a nuisance in the home. They mainly damage plants by feeding on the roots and causing the plant to become stressed. In addition, the larvae of these flies are known to feed on fungus, which can lead to the development of root rot in potted plants.
There are a few different ways to get rid of fungus gnats and the best method will depend on the severity of the infestation. Repotting plants with a sterile potting mix can help to reduce the population of fungus gnats. For adult fungus gnats, placing yellow sticky traps or using fly ribbons near potted plants, or spraying the soil with a mixture of water and dish soap are both effective ways to help to catch and kill them. Sprinkling a layer of cinnamon over the top of the potting soil can deter adults from laying eggs. For prevention, we recommend drying out the soil in between watering.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small insects that measure about an eighth of an inch long. They are covered in a white, powdery substance that helps them to camouflage themselves. Mealybugs feed on plant sap and can weaken or even kill a plant if they are not controlled.
There are several things you can do to get rid of them. First, it is important to isolate any infested plants from healthy ones. This will prevent the mealybugs from spreading. Next, you can try using a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to kill the mealybugs. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully. Try drying out your plant in between watering as well. And use soap sprays or diluted rubbing alcohol sprays to get rid of the adults.
Whiteflies
Whiteflies are small, winged insects that are closely related to aphids and mealybugs. They are typically one-sixteenth to an eighth of an inch in size and have a powdery white appearance. Whiteflies feed by sucking the sap from plants, which can weaken and even kill the plant. They also produce a sticky substance called honeydew, which can attract other pests and cause mold to grow on the plant.
Similarly to the other ways to get rid of household plants, using traps like a fly ribbon or sticky paper can help catch adults. Using a soapy spray or neem oil spray can get them as well. It may sound silly, but vacuum the suckers up when you see them and don’t forget to prune the infected parts of your plant.
PREVENTION
The best way to deal with any pest problem is to prevent it from happening in the first place. There are a few simple things you can do to deter pests from taking up residence in your home:
- Inspect new plants before bringing them into your home. This is very, very important. Take a close look at the leaves and stems for any signs of pests or diseases. If you see anything suspicious, it’s best to leave the plant at the store.
- Keep your plants healthy. Healthy plants are better able to withstand attacks from pests and are more likely to recover if they do succumb to an infestation. Make sure you’re giving your plants the proper care they need in terms of water, light, and nutrients.
- Keep your home clean. A tidy environment will go a long way in preventing pests from setting up shop. Vacuum and dust regularly, and don’t forget to wipe down surfaces where plants are located.
CONCLUSION
Pests can be a real pain but with a little knowledge and effort, you can keep them at bay. Be sure to inspect your plants regularly for signs of trouble, and take action immediately if you do find something amiss. A little preventive care will go a long way in keeping your indoor plants healthy and happy.