5 Common Houseplant Pests and How to Get Rid of Them

If you have houseplants, you know that they can become like a child to the owner, and like any good plant parent, when one or multiple plants get sick, you would do anything to make them better. Of course, there is a laundry list of diseases, ailments, and pests that could be affecting a plant, but the five most common pests are Spider Mites, Thrips, Aphids, Scale, and Mealybugs. A bug infestation is scary and overwhelming until you become informed. The first and most crucial step after finding a plant with bugs is isolating it until you know what you are working with and if any other plants have been affected. I recommend checking every plant thoroughly on at least the water schedule, if not weekly if you have less thirsty plants. Early signs of an infestation may be leaves drooping, leaves turning odd colors, spots or speckles appearing, and deformed leaves. If you notice one of these early signs, I would check the underside of every leaf, watch to see if any bugs are flying around or landing near the plant, and move the soil around with your fingers. If you do stumble across something unknown, this guide should help you narrow down what is wrong and some possible remedies.

Recognizing Spider Mites

One of the first things a plant owner might notice on a plant infected with spider mites is silver speckles covering one or many leaves on their plant. Upon further investigation, a close-up look would show tiny webbing between and under leaves also covered with silver speckles. Those are spider mites. Spider mites love low humidity. Keeping humidity high, over 60%, and temperatures below 80 degrees is an excellent preventative.

How to Treat Spider Mites

After isolating all the plants that have a visible infestation, it is time to treat them. Washing them with water is the most straightforward step you can take to help rid the plant of the mites. Wash the plant thoroughly, making sure to get all the crevices and the underside of every leaf. Repeat this every two days for at least ten days and then monitor for an additional ten days watching for new growth and any signs that the bugs are back. If you can not wash the plant or want a quicker remedy using an insecticide may be right for you. I recommend PyGanic Gardening Botanical Insecticide as a liquid option or Diatomaceous Earth as a sprinkle powder option. Use as described in the instructions on the packaging. Alternatively, if you have a greenhouse using live ladybugs is a great way to keep pests away from all of your plants.

Recognizing Thrips

Thrips are flying insects that are very small and very slender. They leave whiteish grey spots with brown dots where they have sucked all the nutrients out of a plant's leaf. An easy way to determine if the bugs you have are thrips is by placing white paper under part of the plant and tap some of the bugs onto it. It will be easier to notice their long slender body. Use a magnifying glass to judge the insects more accurately. Thrips can also live in the soil as a preventative, use Diatomaceous Earth and Sticky Traps on the dirt.

How to Treat Thrips

After isolating all the plants that have a visible infestation, it is time to treat them. Thrips can double in 4 days, so treating quickly and often is the biggest key to success. Using an insecticidal soap like Safer Brand Insect Killing Soap will be the best way to rid the plant of all thrips. Like spider mites, you can also use the alternative method of killing bugs with bugs and add Lacewings to your greenhouse.

Recognizing Aphids

Right away, you may notice aphids with the eye if they are of the green variety but can come in many colors, including white, brown, grey, and pink. Aphids can usually grow no more significantly than 1/4 of an inch long. Aphids leave a sticky "honeydew" substance on the stems of plants. The sticky substance can then grown sooty mold which can cause colossal damage to your plants, causing a black-like mold to appear on stems and leaves. To prevent Aphids planting catnip around your plants or keeping a pot near aphid attracting houseplants can help avoid them. Aphids hate catnip.

How To Treat Aphids

Spraying your plant off regularly with a strong stream of water can help wash aphids away. For indoor plants making a solution from essential oils and spraying the affected plants will help treat them. You can use essential oils like peppermint, clove, rosemary, and thyme. Mix about five drops of oil with water in a small spray bottle. Spray on affected plants to kill adult aphids, as well as aphid larvae and eggs. If you want something with more strength, I recommend Bonide (BND857) - Pyrethrin Garden Insect Spray Mix, Outdoor Insecticide/Pesticide Concentrate (8 oz.), Brown/A.

How To Recognize Scale Insects

When you first notice this insect on your plant, you may think it is just a normal bump. Scale though usually forms in groups. Unlike other insects, once they latch onto the plant, that is where they permanently stay and feast. If you notice these shell-like bumps that may be brown or white, try to scrape one off with a thumbnail. If it comes off, you probably have scale insect. Scale can cause your plant to look sickly and have poor growth.

How To Treat Scale

After isolating all the plants that have a visible infestation, it is time to treat them. With scale insects getting as many bumps off by hand will make the whole process easier. After removing as many as you can, wash the plant with water to remove the "honeydew," the scale produces to remove and prevent any sooty mold. After you have removed all that you can, start a ritual or systematically treat the affected plants. Using a homemade mix of rubbing alcohol, water, and mild dish soap with no detergents like Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Dishwashing Liquid Dish Soap Refill, Cruelty-Free Formula, Basil Scent, 48 oz is the best for a small infestation. If you have a significant infestation, then a systemic pesticide may be the only option if you want to save the plants but is only recommended as an absolute last resort. Using something like Bonide (BND951) - Systemic House Plant Insect Control, 0.22% Imidacloprid Insecticide (8 oz.), white may be a good option.

How To Recognize Mealybugs

Mealybugs are usually pretty easy to spot because of their fluffy white cotton-like appearance. Females can lay 100 eggs per sac that look like blobs of cotton. Your plant may have yellowing leaves and a white sticky substance all over. Mealybugs have a white oval segmented body. Mealybug infestations usually start when introducing a new pant to your home, so be sure to quarantine new plants away from others to ensure there are no bugs.

How To Treat Mealy Bugs

After isolating the affected plant, quickly taking action is vital. Using Neem oil or Sevin Insect Killer is a great and quick way to remedy the situation. Keep an eye on the plant and surrounding plants for the next few days to be sure you have gotten them all.

I hope you never personally have to deal with any of these pests, but quick action and isolation are essential. Make sure to get on a schedule of checking your plants for problems or even treating them with a safe garden product regularly as a preventative.