Many people enjoy bringing live plants inside their homes. Live indoor plants have been shown to boost moods, productivity, concentration, and creativity. They have also been shown to help clean indoor air by absorbing toxins, increasing humidity, and producing oxygen. Taking care of your plants can ultimately become therapeutic and reduce stress levels. While indoor plants bring overall happiness and other benefits, they can also bring the challenge of pests. By understanding pest behavior in indoor plants, you can better know how to treat these unwanted guests and keep you and your plants safe inside your home.
Common Indoor Plant Pests
Bugs like aphids, spider mites, fungus gnats, and mealybugs are common indoor plant pests. These pests can cause potential damage to indoor plants as they commonly overtake the plant’s nutrients and grow in population. If you notice your plant has any of these bugs, it is important to follow these important steps.
1. Isolate Infested Plants
To prevent the infestation from spreading, it is important to isolate the affected plant immediately. Treat the plant with extra care and attention to help keep the pests controlled and maintained.
2. Regularly Spray and Treat
There are varying things you can do to prevent these bugs from spreading. The most common and effective way to get rid of indoor plant pests is to spray the plant with neem oil. Neem oil is a natural solution that works to disrupt the life cycle of insects. Neem oil also works as a natural deterrent, making treated plants less attractive to pests. It is important to spray the plant regularly and to pay special attention to the underside of your plant’s leaves.
3. Clean the Plant’s Leaves
Regular cleaning of your indoor plants can help keep pests away. Removing yellowing or dead leaves can help prevent pests from utilizing these areas as breeding grounds. It is also helpful to regularly wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove dust. This can help keep your plant’s leaves healthy and clean. If you notice an affected area with pests, it can be beneficial to wipe the pests away with a damp cloth. Most indoor plant pests wipe away easily. Thoroughly wipe all areas of the leaf, especially the stem where eggs and bugs may be hiding.
4. Inspect Your New Plant Thoroughly
When introducing a new plant into your home, it is essential to inspect the plant thoroughly before bringing it inside. Because pests are attracted to plants, it is common for pests to be hiding in leaves or the plant’s soil. It can also be helpful to quarantine your plant for a few weeks before placing it next to existing plants inside your home. This will help keep your older plants safe and protected from any unwanted pests that may have snuck inside your home.
5. Water Your Plant Correctly
Overwatering not only poses health concerns for your plant but also attracts pests. Pests prefer damp and humid areas. It can be advantageous to ensure that your indoor plants receive the correct amount of water without becoming waterlogged. Allow the soil to slightly dry out between waterings to prevent pests like fungus gnats which thrive in damp environments.
By following these tips, you can help keep your indoor plants protected and safe from any unwanted pests. You can create a healthier and more enjoyable living space with your indoor plants without having to worry about the nuisance of pests that oftentimes follow.
