Checking for pests

Most houseplant pests are extremely difficult to spot as they are so small. Leaf damage is often the main sign that you have a pest hiding somewhere on your plants.  If you are concerned one of your plants has bugs on it move it away from any other plants to make sure they don't spread amongst your collection. 

Treatments will always depend on what pest you are dealing with. Natural pest control would always be the first recommendation to treat any infestation. 

  • Shower off your plants to try and physically remove as many bugs as possible. you can also use a cotton bud to remove any bugs. Rubbing alcohol on a cotton is one treatment I have read used on the removal of mealy bugs.
  • Diluted soap water can be used to spray or wipe down your plants.
  • Nematodes can be used for the specific pest you are dealing with. They come in a sachet which you mix with water and you water the affected plants. They are microscopic creatures which will eat the larvae in the soil. This is a very effective treatment.
  • Sticky traps for fungus gnats for instance are unsightly but often a common choice of control if you have a particularly bad gnat problem.
  • Neem oil is good for treatment of many different pests and also acts as a repellent. 

Common pests

Sciarad flies/fungus gnats 

These are an easy pest to spot! You will know if you have them as you will see them flying around your plants, or in your face! They are attracted to moist soil so I would advise leaving the plants soil to dry out a little more between waterings.

Spider mites 

Spider mites damage will appear as small yellow or brown spots and they will leave fine webs across your plants. They can also cause yellowing leaves but if caught and treated early their will be no major damage to your plant. 

Thrips

These are tiny winged insects that feed on the sap of plants. Unfortunately if you find thrips on your plants the problem is likely to be quite extensive. The females also lay their eggs in leaves, making them difficult to get rid of. The damage they case look like white and black spots. They can also spread diseases from plant to plant. 

Mealybugs

These are tiny white bugs, you will often see white fuzzy lumps on the leaves and stems.  They suck the sap out of your plants which can cause leaf drop and deformed growth. If left untreated they will eventually kill your plant. 

 

Preventative measures

  • Quarantine and repot new plants.
  • Only buy from trusted suppliers.
  • Use good quality houseplant soil from trusted companies. Never use outdoor compost.
  •  Frequently clean your plants. Whether that is showering or wiping down the leaves with diluted soapy water.
  • Regularly check your plants for signs of pest damage.
  • There are products such as Growth Technology Plant Invigorator that help growth but also helps to prevent pests.