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August 19, 2020Pests

How to Remove Bugs on Houseplants

Bugs can be such a nuisance when it comes to any plants, but especially houseplants! We spend the money (or grow them ourselves), pot them and repot them, make sure they have the proper amount of sun and water, only to find that bugs are taking over – how dare they?! But don’t worry – here are our favorite tips to remove bugs on houseplants.

How to spot bugs on houseplants:

• Yellowed leaves
• Wilted plants
• Stunted growth

How to get rid of bugs on houseplants: 

• Always inspect new plants before adding them to your home. Whether you buy them or bring them in from outside, there’s always a chance that they could be carrying bugs. Do a quick check underneath leaves and where leaves meet the stems for any clusters of spots which could actually be mites or aphids. Even comb your fingers through the soil to check for tiny fungus gnats. 
• Avoid overwatering. This is a great tip to keep your plant alive anyway, but an excess of moisture is one of the main things that can attract insects. Wait to water your plant until the soil feels dry to the touch. 
• Spray soap and water on your plants if you find bugs. Mix 1 quart of water and 4 teaspoons of mild dish detergent in a spray bottle, and spray each plant to help dehydrate most of the bugs that plague our houseplants. 
• Try a sticky trap. These traps work great for catching bugs that like to frequent houseplants, and you can buy a 12 pack for less than $10! Stick these in the soil of your plants and watch the bugs add up. Fair warning: you may be slightly disgusted by the amount of bugs that were in your home! 

Have a bigger bug problem? We’ve got you covered! Check out our services here or contact us here.