By 
Houseplants have become a staple in modern home décor, as their popularity has surged in recent years. These green friends not only enhance our home decor but also help clean the air and boost our mood. From low-maintenance succulents to showstopping fiddle-leaf figs, indoor plants have earned a place in millions of homes.
But these beloved green friends often harbor unwelcome guests. Hidden pests can, well, take up residence in plants without you even realizing it, damaging your greenery before you even realize they are there. Knowing how and why these pests are drawn to your houseplants is important for protecting your indoor garden.
Furthermore, seek professional help from Saela Pest Control services to keep your plants pest-free forever!
Common Hidden Pests in Houseplants
Fungus Gnats
Little winged insects that circle in the vicinity of plants. Their larvae live in soil and consume organic matter and plant roots.
Scale Insects
Stationary pests with hard shells that adhere to stalks and foliage. They’re often confused with bumps or growth on the plant.
Aphids
Small, soft-bodied insects that settle in groups on new growth. They feed on different parts of plants and secrete honeydew, the excess of plant sap that, when covered in a growing sooty mold, calls attention to the presence of an infestation.
Spider Mites
Small spider-like creatures that spin fine webs on plants. They love it dry and eat sap from plants, causing speckled discoloration on the leaves.
Mealybugs
White, cottony bugs that congregate at leaf joints and undersides. They feed on the plant sap and excrete honeydew.
Signs of Infestation in Houseplants
Look for unexplained wilting despite proper watering, stunted or deformed new leaves, and yellow leaves that fall at a surprising rate. Even when well cared for, plants can exhibit stunted growth.
Additionally, spot small flying critters around plants when agitated and small holes in leaves or stems or soil, which dries out quicker than usual. A faint, sweet, or musty odor can also signal pest issues.
Lastly, watch for odd spots or discoloration on leaves, a sticky residue on or near the plants, or webbing between stems and leaves. White cottony masses, tiny moving dots, or brown bumps on stems all indicate pests.
Reasons Houseplants Attract Hidden Pests
- Some plants intrinsically attract certain pests. Varieties with soft leaves tend to attract sap-sucking insects, and dense foliage makes for good shelter when it comes to pests.
- Overwatering creates damp conditions favored by fungus gnats. Underwater stressed plants, on the other hand, are attacked by pests.
- A new crop of plants might bring along a hitchhiking pest into your home. There will be some eggs and larvae of various pests if you use outdoor soil for houseplants.
- Warm, dry air is ideal for spider mites and other pests. Pest populations can establish and thrive undisturbed in stagnant air with poor circulation.
Solutions to Manage and Prevent Pest Infestations
Environmental Modifications
Provide humidity to help keep spider mites away. Use fans or proper spacing to improve air circulation around plants and make them less hospitable to pests.
Regular Monitoring
To catch problems early, establish a routine inspection on a weekly basis. You can also use sticky traps placed near plants to monitor populations of flying insects before they cause problems.
Cultural Controls
Quarantine new plants properly. Modify watering and other practices to not set up for pest populations and dispose of dead plant material promptly.
Natural Remedies
You could even introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs to eliminate them. Mix up some neem oil sprays or insecticidal soap sprays to treat the affected plants without chemicals.
How Pest Control Service Can Help?
Professional pest control services have specialized and targeted knowledge in identifying and treating houseplant pest issues. They are able to use integrated pest management techniques that are most appropriate to your situation without risking your plants or family.
These professionals offer commercial-grade treatments, which can be more effective than store-bought products. They can educate you on how to prevent future infestations by maintaining healthy plants and taking early action if you spot a pest problem. Best of all, pest control professionals know the lifecycle of common pests, so they can target treatments when those pests are most vulnerable.
Comments