Bugs in Plants: 10 Natural Ways to Kill These Pests
Last Updated On: June 22, 2023
Bugs in your plants can be a major nuisance. These pests can destroy leaves, stems, and flowers, and can cause plants to wither and die. However, there are many natural ways to kill these bugs without using chemicals.
In this blog post, we will discuss ten of the best methods for getting rid of bugs in your plants. Read on to learn more!
As any gardener knows, bugs can be a big problem for plants. Not only do they eat the leaves and flowers, but they can also transmit diseases that can kill the plant. But what exactly are plant pests?
Household bugs are actually a type of insect that feeds on the plant tissue. They can be either chewing or sucking insects, and they typically range in size from very small (less than 1mm) to quite large (up to 1cm). Here are some common examples of bugs in plant:
Aphids
If you’ve ever had a houseplant, you’ve probably dealt with bugs at some point. Those little critters just love munching on tender leaves! Aphids are one the most common houseplant pests you can encounter.
They range in color from green to black, and they typically congregate in large groups on new growth. Aphids can do a lot of damage to a plant, and they also produce a substance that is sticky known as honeydew.
This honeydew can attract other pests, like ants, and it can also promote the growth of sooty mold. If you suspect that your plant has aphids, you can try spraying them with water or using an insecticidal soap. For severe infestations, you may need to consult a professional.
Mealy Bugs
Mealybugs are one of the most common houseplant pests that you’ll find in your plants. These small, white insects are often found in groups on stems and leaves, and they excrete a sticky substance called honeydew.
They love to suck plant sap. If you take care of succulents and other houseplants, you must have already encountered these pesky pests. They get into the plant’s soil and if left uncheck can easily cause heavily infested parts.
Mealybugs can cause serious damage to your plants, as they feed on the plant’s sap. This can lead to yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and even death. Mealybugs are especially difficult to control because they reproduce quickly and often hide in hard-to-reach places.
You can get rid of mealy bugs using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Use the cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol on them and they will die instantly. These white bugs have a protective layer so do know about it.
When you begin to see these white bugs, act immediately. They reproduce fast and it can be hard to control mealybugs once their number has grown significantly. Even sturdy plants can die from a mealy bug infestation.
Spider Mites
There are a lot of different bugs that can infest your plants, and each one comes with its own set of problems. Spider mites are one of the most common houseplant pests that you can encounter.
These tiny pests are difficult to see with the naked eye, but they can do a lot of damage to your plants. They suck the fluids out of leaves, which can cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown.
They also produce a sticky substance called webbing, which can make the plant less attractive and disrupt the plant’s ability to photosynthesize. If you suspect that your plants have been invaded by spider mites, you should take action immediately.
There are a number of different chemicals that can be used to kill them, but you’ll need to be careful not to harm your plants in the process.
Thrips
Bugging out about bugs in your plants? Thrips might be the culprit. These bugs are tiny (about 1/25 inch long), but they can do some serious damage to your plants by eating their leaves and flowers.
Thrips are usually pale yellow, brown, or black and have two pairs of wings. Some species of thrips even change color depending on the temperature!
If you think you’ve got thrips in your plants, check for signs of damage like stippling (tiny dots) on the leaves or discoloration on the petals of flowers. You might also see thrips themselves if you take a close look at the plant with a magnifying glass.
To get rid of thrips, you can try using insecticidal soap or releasing beneficial insects like ladybugs into your garden. With a little vigilance, you can keep these pests from bugging out your beautiful plants!
Whiteflies
There are a variety of bugs that can infest your plants, and each type of bug brings with it different problems. Whiteflies, for example, are small bugs that feed on the sap of plants. This feeding can damage the plant and even kill it.
Whiteflies also produce a sticky substance that can attract other bugs and diseases to the plant. As a result, infested plants may experience stunted growth, discoloration, and reduced yields.
To control whiteflies, it is important to inspect your plants regularly and remove any infested leaves or stems. You can also use traps or insecticides to reduce the population of whiteflies. By taking these steps, you can help to keep your plants healthy and free of pests.
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Fungus Gnats
Household bugs such as fruit flies, spider mites and fungus gnats are a common problem for gardeners. There are many different types of bugs that can infest your plants, and each type of bug requires a different treatment.
One type of bug that is particularly troublesome is the fungus gnat. Fungus gnats are small, winged insects that feed on the roots of plants.
This feeding can damage the plant and make it more susceptible to disease. In addition, the fungus gnats themselves can spread diseases to other plants. If you suspect that your plants have been infested with fungus gnats, it is important to take action immediately.
There are a number of different products that can be used to kill fungus gnats, and you should consult with a knowledgeable gardener or pest control expert to find the best solution for your particular situation.
Scale
There are all sorts of bugs that can infest your plants, from tiny little aphids to big, chunky scale insects. Scale bugs are particularly interesting, because they come in two forms: soft scale and hard scale.
Soft scale bugs tend to be small and round, while hard scale bugs are larger and more oval-shaped. Both types of scale bugs feed on plant sap, which can weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to disease.
Luckily, there are a few things you can do to get rid of scale bugs. One is to simply wipe them off with a damp cloth. This won’t work for hard scale, but it’s often effective for soft scale. You can also try spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
If all else fails, you may need to introduce some natural predators, like ladybugs or green lacewings.
Caterpillars
Apart from the aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies, and other small bugs that might infest your plants from time to time, caterpillars are one of the most common houseplant pests you might find on your plants.
Often the larvae of moths or butterflies, these voracious eaters can quickly strip a plant of its leaves, causing serious damage (or even death) in a short period of time.
While there are many different species of caterpillars, they all share some common features, including a segmented body and legs on each segment.
Caterpillars can range in size from less than an inch to several inches long, and they come in a variety of colors, including green, brown, black, and white. If you think you might have caterpillars on your plants, look for signs of leaf damage, such as holes or skeletonized leaves.
You might also see the caterpillars themselves crawling on the plant or on the ground nearby. If you do find caterpillars, there are a few different ways to get rid of them.
You can hand-pick them off your plants and drop them into a bucket of soapy water, or you can use Insecticidal soap. They will drown then die once you drop them in the soapy water. Insecticidal soap is good too! Have you already tried using insecticidal soap before?
Why Kill Bugs Naturally?
As any gardener knows, bugs can be a real problem for plants. They can damage leaves, steal nutrients, and spread disease. While it may be tempting to reach for a can of chemical bug spray, this is actually one of the worst things you can do for your plants.
Chemicals kill bugs indiscriminately, including the good bugs that help to control pest populations. In addition, chemicals can also harm beneficial insects, such as bees and ladybugs.
Natural methods are usually more effective in the long run. Bugs develop resistance to chemicals over time, making them less and less effective. Natural methods are often cheaper and easier to find.
Chemicals can also contaminate the soil and groundwater, causing long-term environmental damage. So next time you see a bug in your garden, think twice before reaching for the chemicals. There are plenty of safer and more effective ways to get rid of indoor plant pests.
10 Natural Ways to Kill Common Houseplant Pests
Houseplant pests can be very annoying and it can be very nerve racking suddenly seeing these common houseplant pests suck plant sap out of your beloved young plants.
Young or new plants can be the most vulnerable as their bodies are much softer and houseplant bugs can more easily feed on them. Houseplant bugs love plant roots and sucking plant sap from areas where they can better hide.
Besides using insecticidal soap, here are more other ways to protect your indoor plants and other plants:
Say Goodbye to Bugs – Kills a variety crawling insects including roaches, ants, fleas, silverfish, earwigs, bedbugs, and more
Attracts and Kills – Made from diatomaceous earth and selected baits, this powder causes insects to dehydrate and die within 48 hours after contact
Mechanical Killer – Unlike many traditional chemical insecticides, insects cannot build an immunity to diatomaceous earth
If you’re looking for a safe, natural way to kill indoor plant pests, diatomaceous earth is a great option. This powdery substance is made from the fossilized remains of tiny algae-like creatures called diatoms.
When applied to plant leaves, it works by puncturing the bugs’ exoskeletons and causing them to dehydrate and die. Diatomaceous earth is also effective against a wide range of other pests, including earwigs, slugs, and ants.
Plus, it’s safe for humans and pets, so you don’t have to worry about toxic chemicals harming your family or your plants.
Neem Oil
If you’re a gardener, you know that bugs and pests can be a real pain in the plants. Not only are they unsightly, but they can also cause serious damage to your crops. Fortunately, there are a number of natural ways to get rid of houseplant bugs.
One of the most effective is neem oil. Neem oil is extracted from the seeds of the neem tree, and it has been used for centuries in Indian Ayurvedic medicine.
It works by disrupting the life cycle of insects, and it can be used to control a wide variety of pests, including mites, aphids, and whiteflies. In addition, neem oil is non-toxic to humans and animals, making it a safe and environmentally-friendly option for pest control.
So if you are having problems with spider mites and other bugs that are infesting on your indoor plants, try and use neem oil. Moreover, neem oil is not hard to find and is not expensive.
Cinnamon
No one likes bugs in their plants. bugs can damage leaves, harm flowers, and even kill your plant! But don’t worry, there are some natural ways to get rid of houseplant bugs. One way is to use cinnamon.
Cinnamon is a natural bug repellent. Simply mix equal parts cinnamon and water, and spray it on your plant. The bugs will stay away! Cinnamon is also great to use in an indoor garden.
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If you want to control aphids, control mealybugs, fungus gnat and other flying bugs, you can use traps. There are a few different types of traps that can be used to target specific bugs. For example, yellow sticky traps are often used to trap aphids, whiteflies, and thrips.
Another option is to use a bait trap – this type of trap uses a pheromone lure to attract bugs. Bait traps can be purchased at most garden stores, or you can make your own by mixing 1 part molasses with 9 parts water.
Once again, simply place the trap near affected plants and wait for the bugs to be lured in. Whichever type of trap you choose, be sure to check it regularly and dispose of any bugs that have been caught.
Traps are especially good whether you plant outdoors or indoors. You can then hopefully control houseplant insect pests by using the right traps. With a little patience and effort, you can get rid of bugs in your plants naturally – without resorting to harmful chemicals.
Dish Soap
Yes, that’s right, dish soap. It turns out that dish soap is a great way to kill houseplant pests because it cuts through the bugs’ exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate and die. So if you’re looking for a natural way to get rid of houseplant pests, grab some dish soap and give it a try.
Dish soap is a great natural way to get rid of common houseplant pests. Just mix up a solution of 1 teaspoon of dish soap in 1 quart of water, and spray it on your plants. The dish soap will kill the bugs and the plant will be safe!
Plus, it’s a lot cheaper and safer than buying a pesticide. So next time you’ve got bugs in your plants, reach for the dish soap!
Vegetable Oil
If you’re looking for a natural way to kill common houseplant pests, vegetable oil is a great option. Vegetable oil is effective against a variety of common garden pests, including aphids, whiteflies, and mites.
To use it, simply mix one cup of vegetable oil with one tablespoon of dish soap and water. Then, apply the mixture to your plants using a spray bottle. The bugs will suffocate and die within a few minutes.
Just be sure to test the spray on a small area of your plant first, as it can cause leaf damage if used too liberally.
Pyrethrins
One of the most effective ways to kill bugs naturally is through using pyrethrins. These natural compounds are extracted from certain types of chrysanthemums and have been used for centuries to control pests.
Pyrethrins are deadly to most insects but relatively safe for mammals, making them an ideal choice for those looking for a more environmentally friendly solution.
Additionally, they break down quickly in sunlight, so they won’t linger in the environment and cause long-term damage. If you’re looking for a natural way to control bugs in your garden, pyrethrins are definitely worth considering.
Hot Pepper Spray
One effective method is to use a hot pepper spray. The capsaicin in hot peppers is a natural insecticide that will kill bugs on contact. Simply mix together equal parts water and hot pepper sauce, and then spray the mixture onto the affected plant.
For best results, apply the spray in the evening when bugs are most active. With regular applications, you’ll soon see a dramatic reduction in the bug population.
Beer
Is your garden or houseplant suffering from a bug infestation? If so, you may be wondering what the best way to get rid of those pesky bugs is. Luckily, there are a number of natural methods that can be effective in eliminating bugs from your plants.
One such method is using beer. Yes, that’s right – beer can help to kill common houseplant pests! The alcohol in beer is toxic to many types of insects, and bugs are attracted to the sweet smell of beer.
To use this method, simply pour some beer into a bowl and set it near the affected plant. The bugs will be drawn to the bowl and will eventually drown in the beer.
Just be sure to empty the bowl and dispose of the bugs regularly, otherwise you may end up with an even bigger problem on your hands!
Beneficial Insects
We all know that bugs can wreak havoc on our plants. But did you know that there are actually some bugs that can be beneficial to plants? These bugs are known as beneficial insects, and they help to kill pests that damage plants. Here are some of the most popular beneficial insects:
Ladybugs: Ladybugs are one of the most effective predators of aphids, mites, and other small insects. They are also relatively easy to attract to your garden, as they are attracted to flowers.
Hoverflies: Hoverflies look like small bees or wasps, but they actually don’t have a stinger. They are great at controlling aphids and other soft-bodied pests. You can attract them to your garden by planting nectar-rich flowers.
Green Lacewings: Green lacewings are voracious predators of aphids, mites, and other small insects. They are also attracted to nectar-rich flowers. You can purchase green lacewings online or at your local garden center.
Beneficial nematodes: Beneficial nematodes are tiny worms that infect and kill pests like grubs and Japanese beetles. You can purchase them online or at your local garden center.
There are many other beneficial insects that can help control pests in your garden.
If you want to take better care of your outdoor and indoor plants, what you have to practice is preventive care of your outdoor and indoor plants. Indoor plants are as susceptible as other plants outdoors once spider mites and other pests get in.
If you are an indoor gardener, you probably can’t spray pesticides especially if you have pets. There are many ways on how you can protect your plant pots and plants from tiny flies and plant bugs.
As you plant regularly, remember this tips so your indoor plant will be safe from pests:
Inspect New Plants
If you want to avoid having houseplant pests such as fungus gnats, spider mites and even fruit flies, one of the best ways to go about this is to inspect new houseplants. Not all greenhouse are free of infested plant.
Before making your newly bought jade plant inside, make sure that there are no adult fungus gnats, scale insects, spider mites and other plant pests that can lay eggs and create a sudden heavy plant pest infestation. Also check for plant damage.
These soft bodied insects can be very fast reproducers and before you know it, your garden can be heavily infected with scale insects, fungus gnats, spider mites, white bugs and other tiny bugs.
Check the potting soil surface, the entire plant and use a fresh potting soil or better yet, a sterile potting soil. Different plants can bring in different types of pests and flying bug. When you have a new plant, check lower leaf surfaces and other areas that may be hiding pests.
Start with Clean Potting Soil
houseplant pests can be a major problem for gardeners. Not only are they unsightly, but they can also damage plant life and make it difficult for new seedlings to take root. One way to help prevent houseplant pests is to start with clean potting soil.
This will help to reduce the possibility of bugs infesting your plants from the start. Be sure to disinfect any tools or equipment that you use in your garden, as well. Bugs can easily hitch a ride on these items and be transferred to your plants.
Young plants are especially vulnerable to plant bugs. If you want to prevent plant bugs from harming your believe houseplants, use sterile houseplants soil.
As for old potting soil, it’s better to not reuse them as microscopic bugs and other common pests may have already been in them. Especially when the old soil was used by a plant that died.
The soil may have fungus gnat eggs or eggs of any closely related pests. Whether it’s your very first plant or a new plant, always start with clean houseplant soil.
By taking these preventive measures, you can help reduce the risk of common houseplant pests and enjoy a beautiful, healthy garden all season long.
Regular Check for Pests & Disease
If you notice any bugs, be sure to remove them immediately. You can also try using natural pest control methods, such as introducing predators or growing plants that bugs don’t like. By taking preventive measures, you can help keep your plants healthy and free of pests.
Check all parts of your outdoor and indoor plant. Check the flower buds, soil and the leaves for any signs of infection or disease.
If you use fertilizer, remember that larvae feed on what the fertilizer may be made of. If you see that there are bugs in the soil, get rid of them. You can use insecticidal soap or any other natural means that we shared with you or throw away the soil altogether.
Isolate Infested Plant
If you’ve ever had bugs in your plants, you know how frustrating it can be. Not only are they ugly, but they can also do a lot of damage to your plants. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to prevent bugs from infesting your plants in the first place.
Perhaps the most important thing is to isolate any infested plants from the rest of your plants. This will help to prevent the bugs from spreading. In addition, you should also inspect your plants regularly for signs of bugs.
If you see any, be sure to remove them promptly. By taking some simple precautions, you can help to keep your plants bug-free.
Control Weeds
As any gardener knows, bugs can wreak havoc on plants. Not only can they damage leaves and stems, but they can also spread disease. Fortunately, there are a few simple preventive measures that gardeners can take to help keep bugs at bay.
One of the most important things that gardeners can do is to control weeds. Weeds provide a perfect hiding place for bugs, and they can also compete with plants for water and nutrients.
By keeping weeds under control, gardeners can make it harder for bugs to get established in the garden. Additionally, gardeners should always be on the lookout for bugs and should take action as soon as they see any signs of infestation.
By taking preventive measures, gardeners can help keep their plants healthy and bug-free.
Got Plant Bugs? Apply These Tips Today!
Got indoor plants that are beginning to be infected by plant pests? Besides using insecticidal soap, you now know how to protect an entire plant and new plants from houseplant bugs. Remember that it pays to do preventive care so you don’t get bugs in the first place.
When you have a new plant, inspect it and get rid of pests. Use a sterile horticultural oil for the new plant to ensure you thoroughly get rid of any more pests that may be hiding in the soil.
If you have plant bugs, apply what we shared with you today!
