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Spider mites and mealy bugs with prohibited symbols on them, and a picture of a woman enjoying a warm drink surrounded by healthy houseplants (in the center).

A Guide to Detecting and Defeating 4 Common Houseplant Pests

Houseplants bring life, color, and vitality to our indoor spaces, but they can also fall victim to a range of pests that can compromise their health and beauty. Recognizing these pests early on is crucial for maintaining the well-being of your beloved green companions. In this guide, we'll delve into the identification and management of four common houseplant pests: soil gnats, mealy bugs, scale insects, and spider mites.

Photo of soil/fungus gnat on a houseplant leaf and many stuck to a sticky trap.1. Soil Gnats

Soil gnats (aka fungus gnats), are often mistaken for fruit flies. They are tiny flying insects that hover around your plants and lay eggs in the soil. To identify them:

  • Look for small, black or gray flies swarming around your plants.
  • Check the soil's surface for small, white, thread-like larvae.
  • Water your plants only when the top inch of soil is dry to discourage gnats from laying eggs in damp soil.

Management:

  • Allow the soil to dry out between watering to deter egg-laying.
  • Place sticky traps near plants to capture adult gnats.
  • Use Bonide Systemic Houseplant Insect Control or Summit Mosquito Bits® to kill larvae and prevent infestations. 

Mealy bugs being removed from a plant with a Q-tip, and a closeup of mealy bugs on the stem of a plant.2. Mealy Bugs

Mealy bugs are notorious for their cotton-like, waxy appearance and their ability to quickly multiply. To identify them:

  • Look for white, cottony masses in leaf axils, on stems, and under leaves.
  • Inspect for tiny, oval-shaped insects crawling on your plant's surfaces.

Management:

  • Isolate infested plants to prevent the spread of pests.
  • Remove mealy bugs with Bonide Insecticidal Soap Multi Purpose Insect Control or Bonide Neem Oil.  Both products kill on contact and are more effective than removing them manually with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
  • Use Bonide Systemic Houseplant Insect Control as a preventative.

Brown scale insects on a leaf, and green scale insects on a leaf.3. Scale Insects

Scale insects are well-camouflaged pests that latch onto plants, often appearing as small bumps on stems and leaves. To identify them:

  • Look for round or oval-shaped bumps in various colors, including brown, white, or black.
  • Examine the undersides of leaves and along stems for these bumps.

Management:

  • Gently scrape off scale insects using a soft brush or your fingernail.
  • Apply Bonide Neem Oil or Bonide Insecticidal Soap Multi Purpose Insect Control to suffocate and kill the pests.
  • Prune heavily infested areas to prevent further spreading.
  • Maintain a healthy environment to help plants naturally resist infestations.
  • Apply Bonide Systemic Houseplant Insect Control to prevent future scale insects.

A web with many spider mites on a houseplant, and many spider mites on a plant with a magnifying glass to identify them.4. Spider Mites

Spider mites are minuscule arachnids that can cause extensive damage by sucking the sap from plant leaves. To identify them:

  • Look for fine webbing on plants, especially on the undersides of leaves.
  • Inspect leaves for yellow stippling or white specks.

Management:

  • Increase humidity to discourage spider mite activity.
  • Spray plants with a forceful stream of water to dislodge mites.
  • Apply Bonide Insecticidal Soap Multipurpose Insect Control or Bonide Neem Oil, focusing on the undersides of leaves. You can also use Bonide Mite X to kill spider mites on contact.
  • Use Bonide Systemic Houseplant Insect Control to prevent future spider mites.

By regularly inspecting your plants and employing pest control methods when needed, you can help ensure your houseplants thrive in a pest-free home!

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