How to Get Rid of Flying Bugs on Houseplants

Houseplants often house flying insects.

Although they are often perceived as a nuisance, insects are a vital part of nature’s grand design. They not only feed larger animals, but they also help pollinate flowers. Some types of insects even help control other species of insects. Despite the benefits insects can offer, their presence can be less than desirable when they move into your home and set up residence on a houseplant. To get rid of them, you could use a commercial pesticide, or you could make your own pesticide at home for less money--and avoid toxic chemicals.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Spray bottle
• Liquid dish detergent
• Essential oils
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Wine
• Glass
• Paper towel
• Rubber band
• Pencil
• Zip top bag

Instructions

Method One

1. Pour 1 quart of room temperature water into a spray bottle.

2. Add 1/4 tsp. liquid dish detergent. Be sure to use the detergent for your sink, not the kind for your dishwasher.

3. Replace the lid and swirl the bottle to combine. Avoid heavy agitation to keep bubbles from forming.

4. Spray your houseplants daily to kill the flying insects. If desired, you can use a drop or two of essential oils in the mixture to repel specific insects. For example, peppermint will deter beetles, flies, gnats, mosquitoes and moths.

Method Two

1. Pour 1 quart of room temperature water into a spray bottle.

2. Add 1/2 tbsp. of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide.

3. Replace the lid and shake to combine.

4. Spray the mixture directly on your houseplants. You can repeat the application every day to every other day.

Method Three

1. Pour 1 tbsp. of wine into a glass.

2. Cover the mouth of the glass with a paper towel. Secure the paper towel with a rubber band. Use the tip of a pencil to poke three or four holes in the paper towel.

3. Place the glass next to your houseplant. Insects will fly into the glass to get the wine, entering through the holes you made. They will not be able to find their way out.

4. Discard the liquid and the insects daily. If the insects still are alive, you can either pour the mixture into a zip top bag and discard them or you can dump the glass outside.

5. Refill the glass after discarding the contents and cover again with a paper towel that has holes punched in it.

Tips & Warnings

• Hydrogen peroxide can have a bleaching effect. Take care when using this spray to avoid getting the mixture onto clothing or furniture.

References

• Sustain Lane: How to Get Rid of Aphids and Other Garden Intruders Naturally
• Avian Web: Safe Alternatives for Weed Control and Pesticides