How to Get Rid of Bugs on Plants Naturally

Many bugs, such as aphids, eat and damage plants.

Harsh chemical pesticides often leach into the groundwater and pollute it, according to Ohio State University. Therefore, many gardeners nowadays are starting to choose to get rid of bugs on plants naturally. People do not want to pollute groundwater, and some also find it scary to spray potentially toxic chemicals on home gardens, especially food crops. Gardeners can get rid of bugs on plants naturally somewhat easily with a little effort and a few simple supplies.

Things You'll Need

• Water Cloth Gentle natural soap Clippers Ladybugs Bird Feeders Natural horticultural oil Shallow pan Beer

Instructions

1. Wash away bugs by spraying outdoor plants with a stream of water from the hose or by using a cloth and gentle soap on indoor plants, as recommended by the University of Minnesota.

2. Pick off large persistent bugs, like caterpillars, by hand.

3. Prune off the parts of the plants with the worst pest infections to help keep the bugs from spreading to the rest of the plant, as recommended by the University of Minnesota.

4. Introduce a natural predator to the harmful bugs. The National Gardening Association suggests releasing ladybugs into the garden, because they eat aphids and do not damage plants. If larger bugs are a problem, try to attract bug-eating birds into the garden with bird feeders.

5. Spray or rub a natural horticultural oil onto the plants. According to the National Gardening Association, horticultural oils work by smothering small insects. Most horticultural oils come from crude oil, but vegetable-based horticultural oils also exist.

6. Trap slugs and snails by filling a shallow pan with beer and placing it near plants. The National Gardening Association explains that beer attracts slugs. Beer lures them into the pan, where they drown.

Tips & Warnings

• Prevent bug problems in the first place by using sterile potting soil for new potted plants and by buying only plants that show no signs of bug damage.

References

• Ohio State University: Pesticides and Groundwater Contamination
• University of Minnesota Extension: Houseplant Insect Control
• National Gardening Association: Eco-Smart Aphid Control
• National Gardening Association: Horticultural Oil
• National Gardening Association: Snails and Slugs