How to Kill Bugs in Houseplants
Houseplants often acquire bugs when they are left outside or a new plant that is a carrier is introduced to the home. Aphids, scales, mealybugs, spider mites and whiteflies all pose a problem to houseplants. Always look at new plants closely before bringing them into the home to determine if they harbor any pests. If possible, quarantine a new houseplant away from the general houseplant population for up to three weeks to determine if it has any pests. If a houseplant suffers from a pest infestation, prompt treatment is necessary to reduce the risk of all the houseplants contracting the insects. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Rinse houseplants under a stream of water to remove pests. Use the shower or take the plant outside to hose it off and remove the pests.
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Pick large pests off the houseplant. Drop the bug into a pan of warm water mixed with two or three squirts of dish soap.
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Dip a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol, advises the University of Kentucky. Rub the leaves and stems of the houseplant to remove insects, especially aphids and mites.
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Prune away heavily infected foliage. Promptly discard the foliage to reduce the risk of other houseplants becoming infected.
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Hang yellow sticky traps beside houseplants to catch flying pests. The sticky yellow traps are available at most home improvement stores.
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Tips & Warnings
Read the label closely of any insecticide sprays to make sure they are safe to use on the specific houseplant with the insect problem. Many houseplants are sensitive to insecticidal sprays.
References
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