{"id":28802,"date":"2021-01-11T09:00:14","date_gmt":"2021-01-11T15:00:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/b48db82f22.nxcli.net\/?p=28802"},"modified":"2025-02-19T09:13:30","modified_gmt":"2025-02-19T15:13:30","slug":"get-rid-of-bugs-indoor-plants","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/get-rid-of-bugs-indoor-plants\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Get Rid of Bugs on Indoor Plants"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.23.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

Sometimes even the word <\/span>pest<\/span><\/i> is enough to disturb the zen of our <\/span>indoor garden<\/span><\/a>. It\u2019s easier to tolerate them outside (after all, bugs are part of the landscape), but when they invade the comfort of our own living room\u2014that thought alone can keep us up at night. Fortunately, it\u2019s often easy to manage pests on indoor plants with little more than some water, a cotton swab, and a soap solution. Here\u2019s a guide to get rid of bugs you may encounter:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Often, successful treatment is as simple as washing away the insects with water or dislodging them with a cotton swab.
<\/span><\/em><\/h3>\n<\/blockquote>\n

 <\/p>\n

Aphids<\/h2>\n


These are the tiny pear-shaped insects that you\u2019ve probably seen outside in the vegetable plot. They can find their way onto indoor plants, too, and like to cluster around new leaves and flower buds. They suck the sap from the plant and excrete a sticky substance called honeydew.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to get rid of aphids on houseplants<\/h3>\n

Remove any heavily infested parts of the plant. Wipe off insects elsewhere with a damp rag or spray them off with water in the bathtub. You can also dislodge them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or vegetable oil, or spray them with insecticidal soap. Keep removing them weekly until they\u2019re gone.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"platt-hill-indoor-plant-pests-fungas-gnats\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Fungus Gnats<\/h2>\n


They are small, dark-bodied flies that resemble fruit flies. They lay eggs in the top layers of soil and feed on decaying plant material. In their larval stage, they also feed on your plant\u2019s roots. As an adult fly, they are harmless to you and the plant but can become a nuisance as they buzz around your room.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to get rid of fungus gnats on houseplants<\/span><\/h3>\n

Dry out their habitat by letting the top two inches of soil desiccate completely in between waterings. Water your plant from the saucer and remove the water after an hour or so. Spray the soil lightly with insecticidal soap if you spot a resurgence.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mealybugs<\/h2>\n


They are slow-moving bugs about the size of a dill seed that look like they\u2019re covered in flour. Their eggs look like tufts of cotton and form on leaves and stems. Like an aphid, they suck the sap out of your hottest houseplants and secrete honeydew that attracts a sooty black fungus.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to get rid of mealybugs on houseplants<\/h3>\n

Dip a cotton swab in vegetable oil or rubbing alcohol and remove the bugs and eggs from your plant.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"platt-hill-indoor-plant-pests-scale-insects-on-leaf\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Scale<\/h2>\n


Another sap-sucker, these bugs appear as tan or brown oval bumps on leaves or stems. Sometimes they look like part of the plant itself. If it\u2019s indeed a scale bug, you should be able to scrape it off.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to get rid of scale on plants<\/h3>\n

A cotton swab comes to the rescue here once again. Dip it in vegetable oil or rubbing alcohol and remove the bugs from the plant. The eggs are invisible to the human eye, so observe the plant closely for the following weeks and remove other scale bugs that you see. For bad infestations, neem oil<\/a> or insecticidal soap may be necessary.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"platt-hill-indoor-plant-pests-spider-mites-webs\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Spider Mites<\/h2>\n


These tiny red spiders are nearly invisible to the naked eye but leave telltale webs between leaves and stems. They also feed on plants\u2019 sap. Infected leaves may show tiny dots of yellow or become dry and limp while remaining green.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to get rid of spider mites on indoor plants<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s important to isolate the infected plant so the mites don\u2019t spread. You can spray the plant with water in your bathtub to remove the webbing and mites. Wipe away any remaining bugs with a cloth. Repeat the process every few days until the infestation disappears. If they persist, you may opt to use an insecticidal soap.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Springtails<\/h2>\n


The presence of these tiny jumping insects is often a sign of overwatering. They inhabit the soil, feeding on decaying plant matter, and do not actually harm the plant or us. However, they can become a nuisance in large numbers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to get rid of springtails<\/h3>\n

Let the top two inches of soil dry out completely in between waterings, and water from the saucer, removing the water after about one hour. Clean any dead plant material off the soil surface. \u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"platt-hill-indoor-plant-pests-spraying-houseplant-leaf\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

<\/b>Whiteflies<\/h2>\n


They look more like tiny white moths than flies. They often hang out on the underside of leaves and fly up when you touch or water the plant. They suck sap from the plant in their nymph stage and then lay more eggs on the underside of leaves when they turn into adults. Infected leaves may become yellow or stunted.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to get rid of whiteflies<\/h3>\n

Isolate your infected plant away from other houseplants. Remove infested leaves, and spray them off the plant with water before spraying with insecticidal soap. Repeat the process once per week until they disappear.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"platt-hill-indoor-plant-pests-woman-caring-for-houseplant\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

To avoid bugs spreading in the first place, make a habit of looking for pests when you water your indoor plants.<\/span> If you discover any, it\u2019s always important to quarantine the plant away from the other indoor plants, if possible, while treating the infection.<\/span> Often, successful treatment is as simple as washing away the insects with water or dislodging them with a cotton swab. <\/span>The key is to be persistent and quell their numbers before they multiply. As a last resort, you always have the option to use an insecticidal spray.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For more houseplant tips, check out our Advanced Houseplant Care blog<\/a>, and feel free to visit our <\/span>garden centers<\/span><\/a> in Carpentersville and Bloomingdale. Our houseplant gurus are happy to answer questions about how to get rid of insects on houseplants or any other houseplant questions you have.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Platt Hill Nursery is Chicago\u2019s premier garden center and nursery.<\/em><\/p>\n

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Read and Learn More About Pests<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"platt-hill-houseplant-pest-control-subscribe-button\"<\/a><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Whenever we enjoy the beauty of indoor plants, we also have to deal with the risk of houseplant pests. Here\u2019s how to get rid of any bug you find! <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":348,"featured_media":28807,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"Sometimes even the word <\/span>pest<\/span><\/i> is enough to disturb the zen of our <\/span>indoor garden<\/span><\/a>. It\u2019s easier to tolerate them outside (after all, bugs are part of the landscape), but when they invade the comfort of our own living room\u2014that thought alone can keep us up at night. Fortunately, it\u2019s often easy to manage pests on indoor plants with little more than some water, a cotton swab, and a soap solution. Here\u2019s a guide to get rid of bugs you may encounter:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

\r\n

Often, successful treatment is as simple as washing away the insects with water or dislodging them with a cotton swab.\r\n<\/span><\/em><\/h3>\r\n<\/blockquote>\r\n\u00a0\r\n

Aphids<\/h2>\r\n\r\nThese are the tiny pear-shaped insects that you\u2019ve probably seen outside in the vegetable plot. They can find their way onto indoor plants, too, and like to cluster around new leaves and flower buds. They suck the sap from the plant and excrete a sticky substance called honeydew.<\/span>\r\n\r\nHow to get rid of these bugs:<\/b> Remove any heavily infested parts of the plant. Wipe off insects elsewhere with a damp rag or spray them off with water in the bathtub. You can also dislodge them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or vegetable oil, or spray them with insecticidal soap. Keep removing them weekly until they\u2019re gone.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\"platt-hill-indoor-plant-pests-fungas-gnats\"\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n

Fungus Gnats<\/h2>\r\n\r\nThey are small, dark-bodied flies that resemble fruit flies. They lay eggs in the top layers of soil and feed on decaying plant material. In their larval stage, they also feed on your plant\u2019s roots. As an adult fly, they are harmless to you and the plant but can become a nuisance as they buzz around your room.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nHow to get rid of these bugs:<\/b> Dry out their habitat by letting the top two inches of soil desiccate completely in between waterings. Water your plant from the saucer and remove the water after an hour or so. Spray the soil lightly with insecticidal soap if you spot a resurgence.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n

Mealybugs<\/h2>\r\n\r\nThey are slow-moving bugs about the size of a dill seed that look like they\u2019re covered in flour. Their eggs look like tufts of cotton and form on leaves and stems. Like an aphid, they suck the sap out of your hottest houseplants and secrete honeydew that attracts a sooty black fungus.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nHow to get rid of these bugs: <\/b>Dip a cotton swab in vegetable oil or rubbing alcohol and remove the bugs and eggs from your plant.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\"platt-hill-indoor-plant-pests-scale-insects-on-leaf\"\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n

Scale<\/h2>\r\n\r\nAnother sap-sucker, these bugs appear as tan or brown oval bumps on leaves or stems. Sometimes they look like part of the plant itself. If it\u2019s indeed a scale bug, you should be able to scrape it off.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nHow to get rid of these bugs:<\/b> A cotton swab comes to the rescue here once again. Dip it in vegetable oil or rubbing alcohol and remove the bugs from the plant. The eggs are invisible to the human eye, so observe the plant closely for the following weeks and remove other scale bugs that you see. For bad infestations, neem oil<\/a> or insecticidal soap may be necessary.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\"platt-hill-indoor-plant-pests-spider-mites-webs\"\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n

Spider Mites<\/h2>\r\n\r\nThese tiny red spiders are nearly invisible to the naked eye but leave telltale webs between leaves and stems. They also feed on plants\u2019 sap. Infected leaves may show tiny dots of yellow or become dry and limp while remaining green.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nHow to get rid of these bugs: <\/b>it\u2019s important to isolate the infected plant so the mites don\u2019t spread. You can spray the plant with water in your bathtub to remove the webbing and mites. Wipe away any remaining bugs with a cloth. Repeat the process every few days until the infestation disappears. If they persist, you may opt to use an insecticidal soap.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n

Springtails<\/h2>\r\n\r\nThe presence of these tiny jumping insects is often a sign of overwatering. They inhabit the soil, feeding on decaying plant matter, and do not actually harm the plant or us. However, they can become a nuisance in large numbers.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nHow to get rid of these bugs: <\/b>let the top two inches of soil dry out completely in between waterings, and water from the saucer, removing the water after about one hour. Clean any dead plant material off the soil surface. \u00a0 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\"platt-hill-indoor-plant-pests-spraying-houseplant-leaf\"\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n

<\/b>Whiteflies<\/h2>\r\n\r\nThey look more like tiny white moths than flies. They often hang out on the underside of leaves and fly up when you touch or water the plant. They suck sap from the plant in their nymph stage and then lay more eggs on the underside of leaves when they turn into adults. Infected leaves may become yellow or stunted.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nHow to get rid of these bugs:<\/b> isolate your infected plant away from other houseplants. Remove infested leaves, and spray them off the plant with water before spraying with insecticidal soap. Repeat the process once per week until they disappear.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\"platt-hill-indoor-plant-pests-woman-caring-for-houseplant\"\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\nTo avoid bugs spreading in the first place, make a habit of looking for pests when you water your indoor plants.<\/span> If you discover any, it\u2019s always important to quarantine the plant away from the other indoor plants, if possible, while treating the infection.<\/span> Often, successful treatment is as simple as washing away the insects with water or dislodging them with a cotton swab. <\/span>The key is to be persistent and quell their numbers before they multiply. As a last resort, you always have the option to use an insecticidal spray.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nFor more houseplant tips, check out our Advanced Houseplant Care blog<\/a>, and feel free to visit our <\/span>garden centers<\/span><\/a> in Carpentersville and Bloomingdale. Don\u2019t forget to download our <\/span>Winter Garden Guide<\/span><\/a> to explore all of your indoor gardening opportunities this season!\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nPlatt Hill Nursery is Chicago\u2019s premier garden center and nursery.<\/em>\r\n\r\nADDITIONAL INFORMATION:\r\nRead and Learn More About Pests<\/a>\r\n\r\n\u00a0\r\n\r\n\"platt-hill-houseplant-pest-control-subscribe-button\"<\/a>","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[971,102],"tags":[113,108,109,795,494,683,225,154,121,525,112,940,492,382,114,153,380,384],"class_list":["post-28802","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-how-to","category-houseplants","tag-best-houseplants-in-illinois","tag-bloomingdale-garden-center","tag-carpentersville-garden-center","tag-chicago","tag-chicago-houseplants","tag-houseplant","tag-houseplant-care","tag-houseplants","tag-how-to-care-for-houseplants-illinois","tag-how-to-grow-houseplants","tag-illinois-houseplants","tag-indoor-plant-care","tag-indoor-plants","tag-plant-disease-and-pests","tag-platt-hill-nursery-illinois","tag-platt-hill-nursery-is-chicagos-premier-garden-center-and-nursery","tag-prevent-plant-pests","tag-prevent-plant-pests-illinois"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28802","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/348"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=28802"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28802\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/28807"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28802"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=28802"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/platthillnursery.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=28802"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}