How to Get Rid of Bugs on Houseplants Naturally: A Complete Guide

Having houseplants is a great way to add life and greenery to your home But unfortunately, bugs and pests can be an annoying downside Spider mites, aphids, fungus gnats, and mealybugs are some of the most common houseplant pests. When they infest the soil, leaves, or stems, they damage your plants and diminish their health and appearance.

Luckily, there are many effective natural remedies to get rid of houseplant bugs without using harsh chemicals. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to keep pests away and have thriving houseplants.

Identifying Common Houseplant Bugs

To start, you need to learn how to spot the bugs that are hurting your plants. Knowing what kind of pest it is will help you get rid of it in the best way. Here are some of the most common houseplant bugs:

• Aphids are tiny bugs with soft bodies that can be green, black, yellow, or white. They feed on plant sap and leave sticky residue.

• Mealybugs are white, soft bugs that are about 1/8 inch long and eat sap. They leave sticky honeydew on plants.

• Spider mites are very small bugs that are red or black and hard to see. They form webs and leave stippling damage on leaves.

• Fungus Gnats – Tiny black flying insects and larvae in soil that feed on plant roots and leaves

• Thrips – Slender yellow or black bugs under 1/4 inch long that feed on leaves and buds.

• Scale – Immobile brown bumps that attach to stems and leaves to feed on sap.

12 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Houseplant Bugs

Once you’ve identified the type of bugs on your houseplants, it’s time to get rid of them. Here are 12 effective natural remedies:

1. Neem Oil

Neem oil is extracted from the neem tree and contains azadirachtin that insects find repulsive. It’s safe for people, pets, and plants and helps control a wide variety of common houseplant pests like aphids, whiteflies, and fungus gnats.

Mix 1-2 teaspoons of neem oil with 1 quart of water in a spray bottle. Then spray all areas of the plant, including the stems, undersides of leaves, and topsoil. For best results, apply weekly for a few weeks.

2. Insecticidal Soap

Insecticidal soap is a natural control made with potassium salts of fatty acids that disrupts bugs’ cell membranes. It’s effective against soft-bodied insects like aphids, whiteflies, thrips, and spider mites.

Use 1-2 tablespoons of insecticidal soap per quart of water and spray plants, making sure to coat stems, undersides of leaves, and soil. Apply every 5-7 days until pests are gone.

3. Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a powder made from crushed fossils of diatoms, a type of algae. The sharp particles dehydrate and kill soft-bodied insects like aphids and thrips.

Dust a thin layer of food-grade DE on the topsoil of potted plants. Reapply after watering. You can also mix 1 teaspoon per gallon of water and spray plants.

4. Rubbing Alcohol

For mealybugs and scale, use a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol to rub them off stems and leaves. Be careful not to damage plants and avoid getting alcohol in the soil.

5. Sticky Traps

Sticky traps like yellow cards or tape can help monitor and control houseplant pests like fungus gnats, whiteflies, aphids, and thrips. Traps attract bugs which then get stuck to the adhesive.

Place traps just above soil level or among affected leaves. Change them out weekly until populations decrease.

6. Prune Heavily Infested Parts

Remove any heavily infested leaves, stems, or branches with clean pruning shears or scissors. Discard them in a sealed bag. This helps get rid of bugs and prevent them spreading.

7. Repot in Fresh Soil

If pests like fungus gnats are in the soil, repot the plant in fresh sterile potting mix. Rinse the roots first to dislodge larvae. This gives you a clean start without bugs in the soil.

8. Change Watering Practices

Fungus gnats and other pests thrive in damp conditions. Allow soil to dry out more between waterings to discourage them. Wait until the top few inches are dry before watering again.

9. Use Hydrogen Peroxide

A mild 3% hydrogen peroxide solution can help control fungus gnat larvae in soil. Mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 4 parts water and use it to water plants. Repeat every few weeks if needed.

10. Remove Weeds

Weeds around potted plants can shelter pests like aphids and mealybugs. Remove any weeds growing in or around pots. This eliminates hiding places and food sources for bugs.

11. Use a Fan

Run a small fan near infested plants to keep air circulating. This disrupts flying pests like fungus gnats and whiteflies so they’re less likely to take hold.

12. Introduce Beneficial Insects

Release beneficial predators like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps to feed on and control pests. They occur naturally outdoors and you can buy them from garden stores. Follow package instructions.

Prevent Houseplant Bugs

Prevention is the first line of defense against houseplant pests. Here are some tips:

• Quarantine new plants away from others for a few weeks to check for bugs.

• Disinfect pots before reusing to kill eggs and larvae.

• Allow soil to dry adequately between waterings.

• Provide adequate sunlight and avoid overcrowding plants.

• Remove and discard heavily infested plants.

• Clean plants regularly by spraying water or insecticidal soap.

• Avoid bringing outdoor plants inside without checking for pests first.

When to Call a Professional

For severe houseplant bug infestations that don’t respond to natural remedies, contacting a pest control professional may be warranted. They have access to stronger treatments that can eliminate large-scale infestations. Fumigation or heat treatments are sometimes used for bugs in soil.

The Bottom Line

Bugs don’t have to spell doom for your houseplants. With vigilance and using these natural tips, you can control most indoor plant pests without harming your plants or health. Sticking to gentle but effective remedies like horticultural oils, insecticidal soap, and beneficial insects will get rid of bugs and keep your houseplants thriving.