Inspect houseplants for spider mites, scale, mealybugs, etc. The plants inside your home are a tropical paradise to certain bugs and insects. Give them a good inspection – changes in leaf color or texture can indicate the presence of insects. Also look for any very fine webbing under the leaves or between the leaves and stem. This is an indication of spider mites which – if not unaddressed – will completely kill your plant! Also check for shininess or stickiness on the leaves – this indicates the presence of scale bugs. When they stick the plant, it causes the sap to leak out which leaves a sticky residue. Houseplant insects tend to reproduce very quickly so if you see any sign of their presence, act quickly!
For prevention, remember that a healthy plant is the best deterrent for insects. Inspect the plant closely each time you water. You should clean the leaves regularly since dust is a great hiding place for insects or eggs. Dust also blocks out sunlight which reduces photosynthesis, which in turn will make your plant grow slower. Wipe the leaves with a damp sponge or spray the plants with water. Using a feather duster only spreads the problem around!
For treating any insects that you find on your houseplants, Evergreen of Johnson City of course has some great products to safely rid them of bugs!
Bonide Mite-X is for best spider mites – easy to use, super safe, comes ready to just squirt on!
Safer Insecticidal Soap is also simple to use and completely safe for houseplant insect control.
With Bonide Systemic Houseplant Insect Control, you just sprinkle them on soil and then water them in.
Keeping your houseplants pest free ensures for them a long & healthy life!
