Transforming your space with beautiful houseplants can provide a number of great benefits—but it can also bring the risk of unwanted insects and other pests if your plants aren't properly managed.

Fortunately, there are preventative measures you can take to protect your houseplants and keep your space bright, joyful, and clean!

Learn more about eight common pests that affect houseplants and how to avoid them.

1. Aphids

Aphids are small, common pests that can be found on a variety of plants. They suck the sap out of plants, weakening them and causing their leaves to discolor and growth to be stunted. Aphids are also transmitters of viruses that can harm plants.

Preventing Aphids

Insecticides aren’t entirely reliable when it comes to managing aphids. The best way to avoid this pest is by cleaning the leaves of your plant regularly and keeping the soil appropriately moist. If you have an infested area, spray high-pressure water on the affected area and—if necessary—use a plant-safe soap that will clean your plants without harming them.

2. Fungus Gnats

Fungus gnats are tiny bugs that are attracted to potted plants with wet soil. While adult fungus gnats are relatively harmless, females will lay their eggs in moist soil. The larvae will then feed off the organic matter in the soil—causing significant damage to the root systems of plants.

Preventing Fungus Gnats

One way to prevent fungus gnats from laying eggs in your houseplants is to make sure you’re not overwatering your plants or leaving excess moisture in the soil for long periods of time. You may also consider covering the top of the soil with ¼ inch sand, discouraging fungus gnats from laying their eggs in your houseplant. If you have adult fungus gnats in your home, insect glue traps are a proven method for capturing and disposing of them.

3. Mealybugs

Mealybugs are wingless insects with waxy exteriors. They feed on houseplants by drawing sap out of their tissue. While the damage is often insignificant— in some cases, mealybugs can cause discoloration of the leaves and weakening of the plant.

Preventing Mealybugs

You can avoid a mealybug infestation by washing your plant regularly and not over-watering or overfertilizing the soil. If you’re currently battling mealybugs, you can eliminate them by spraying a combination of water and Neem oil on the plant. This non-toxic repellent will halt the growth and development of pests.

4. Spider Mites

Spider Mites are microscopic pests that can severely damage indoor plants. By the time you notice these arachnids, it’s often too late and they’ve already taken over your beloved plant. These prolific bugs set up colonies on the undersides of leaves and suck the fluids from the plant—destroying its foliage.

Preventing Spider Mites

Spider mites are known to build resistance to pesticides, which also reinforces population growth since the pesticides kill off their natural predators. While the use of chemical pesticides to remove spider mites is discouraged, you can use Neem Oil to protect your plants and stop the reproduction of spider mites. You will want to clean and prune all infested areas of the plant, even if that means eliminating an entire houseplant to protect any others you may have in your home.

5. Scales

Often mistaken as fungi because of their appearance—scales are rounded insects often found sucking the sap out of plants' leaves, stems, and branches.

Scales are found in groups and will become stationary when they find a place on the plant to start feeding. When feeding on plants, they’ll produce a sugary substance that creates mold growth. While small amounts of mold on your houseplant can be harmless, allowing it to go unchecked can be a concern for your health, the air quality in your home, and the livelihood of your plant.

Preventing Scales

Scales are attracted to plants with weak habitats. You can prevent these insects from attacking your plants by creating a healthy environment for growth and providing the proper nutrients for it. Do so by selecting a well-draining container for your plant, changing its soil every year or so, watering it appropriately, and placing it in areas where it can receive proper sunlight.

If you already have an infestation of scale bugs on your houseplants, you’ll want to be aggressive in your removal of them. These insects will spread quickly due to a lack of natural predators indoors. You can remove small clusters using rubbing alcohol—however, large infestations may require eliminating the entire plant.

6. Thrips

Thrips are slender insects that feed off plant tissue and extract cell content from the plant. This can lead to deformities and discoloration in the foliage. Females will lay their eggs on the leaves or buds of plants where the larvae then feed. While the damage is rarely fatal to your houseplants, thrips can create superficial damage and cause leaves to curl and turn brown as the injured area begins to die.

Preventing Thrips

Thrip pest control can be difficult to manage. By the time you realize the damage that’s been done, thrips usually move onto another plant host. It’s important to stay on top of prevention and management by checking the undersides of leaves periodically. Thrips are also attracted to weak plants, so make sure your houseplants are in healthy, well-irrigated soil.

7. Whiteflies

Whiteflies are similar to aphids and scales when it comes to the damage they impose on plants. They are small, white insects that feed off a host plant’s sap and leave a sugary, honeydew residue behind which causes molding on the plant.

Preventing Whiteflies

You can prevent whiteflies from taking over your houseplants by keeping your plants indoors. While it may be tempting to take them outside on a beautiful and mild day, you run the risk of exposing them to whiteflies that could find their way into your plant—and eventually your home—when it’s time to bring your plant back inside.

General Pest Prevention for Houseplants

While certain pests require specific extermination methods, there are some general practices you should follow to avoid an infestation of any insects on your houseplants. Be sure to:

• Dust and wash plant leaves regularly to avoid attracting insects. This will help keep bugs from taking up residence within your houseplant.
• Avoid using chemical pesticides, especially on indoor plants. Not only will pests build up resistance to pesticides, but the chemicals inside them also pose health risks to your family members and furry friends.
• Use organic pesticides to draw away any unwanted bugs. Neem Oil, mild liquid dish soap, and rubbing alcohol are great alternatives to chemical pesticides that should be mixed with water and spot tested before covering the entire plant. Spray in the mornings or evenings to prevent burning the leaves in the bright, midday sun.
• Maintain appropriate levels of moisture in your plant’s soil. Many insects are drawn to extremely moist soil conditions, so be sure you’re not overwatering your plants and unintentionally inviting pests.

Don’t let unwelcome insects squash the charm and joy your houseplants bring to your home. These pest-prevention tips will keep your plants healthy and looking beautiful.

At Clark’s Garden and Floral Boutique, we know the joy and comfort that flowers bring. Because of this, we’re focused on helping people create memories, celebrate and connect with each other, and add beauty to any space. Visit us on Facebook and Instagram.