See Table 1 for examples of products and additional comments about insecticidal soap sprays. Since pests may be hidden or in the egg stage, eliminating them often takes more than one treatment. Insecticidal soaps are most effective against soft-bodied insects and related pests, such as aphids, mealybugs, immature scales (crawlers), thrips, whiteflies, and spider mites.
Once the soap solution dries, it has no effect against pests. Insecticidal soaps are contact insecticides and are only effective when they make direct contact with insects. Spraying the plant with insecticidal soap can often eliminate a pest infestation in its early stages.Repeated water sprays help control spider mites. Spraying a sturdy plant with water will remove many pests.Scale insects may need to be scraped off with a fingernail. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to wipe off insects such as aphids and mealybugs.Early infestations can often be removed by handpicking.Be sure to start with a clean pot and sterile potting soil.
If the roots are infested, take a cutting and start a new plant. If only an isolated portion of the plant is infested, as occurs with leafminers, remove and destroy the infested parts.Some of these alternatives require persistence on the part of the indoor gardener, but they can give good control. However, do not expect the problem to be solved with one application. This process may take several weeks or more.īefore looking for a chemical solution to a pest problem on houseplants, several effective control alternatives should be considered. Then, keep the plant separate from other houseplants until the pest is completely controlled. The first step in control is to isolate any plant suspected of being infested with a pest. Pests of houseplants can enter homes from outdoors, so make sure that screens and doors fit well.Since cut flowers from the garden can be a source of pests, keep them separate from houseplants.Large plants can also be rinsed in a tepid shower. Large plants can be hosed down gently, or upper and lower surfaces of leaves can be wiped with a soft, wet cloth. To prevent loss of soil, cover it with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Small plants can be inverted, and the foliage swished in a bucket of tepid (lukewarm) water. Washing smooth-leaved plants every two to three weeks discourages pest infestations and also improves the appearance of the foliage.When repotting a plant, use commercially prepared potting soil rather than soil from outdoors, which can be a source of pests.Infestations are often much easier to control if caught early. Using a 10X magnifying lens will make it easier to see small pests and also immature pest stages.
Pay particular attention to the undersides of leaves, where pests are most often found. While plants are isolated, carefully examine them for signs of pests or damage on a regular basis of about once a week.Isolate new plants from plants already in the home for six weeks to ensure that any pest brought in will be less likely to spread.Most pests are found on the exterior of the rootball. First, take the plant out of the pot to examine the soil. A plant that has been outside for the summer, especially one sitting on the ground, may have pests that have crawled in through the drainage holes.Before buying or bringing a plant indoors, always check it and its container for signs of pests.Stressed plants tend to be more susceptible to pests. Provide a plant with the growing conditions that it needs so that it is more likely to grow vigorously.Several precautions can be taken, which will decrease the chances of dealing with a pest infestation of most houseplants. The best way to control insects and related pests on houseplants is through prevention, as it is almost always easier to prevent a pest infestation than to eliminate one. These pests most often come into the home on newly purchased plants or on those that have been outside for the summer. Several insects and other pests feed on houseplants. However, in some cases, the problem results from a pest infestation. Factors such as too much or too little water, light, heat, or fertilizer can cause many plant problems. When a houseplant looks less than healthy, most often, it is the result of improper care.
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