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While having the correct light levels and watering properly are two of the most important steps in growing healthy indoor plants, houseplant growers also have to constantly monitor their plants for signs of pests. There are many types of houseplant bugs, and arming yourself with a little information goes a long way toward preventing or eliminating an infestation. In this article, I’ll introduce you to some of the most common houseplant pests and hand you tips to prevent and control them.
Preventing all types of houseplant bugs
Certain houseplants are definitely more prone to pest issues than others, but houseplant bug problems are often prevented by following a few simple steps.
- Carefully inspect all new plants before bringing them into your home. Many types of houseplant bugs piggyback their way into your house from the nursery where the plants were grown. Before buying new plants (or taking in “strays” from friends and family), be sure to examine the plant from top to bottom, looking on leaf undersides, along the stems, and even in the soil for signs of the common houseplant insect pests I’m going to introduce you to below.
Carefully inspect new houseplants for pests before you bring them home from the garden center. - Even if you think a new plant is pest-free, it may have pest eggs or young pests that you can’t yet see. Before putting any new houseplants with ones you already have, put it in solitary confinement in a separate room for a few weeks. Watch it carefully for signs of houseplant insect pests and only put it in close contact with other plants after it’s been confirmed to be pest-free. You can also place a few yellow sticky cards just above the top of the plant. Many pest insects are attracted to the color yellow, and they’ll quickly get trapped on the card. Check the card every few days for any insects. If you have some on the card, you probably have many more on the plant itself.
- Before moving them back indoors, do a “detox” on any houseplants that have spent the summer outside. While most houseplants love to be outside during the warmer months, they often come back inside with several different types of houseplant bugs hitch-hiking on them. The day before moving houseplants back indoors, spray the entire plant – including the lower leaf surfaces and stems – with a sharp stream of water from the hose, using a spray nozzle that emits a forceful spray. This is often all that’s needed to dislodge any pests before moving the plant inside.
Check all leaf surfaces carefully for signs of pests. You’ll need to use a sharp stream of water from the hose to dislodge them, not a hand sprayer. - Keen observational skills definitely allow you to control many types of houseplant bugs before their populations explode. Examine plants weekly throughout the year, checking for both the insects themselves and signs of their damage.
- Another sign that indicates you may have one of several different types of houseplant bugs is the presence of a sticky substance on the plant itself, or on the surface of the table or floor beneath the plant. This shiny, sticky substance is called honeydew, and it’s the excrement of several different pests, including almost all of the houseplant pests mentioned below. The presence of honeydew is a clear sign of pest issues.
Types of houseplant bugs
The warm, consistent temperature of most homes is ideal for rapid pest breeding. Plus, without ladybugs, parasitic wasps, and other beneficial insects in your home to keep pests in check, houseplant insect pests can go from numbering just a few to an all-out infestation in no time flat. Here are five of the most common types of houseplant bugs and what to do about them.
Fungus gnats
Adult fungus gnats are super annoying. These minuscule black flies are the classic example of a nuisance pest. When an infested plant is disturbed, a cloud of tiny flies lifts off the soil. Mature gnats life for about a week, and although they’re a pain, they don’t damage your plants. Neither do the larvae, who largely feed on the fungi that naturally grows in potting soil. Because the eggs and larvae need water to survive, fungus gnat infestations are frequently the result of overwatering. A simple reduction in watering is often all that’s needed to control this common houseplant pest. But, if that doesn’t do the trick, beneficial nematodes added to the soil will definitely take care of the problem.
Scale
Another of the more common types of houseplant bugs, scale is sometimes difficult to spot. There are many different species, each with a unique appearance, but the most common houseplant pest scales look like little bumps and are found along the stems and on leaf undersides. The species that attacks ficus trees, looks more like little flecks (see the Pinterest image at the top of this article). Scale insects often have a hard, shell-like covering that makes them difficult to spot and control. They can be gray, black, brown, or even fuzzy.
Most scales leave behind the honeydew I mentioned above, so if you see a shiny glaze on the plant, check it for scale. When it comes to houseplant bug problems, scale is probably the most difficult to control. I like to wipe them off my plants with a special cotton pad soaked in isopropyl rubbing alcohol. Physically wiping the pest off the plant multiple times over the course of a few weeks offers the best control. But, another option is to use an organic, neem-based pesticide. Take the plant into a garage or outdoors to apply it, and be sure to follow label instructions.
Whiteflies
This common houseplant pest does not survive freezing winter temperatures, so it’s typically troublesome outdoors only in southern regions. But, whiteflies are one of the most problematic types of houseplant bugs because when they’re indoors, the insects are protected from freezing temperatures and their populations can grow quite rapidly. Whitefly issues frequently originate via a plant purchased at an infested greenhouse, which makes a careful inspection of any new plants extra important.
These tiny, white, moth-like flies are found on leaf undersides and will quickly fly off the plant when it’s disturbed. Since whitefly reproduce so rapidly, their sap-sucking behavior can leave plants wilted, and with stunted growth and yellow foliage. Whiteflies are readily trapped by placing yellow sticky cards just above plant tops. Applications of insecticidal soap and horticultural oil are also effective. Since all three of these products work best when they contact the insect pest directly, try not to disturb the plant when applying, and be sure to cover both upper and lower leaf surfaces.
Aphids
Though they’re small in size, aphids can cause big problems. Of all the types of houseplant bugs discussed here, aphids are the ones I encounter the most frequently on my own houseplants. Tiny and teardrop-shaped, aphids can be black, green, red, yellow, or brown. Sometimes they have wings and sometimes they don’t, but they’re most often found grouped together on new growth or on the undersides of leaves.
As they suck plant sap through their needle-like mouthparts, aphids cause deformed and stunted plant growth. Small infestations are easily wiped off of plants with a soft, plant-friendly cloth soaked in water, but as with all types of houseplant bugs, when there’s a big infestation, other measures may be warranted. Aphids can also be controlled organically with horticultural oil, or insecticidal soap. Be sure to apply these products so they come in direct contact with the aphids themselves for the best results.
Spider mites
There are many types of houseplant bugs, but spider mites may just be the ones with the biggest “heebie jeebie” factor. Actually, these guys aren’t bugs at all. Instead, they’re close relatives of spiders. These teeny-tiny houseplant pests cause major issues, not just for plants but also for the homeowner facing the infestation.
Though you can barely see them without the help of a magnifying glass, once you know they’re in your house, it’s hard to get them off your mind. Spider mites spin a fine, silky webbing, and collectively, they can cover the entire plant with it. If you look carefully, you’ll see tiny specks crawling around on the webbing; those are the mites themselves. The featured image of this post shows a spider mite infestation on an indoor palm tree.
But, before you toss your spider mite-infested ivy or palm plant into the garbage, there are a few steps you can take to get this common houseplant pest in check. First, take the plant outdoors or into the shower and “wash” it off with a spray of water. Spider mites are tiny and are easily washed off the plant. Be sure to rinse both upper and lower leaf surfaces. Then, after the plant has fully dried, use a light-weight horticultural oil to smother them. Reapply the horticultural oil every 10-14 days for two more applications for the best control.
Other types of houseplant pests
Though there are a handful of other indoor plant pests that may occasionally prove problematic, these five types of houseplant bugs are by far the most common. But, by following the five preventative steps featured at the beginning of this article and using the suggested mechanical and organic product controls, you’ll be able to keep most of these little buggers from causing any real issues.
Remember, arming yourself with a little information goes a long way toward growing healthy, pest-free houseplants. Be smart about your choice of plants. For apartment dwellers, our list of the best houseplants for small spaces offers plenty of great plant choices. Healthy houseplants are better able to fend off pests, too. We’re sure you’ll find our guide to houseplant fertilizer basics very useful, too.
More posts about managing pests
- Our guide to vegetable garden pests
- Grub worm: Organic control tips for the lawn
- Pests of roses and their organic control
- How to prevent pests in the garden: 5 strategies
- Identifying garden pests: How to figure out who is eating your plants
Which types of houseplant bugs have you faced? How did you control them? Tell us about your experience in the comment section below.
Thanks for this article! I recently got a beautiful pink caladium and just noticed a giant infestation of what I now know is aphids. I didnt realize aphids could be various colors (these were black), I assumed they were always green. This was new to me as I usually deal with spider mites. I immediately took the plant outside and hosed it off, removing all the soil with the jet stream and washing all the bugs out of all the crevices and new leaf splits. I plan on leaving it outside in a bowl of water for a couple days and repotting when it seems the coast is clear. Any other tips to be sure my delicate plant is safe? I’ve already had two caladiums die after not being able to recover from pests.
Sounds like you’ve done a good job getting the aphids under control. Keep a close eye out for new ones and wash them off when they appear. Aphids aren’t as problematic once the plant is moved outdoors because they have lots of natural predators that help manage them, including lacewings, ladybugs, syrphid flies, and more.
SO enjoying reading all posts… I am BESIDE MYSELF, with definitely infestation of tiny white bugs mostly on my baby succulents!!!! For yrs I have had great success starting succulents from one petal, & making lovely pots of a variety of them, like u see in HD. These little white bugs (at 1st thought they were fungus… but on closer inspection, saw they move). Was a yr & 1/2 ago that this issue started. Had put together a nice variety of “babies”, had planted in container safe to ship to my new daughter in law, who had been so fascinated w my succulents. Just before packing, I noticed these tiny white bugs on more mature succulents in a pot. Began investigation… to my horror, I had major infestation in most all pots of succulents!!! Checking what I was about to mail….. found on EVERY PLANT, on roots, on up into every little fold! Did what any good “mom” would do: 1st isolated any infected; little by little, addressed each pot by a “combination of methods”…. took each plant out of soil, brushes off ( with fingers or small tool) as many as I could see, then washed soil off, & each plant, w soapy water, until I could not see any. Many of the small ones were ruined simple bc of size & how fragile… just getting to these tiny white ‘buggers’ between the folds, close to “base” or stem. Bugs are ALWAYS at the base plant & roots…& on roots, into soil!!! I was so bummed!!!! Threw out ALL soil were any plant had been; washed & thoroughly sterilized pots. Was SO DILIGENT , like u would be if treating LICE….. sterilized sounding shelves ( this in a screened in porch area), didn’t keep any plants that might have a TRACE, even “purged” any nearby pots w different plants, that might have been nfected!
What a production!!!!!!!
It has been a year & 1/2 now…..& THEY ARE BACK!!!!! Same level of infestation!
1st question, what are they? Are they able to get INSIDE a plant? Where do they come from? & How do I AFFECTIVELY treat & PREVENT from coming back??
Sign me, ONE VERY FRUSTRATED & WORN OUT GAL!!!!
They sound very much like aphids which can readily get to plants on air currents or even by hitchhiking indoors on your clothes or pets. I suggest following the treatment protocol for aphids in the article.
I have cuckoo wasps in one of my potted plants. They were outside last summer, and the bugs started popping up in late Feb. I definitely want to try to save one plant as it is an heirloom cutting. Google says these live in dirt but I can’t find how to get rid of them.
Hmmmm. I’ve never heard of cuckoo wasps living in a potted plant. They’re parasitoidal and usually parasitize solitary bee species in their brood chambers; they don’t build nests of their own. Regardless of what the insect actually is, I would suggest repotting the plant with fresh potting soil. As you repot, gently brush off as much of the old soil as possible from the roots. Early spring is the best time to do this.
I have a Pothos Marble plant and it does on me everytime I buy it or my grandmother gives me a piece shes growing
2 weeks later it’s always turning yellow! Please help this is the only plant I have trouble with. Also how do you make a mini compost pile?
Hi Shanese. Are the pothos cuttings your grandmother giving you potted or are they just cuttings stuck in water? It sounds like you may be overwatering them, if they’re potted. And, here’s info on how to start a compost pile: https://savvygardening.com/compost-how-to-guide-based-on-science/
Hi,
I’ve seem tiny, crawlie black bugs, about the size of a pin head in only one of my plant’s soil. I see them when I move the bark on top and they’ll scatter when the light hits them (I know roaches do this, and I’d be mortified if these were. To be clear, I’ve never been infested with those). I’ve searched everywhere, but can’t figure out what they are and what to do. Maybe take off the bark and put diatomaceous earth on the surface? The only thing is I don’t know if they’re throughout the soil, so then DE would be useless.
Just one more thing…if I mixed the DE into new soil, before using it, would it still be effective after it gets wet (what I mean is, if the soil dries out completely between waterings)? I’m thinking maybe it would prevent any soil living pests from taking up residence, sort of like insurance.
Hi Kristen. DE will not work after it gets wet and is not recommended for indoor settings as it can be an irritant to your lungs and nasal passages if you breathe it in. I would suggest following the guidelines for fungus gnats and using something like GnatNix.
I found tiny, what seems to be black bugs in the soil of my nerve plants. They seem to be limited to the soil and are not on the leaves. I did notice one or two flying bugs, but only one or two. There are however, multiple bugs in the soil. They move when I disturb or blow on the soil. No idea what they are, are they damaging to my plants or to human health. Really bothered by this.
They likely are more of a nuisance than a danger. Very few insects cause true harm to humans. I would repot the plant in early spring, using a new bag of sterile potting soil. Try to get as much fo the old soil off the roots as possible prior to re-potting.
I know this is a bit of an older feed, but I have recently found some tiny white bugs in my soil, nothing on my leaves. I have a baby fern that I am trying to keep in humid temperatures so it (the leaves) doesn’t dry out, and so put it into a greenhouse with 2 of my ivys. I have since removed the ivys because the leaves started to yellow more so than they were before, and have now noticed that my fern’s soil is infested with some tiny white bugs, they jump around a little bit when I dig my finger through the soil to see them. After doing some research on them (which is how I ended up here) I think they are probably springtails? They basically look like white thrips, but they jump and are quite quick when crawling through the soil. Just wondering what you think the best way to get rid of/ control them may be? Also I have read through research that they are beneficial in some ways, but the plants that are infected with them seem to be yellowing (the ivy) and drying up (the baby fern).
Thanks in advance!
I would recommend repotting the fern in mid-March, using new sterile potting soil and trying to wash as much of the old soil off of the roots as possible.
I have these super super tiny black pill shaped bugs on a Philodendron Selloum, I think they might be thrips but not sure. Never seen anything like them before. How should I treat them?
That sounds more like a species of scale than thrips. One easy way to tell the difference between the two is how quickly they move. Scales are fairly stationary while thrips will crawl or fly away when disturbed.
Hi Darcy, I saw your response to someone about using cinnamon to get rid of the flying nuisances. What kind of cinnamon a.e ground, sticks and how do I use it??
Hi. I have thes tiny bugs that jump. Similar to flea but in my plants indoors. What are they?
Are they on the plants themselves or on the potting soil?