Houseplant Pests
Common Houseplant Pests to Watch Out For!

Aphids, Mealybugs, Scale and Spider mites are the most common house plant pests. If not properly treated, any one of these bugs could cause serious damage, even death, to your plants.

--best solution is to dip a cotton swab in alcohol and touch it to the colony of pests. These are difficult pests and if the plant is overwhelmed, it may need to be tossed.

--mist the plant with water, regularly, to keep these pests at bay. If the pests are out of hand, an insecticidal soap works best.

-- a 1:1 mix of alcohol and water sprayed on the scale. You may need to rub gently with a cotton ball to remove the scale. These pests are persistent, so make sure that you check regularly.

--80% of these pests can eliminated by gently washing the plant with water, either misting with a hose or in the kitchen sink. Regular misting is a preventative measure that I highly recommend Then treat with an insecticidal soap.
Prevention is the key to maintaining pest-free plants. Be watchful, and be sanitary! Water plants in the morning. Keep plants clean with a regular shower, especially effective with spider mites. Supplies and soil should be sterile. Let fresh air circulate between the plants. Check them often. And, don’t immediately resort to “chemical warfare” at the first sign of trouble. Look for alternatives that are plant derived; these products are now easy to find.