how to get rid of small insects from indoor plants?

The desire to decorate your home, to make it more cozy and comfortable is ineradicable. Indoor plants for many become an outlet, a piece of wildlife in the conditions of urban multi-story buildings.

However, the idyllic picture in the apartment is often spoiled by uninvited guests. We are talking about harmful insects.

We suggest you learn how to get rid of small insects from indoor plants.

how to get rid of small insects from indoor plants

why small insects and flies appear on house plants?

There can be several possible reasons for the appearance of parasites in plant pots.

The most common:

  1. Soil infested with pest larvae. That is why it is recommended to disinfect the purchased substrate before transplanting / planting flowers.
  2. Too wet soil combined with low temperatures.
  3. An open window without a mosquito net.

Important! A favorable environment for the development of the larvae of harmful insects is created by the use of organic fertilizers and fallen leaves that rot in the pot.

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Indoor Plants insects Varieties

Of course, if you identify unwanted neighbors, you want to start the fight with them immediately, but it will be useful to learn how to fight and what to do with insects before the start of hostilities. To do this, you need to find out which enemy lives in a flower pot.

indoor plants insects varieties

Whiteflies (scale insects)

Small, aphid-like insects with white wings are scale insects, or otherwise whiteflies.

They willingly settle on indoor plants with soft, succulent foliage, such as fuchsias or begonias.

Sciarids

Another name for these small insects is “mushroom mosquitoes”. They prefer soil under flowers such as Decembrist or Azalea.

Important! Insects cause the main harm to the root system, since the soil in the pot as a result of their vital activity crumples, compresses, and practically does not allow air to pass to the roots.

It should be noted that sciarids also cause a lot of inconvenience to the people in whose houses they settled: annoying insects can be found in drinking or inadvertently leaving food on the table.

Puffs, or earthen fleas

They are also called springtails. Like ordinary fleas, these parasites are wingless and extremely jumpy. They prefer high humidity, so they are most often seen in the water collection tray or on the bottom of the pot.

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how to get rid of small insects from indoor plants?

There are many ways to remove midges. Among the methods, there are both scientific methods and folk remedies for combating parasites.

Attention! If insects are found in a pot, the affected plant must be isolated from healthy flowers, otherwise, midges will spread to them.

The main remedy in the fight against insects is soil replacement. It is useless to apply even the most effective insecticides if the larvae remain on the substrate.

The flower must be carefully removed from the pot, wrapped in a bag, and discarded. Rinse the roots of the plant with warm running water. The plant is transplanted into a clean pot with disinfected soil.

However, the best insect repellent is moderate watering and preliminary disinfection of any substrates that fall into the flower pots.

Folk remedies to get rid of small insects from indoor plants

When pests are found, the first question is: how to water from midges so as not to harm the flower?

RemedyHow to UseImpact result
Soap solution20 g of laundry soap is crushed and poured with a liter of water. They insist and water the soil in a pot with a solution, process the leaves of plants.Just a few procedures allow you to destroy both adult insects and larvae.
DillYou will need umbrellas and plant stems. They are laid out on the surface of the soil in a pot and changed every day for fresh ones.The pronounced smell of dill repels insects. About a week of such exposure will get rid of midges.
Potassium permanganateA weak light pink disinfectant solution is prepared. They watered the soil at intervals of every two days.Potassium permanganate disinfects the soil, destroys larvae and adults.
MatchesSeveral matches are stuck directly into the ground in a pot with their heads down. When watering, sulfur dissolves and enters the soil. You need to change matches before each watering.Sulfur has a negative effect on midges, making the potting soil unsuitable for their habitation and development.
Orange peelThe dried orange peel is crushed and the soil is mulched abundantly (as an option, you can deepen a few crusts around the perimeter of the pot).Orange peel creates an acidic environment in the pot, which interferes with the development of the larvae. And the pronounced citrus smell scares off adults.
Wood ashAsh is simply sprinkled on the soil in the pot.In addition to the pronounced insecticidal effect, wood ash is also a source of useful elements that strengthen the root system of the plant.
GarlicTo prepare the infusion, you need to chop 3-4 heads of garlic and pour 1 liter of boiled water. Insist on the water for at least 4 hours, then filter. The resulting concentrate is sprayed onto the plant and the soil is watered.Garlic contains active substances that negatively affect pests. In addition, many insects cannot stand their smell. Literally, 2-3 treatments are enough to remove midges and destroy their larvae.
Tobacco infusionThe smell of tobacco infusion is an excellent remedy for pests. To prepare the infusion, you need 25 g of tobacco and half a liter of hot water. The concentrate is infused for 2 days, then diluted with a liter of water.To consolidate the result, both the plant itself and the soil are treated. The treatments are repeated every two days for about 2 weeks.
Duct tapeThe ribbon is hung next to healthy flowers.This is not to say that adhesive tape is a successful insecticidal agent. It will not help an already infected plant, but it will prevent the spread of midges from a diseased flower to neighbors.

Prevention of appearance of small insects indoor flowers

To prevent the invasion of pests on indoor plants, you need to follow a few simple rules :

  1. Remove withered and fallen leaves and flowers in a timely manner. Do not let them rot on the surface of the substrate.
  2. Observe the watering regime and do not let the liquid stagnate in the pot.
  3. Do not use organic fertilizer for indoor plants.
  4. Treat the soil before planting / replanting plants. For these purposes, watering with boiling water, calcining in the oven or watering with potassium permanganate is used.
  5. After watering, loosen the potting soil. This will improve gas exchange and prevent moisture accumulation in the soil.
  6. Quarantine the infected plant in a timely manner to preserve the unaffected plants.

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Which plants are more likely to be attacked by insects?

Florists notice that pests have their own preferences and are more willing to settle on their favorite plants.

So, mushroom gnats like flowers with dense large leaf plates, and whiteflies like flowers with fleshy soft leaves. But if the parasites are bred in one pot, all plants that are nearby are in danger.

Midges appear even in pots with the most well-groomed flowers. Do not get upset and throw out the plant: organize quarantine for the flower and devote a little more time to the green pet.

I am an avid plant enthusiast and horticulture aficionado with a deep passion for houseplants. With years of nurturing green companions, my expertise in caring for indoor foliage is well-rooted. Through my journey, I've cultivated insights into optimal plant care, propagation techniques, and creating vibrant indoor ecosystems. Join me as we explore the verdant world of houseplants together. Let's turn your living space into a thriving oasis of botanical beauty. Connect with me on admin@houseplantspro.com and Facebook and explore more at Houseplantspro. 🌿🪴