Most people love houseplants. Whether in your office or home, an indoor plant brightens up your space. But do indoor plants attract bugs?
Indoor plants tend to have fewer problems when compared to outdoor plants, making them a favorite choice for many people since they are easy to maintain.
However, these plants are prone to some issues, and a common question is whether they attract pests. Here’s everything you need to know about indoor plants and the problems that might come with them.
Do Indoor Plants Attract Bugs?
Absolutely! Houseplants attract a variety of pests. The good news is that it’s a small percentage. But, you should take the necessary precautions, or if your plants are already plagued with pests, there are some natural remedies you can adopt to protect your plant.
Why Do Bugs Like Your Indoor Garden?
High Humidity
Many pests are attracted to areas with high humidity. Since they are small-bodied, they need moisture, or they risk drying out and die. High humidity conditions are caused mainly by climatic conditions or overwatering.
Standing Water
Standing water that’s left after sprinkling your plants can attract lots of insect species. This is because they need moisture to prevent their body from drying up. In some cases, standing water is unavoidable; you’ll have to use other methods to keep bugs out.
Poor Air Circulation
Air circulation in your house is crucial to help maintain average humidity levels and prevent bugs in other ways. Good ventilation accelerates soil drying and reduces fungal growth, thus creating a hostile habitat for bugs. Poor air circulation is mainly caused by limited space and air movement. Therefore, ensure that your room receives gentle air movement and is well-ventilated.
Common Bugs on Indoor Plants
- Aphids
- Whiteflies
- Fungus gnats
- Spider mites
- Thrips
- Mealybugs
- Scales
Ways to Keep Out House Insects
Inspect New Houseplants for Bugs
Some bugs hide in the planters; others are found in the leaves in plain sight. Look for small bugs on or around the stems and eggs on the leaves. If you trace them, don’t bring the plant into your house.
Take Preventative Action against Pests
Outdoor pests can get inside your home by crawling or flying through gaps in your doors, windows, vents, and other points of entry. Once they get inside, they invade your plants and feast on the sap in the leaves. To prevent this, seal all crevices and cracks around your home to keep the bugs outside where they belong.
Look for Signs of Pest Damage
Brown spots or patches and wilting are common signs of pest damage. You’ll have to check for these signs if you want to bring outdoor plants inside, even if you order them from a greenhouse or a plant nursery. Some insects can gain entry into your house after hitchhiking on the plants. Checking damages in the plant can help you eliminate a few bugs before getting them in your home.
Good Insect Repellent Plants That are Easy to Grow
Some indoor are resistant to pests. Most homeowners prefer these plants to avoid dealing with bugs. No bug will come near the plants because the leaves are naturally poisonous. However, you should keep small children away from them. These plants include:
- Aglaonema
- Venus Flytrap
- Aspidistra Elatior
- Sansivieria
- Bromeliads
- Catnip
- Cissus
- Dracaena
- Coleus Blumei
Natural Remedies
Although some insecticides do not harm your plant, most homeowners prefer natural remedies. Here are some effective natural bug repellants.
- Neem oil spray: This natural bug repellant comes from neem trees and will effectively repel most insects.
- Garlic: Most insects hate the odor produced by a clove of garlic placed in your plant’s soil.
- Alcohol spray: Mix 2 to 3 cups of isopropyl alcohol with some water. Put the solution in a spray bottle and apply it to your plants.
- Pyrethrum Spray: This spray made from chrysanthemum flowers will paralyze any insect in contact with your plants.
- Pepper spray: Mix black or red pepper with 1 gallon of water and 6 drops of dish soap and spray the mixture to your plants.
Can I Spray Vinegar on my Houseplants?
If you’re struggling with an indoor bug problem, then a vinegar bath may be a good idea. Vinegar can remove some pest species if used correctly and is not harmful to your kids or children. However, the acetic acid present in vinegar can slowly degrade the cell membranes of your indoor plant. Therefore, don’t spray vinegar near your plants.
Conclusion
Most bugs are attracted to indoor plants unless they have rough leaves or are toxic. Even if you have a house plant that attracts bugs, you can use natural repellants or insecticides to keep bugs out of your house.
I hope the post fully answers the question: do indoor plants attract bugs?
