In this article, I will make aware of the pest problem, how you can identify it and which possibilities you have to fight against them.
Like all plants, houseplants will occasionally come under attack from pests. Those insects can be just as annoying as their outdoor counterparts. Houseplant pests can multiply extremely quickly. Because of that, everyone has to be careful about checking for symptoms. If one notices a plant that suddenly begins to look ill, then every plant parent has to take a closer look – there is a great danger that an insect is responsible for that. The infection with pests can be very severe and plants that have had more than half of their leaves damaged are probably not worth rescuing. Because of that, it is important to identify the types of pests and get control as fast as possible.
Fungus Gnats
Fungus gnats are probably the most common pest of plants that grow indoors – especially where humidity and moisture is high. Usually, they are first noticed when the adults are flying around the house. They are harmless but very annoying. The problem is the larval stage. They live inside the soil and damage the sensitive roots. To get rid of them, one can use Neem oil and yellow sticky traps. Often fungus gnats are already inside the soil one can buy in the garden center or nursery. The soil can be put in the stove or microwave for a few minutes to kill them.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are soft-bodied, wingless insects that often appear as white cottony masses on the stems, fruits and leaves of plants. They absorb the juice of the plant, and the leaves yellow and curl. Fast action is required. One can get rid of it with a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol and kill the bugs with it. Neem oil can also help.
Thrips
Thrips damage plants by absorbing their juice and scraping at leaves, fruits and flowers. The leaves turn pale, spotty, silvery, then die. Infected plants are discolored and scarred. Thrips are terribly active and feed in large groups. They are very small yellow or black insects with two pairs of feathery wings. To observe those little beasts’ blue sticky traps can be helpful because they get stuck on them. To get rid of them, the plants have to be washed and sadly only pesticides can really help.
As you can see, it is incredibly important to take a close look to quickly recognize the problem. Try to use organic solutions first and most of the time it works. Only a few pests can only be controlled with pesticides. Please feel free to contact me if you have problems with pests and need help.
Lovely greetings,
Pauline
Planthoarding 