Potted plants can be infected with a variety of insect pests.
You've placed your plant where it receives the perfect amount of light. You've watered and fertilized it as directed. Regardless of your efforts, however, the plant does not seem to thrive. Before you give up on the plant , it's time to check it for any insect pests which may have taken up residence on it. Does this Spark an idea?
Flying Pests
Greenhouse white flies, thrips, fungus gnats and aphids are all common houseplant pests that can easily fly from plant to plant. Greenhouse whiteflies resemble small gnats as adults but do most of their damage as nymphs. Shortly after hatching, they attach to the underside of leaves and quickly suck sap from them. Adult thrips are so small -- less than 1/16 of an inch -- that few screens will keep them out of the house. Not only do these pests feed directly on plants, sucking the sap from them, they can also transmit viral diseases, such as wilt. Fungus gnats jump and fly around the base of plants, after infesting the soil and becoming more of a nuisance than a destructive influence. Aphids are small -- less than 1/8 of an inch -- insects occurring in a variety of colors. They are often found on new foliage or the buds of flowering plants. They damage plants mainly by sucking sap from them.
Crawling Pests
Springtails, sowbugs, pillbugs, slugs, scales, mites, millipedes, mealy bugs and ants are the most common crawling houseplant pests. While springtails can jump from plant to plant, most of their damage is done close to the soil line where they chew on young seedlings. Sowbugs and pillbugs -- more commonly referred to as rolly pollies -- attack roots as well as young seedlings. Scales produce honey dew that attracts other insects and also allows mold to grow. Spider mites are the most notable of the mite family and easily recognized by the webs they form. All mites suck sap from infested plants. Millipedes, ants and slugs often infect the soil where plants live. There they attack young seedlings with ants even carrying away some seeds. Mealy bugs also suck sap from infected plants and produce honey dew, which can attract other insect pests.
Preventing Plant Pests
The best way to avoid infestations by plant pests is to inspect all plants thoroughly before bringing them home or inside for the winter. Ideally, these plants should be isolated from other plants for at least three weeks. Always use sterile potting mix when repotting any plants. While soil from the garden may be more economical, it is also more likely to be infected with insect pests. Also, when repotting or handling plants, be sure to wash your hands before moving on to another one. This will help keep both insect pests and disease organisms from moving to another plant as well. Be sure to inspect plants regularly. This will allow you to stop most pest infestations before they become severe.
Treating Infected Plants
If your plants do become infected with pests despite all your efforts, there are several things you can do. If the plant can be easily replaced and the infestation is severe, the quickest method of control is to get rid of the plant. If the infestation is limited to certain leaves or stems, remove these. Pests such as slugs and millipedes can be removed individually. Infected leaves can also be wiped with alcohol or washed with an insecticidal soap. Dipping the foliage part of infected plants into water will also help as will a pressure spray that's strong enough to remove insects without damaging the plant. A few insecticide sprays can be used inside the house but follow all directions carefully.
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