Plants are a great addition to your home. Even though your plants are inside, pests can still bug them. When pests feed on your plants, they can cause damage. Knowing which bugs to look out for can help you quickly identify an infestation and protect your plants. We’ve made a list of five bugs that can be harmful to your plants.
1. Spider Mites
These pests are tiny, measuring about 1/50" in length. They can be red, brown, yellow, and green. They look like small specks on leaves. When spider mites feed on plants, they can cause discoloration. Silvery-white dots on leaves are usually visible. Leaves may also begin to drop. If spider mites are present, you may notice white, silk webbing.
2. Aphids
Aphids are small green, yellow, red, brown, or black bugs. They are pear-shaped and about 1/8" in length. Aphids are often found in groups on the underside of leaves. These pests suck the sap from plants, causing wilting. They also secrete honeydew, making them a good friend to ants who feed on the sweet substance. The presence of honeydew can lead to mold growth.
3. Scale Insects
These pests typically look like white or brown bumps on plants. They are soft-bodied, and the adults have a waxy, protective coating. Scale insects can be seen on the underside of leaves and the stem of plants. Like aphids, they secrete honeydew. When they feed on plants, they can cause leaves to drop or to yellow.
4. Fungus Gnats
Fungus gnats can also cause problems for your plants. These gray or black flies range in size from 1/16" to 1/8". Adult fungus gnats are attracted to damp soil. You’re likely to see them hanging out near the surface of soil. While adults don’t cause damage to plants, their larvae can be problematic. Larvae feed on plant roots, which can hinder the plant’s growth. They can also spread diseases to the plant.
5. Whiteflies
Despite their name, these pests aren’t actually flies. They’re related to other plant pests including aphids and scale insects. These white pests are about 1/12" in length. They are triangle in shape and have a pair of wings. Whiteflies like to gather on the underside of leaves. They feed on plant sap, causing yellowing, wilting, and stunted plant growth. They also produce honeydew.
Keeping your plants healthy and safe is always important. Being able to identify common plant pests will make it easier to deal with them. If hungry bugs are attacking your plants, we’re here to help! Our 3-in-1 Garden Spray and our Vegetable Garden Insect & Disease Control spray can help to control houseplant pests.