Keeping your plants healthy can be challenging when pests show up. Many pests, like aphids and mealybugs, feed on plants, causing harm to them. When you notice these hungry bugs, it’s important to take steps to get rid of them. Check out a few tips to help get rid of pests hanging out on your plants.
1. Inspect Pests to Identify Infestations Early
The earlier you can identify a pest problem, the easier it will be to control it. Spotting pests early will result in less damage to plants and make it easier to remove the bugs. Check your plants for pests or signs of pests like holes or discoloration. Don’t forget to check the underside of leaves where many plant pests like to hide. You’ll also want to examine any new plants you bring home from the store. Keeping these isolated for a few days will give you time to ensure that you aren’t bringing pests home too.
2. Keep Your Plants Healthy
If your plants aren’t healthy, they are more susceptible to pests and diseases. Unhealthy plants will also struggle to fight pest infestations. Ensure you set your plants up for success by using good soil and giving them the correct amount of sunlight and water. Because each plant has different needs, research before planting to make sure you place them in the best location and can have a plan for watering them. When planting or caring for your plants, use clean pots and gardening tools. Remove any dead or fallen leaves from the soil too.
3. Physically Remove the Pests
Sometimes you can physically remove pests that have invaded your garden. Scale insects can be carefully scraped off of plants. Other pests can be removed by spraying the leaves with water. Your garden hose will work great for outdoor plants. Indoor plants can be sprayed via your kitchen sink or shower. If mealybugs are hanging out on your plants, you can use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them. Be careful to not apply the solution to the plant itself.
4. Remove Heavily Infested Plants
For heavy infestations, you may need to remove the plant or part of the plant. Removing and discarding infested leaves or plants can help to prevent the spreading of pests. If the infestation is isolated to a few leaves, you can prune them to remove the bug problem. Severe infestations may require the whole plant to be removed to avoid harming other plants in your garden. Make sure to clean your gardening tools after pruning infested plants.
5. Use a Plant-Based Insecticide
Plant-based insecticides can also help to get rid of pesky bugs on your plants. Our 3-in-1 Garden Spray is formulated with plant oils as the active ingredients. It helps to control and prevent plant insects, mites, and diseases. Our Vegetable Garden Insect & Disease Control spray is formulated to kill and control over 100 pests and can also help to control and prevent common fungal diseases. These sprays can be used on flowers, houseplants, vegetables, herbs, other edible or consumable plants, and ornamental plants.
If you’re dealing with Japanese beetles, our Lure & Kill Japanese Beetle Concentrate is an effective solution. It is formulated with plant oils that are highly attractive to Japanese beetles. Simply mix the concentrate with water to turn any bucket into a Japanese beetle trap. You can place the traps around the edges of the property to be protected, at least 30 feet away from your garden or flowering plants.
When pests show up on your plants, you’ll want to act quickly to prevent significant damage. Thankfully, there are several things you can do to get rid of these hungry bugs. If pests are bugging your plants, we’re here to help! Check out our Maggie’s Farm Simply Effective™ Pest Control products for a more environmentally and family-friendly solution when used as directed.