In the past, gardeners have tried to reduce the number of bugs in their homes by using toxic chemicals and pesticides. These methods were not only costly but also dangerous for us and our environment. Thanks to science, new research is looking into how plants can be used as a natural pest repellent that doesn’t require harmful chemicals or pesticides.
The “which plants don’t attract bugs” is a question that has been asked for years. The answer to the question is that there are many plants that do not attract bugs, but some plants will attract insects and other bugs.
Do you have plants in your house that attract bugs? Yes, it’s as easy as that!
However, as much as most people like having plants in their homes, they dislike the pests. What draws bugs to indoor plants, the warning signals to watch for, and, most importantly, how to get rid of them are all discussed here.
Contents
What Attracts Bugs to Indoor Houseplants?
The extreme humidity and lack of air circulation present inside attract pests such as fungus gnats, spider mites, aphids, scale insects, ants, and whiteflies.
Because bugs are little, they seek for damp environments to prevent their bodies from drying out, which may be deadly. If you live near the seaside, your home may be humidified, or the extra moisture might just be from overwatering your plants. In addition, if you place a saucer beneath your pot to catch the drained water, bugs will be attracted to it.
Good air circulation avoids humidity levels from climbing too high, keeps the soil drier, and lowers fungal development – all of which makes bugs less appealing.
Plants that are kept too close together or in a poorly ventilated area might create difficulties. Make sure your plants aren’t touching each other and keep them near ceiling fans or near a window to encourage air circulation.
What to Look for in Your Houseplants to See if They Have Bugs
The bugs may be visible at times, but they are typically hidden behind leaves, behind stems, or in the soil, or they may be too little to notice.
Looking for evidence of damage on your plant is one of the greatest methods to identify whether you have pests. Your leaves may have stains, brown patches, or holes, or your plant may be withering. On the underside of the leaf, you could discover unhatched seeds or remnants of honeydew, a sticky substance secreted by a variety of common plant pests.
Before bringing any new plants inside, inspect them well and give them a good watering. Once indoors, you should continue to keep an eye on your plants for any indications of pests. You can limit the harm they may do and prevent the infestation from worsening if you do this.
Bugs that Infest Houseplants and How to Get Rid of Them
In your houseplants, there are a variety of bugs that may dwell. Here are some of the most frequent ones, along with instructions on how to get rid of them and prevent them from returning.
Whiteflies are little whiteflies that may be seen on the backs of leaves and generally come from a greenhouse that has been invaded. Because they can not tolerate cold conditions, they are more typically seen on indoor plants than on outside ones. They multiply fast, so deal with them as soon as you see them. They might cause your plant to wilt and develop yellow leaves if left untreated.
Placing a yellow sticky card above the plant’s top is the simplest technique to get rid of them. These yellow glue-based traps attract a lot of bugs, and it’s difficult for them to get away once they’ve landed on them!
Spider mites resemble little spiders. They’re sometimes mistaken for insects, but they’re really a sort of arachnid that’s linked to spiders and ticks. They spend much of their time on the undersides of leaves. They are so little that it is difficult to spot them, however you may notice the protective silky web they spin from time to time. If you’re not cautious, the web might envelop the whole plant!
Take your plant outdoors and sprinkle it with water if this occurs. After the plant has dried, add horticultural oil to the leaves, which will suffocate the spider mites.
Aphids are small insects with teardrop-shaped bodies. When they’re green, they’re tough to see, but they may also be black, brown, yellow, or red. They congregate on the backs of leaves, and if you have a large infestation, the honeydew secreted by these bugs might cause your plant to become sticky. By withdrawing the sap, they eventually restrict plant development.
If wiping them off with a moist cloth doesn’t help, a natural cure such as insecticidal soap may be used.
Fungus Gnats are little greyish-black insects that feed on fungus. They’re irritating, but luckily, an adult fungus gnat only lives for approximately a week, despite the fact that they can lay up to 300 eggs. The larvae, not the fly, are the ones that harm your plant by eating in the soil and causing root damage.
Water attracts them since the eggs and larvae need it to live. Cutting down on your watering will generally cure the problem.
Ants are a regular occurrence in indoor plants. If you don’t stop them, they’ll ruin your plant’s roots, and if they’re in your plants, they’re probably in your home as well!
Because they dwell in the soil, repotting your plant is one approach to get rid of them. It’s important not to damage the roots in the procedure. Ant baits may be used to keep them from returning.
Scale Insects have an unusual form, resembling bumps rather than bugs, and they may inflict a lot of harm before you ever realize they’re there. They may lead to stunted growth and yellowing leaves.
They may be pulled off the leaves or wiped off with a special cotton pad soaked in alcohol or a neem-based insecticide if you discover them early enough (although it’s better to do this outdoors and make sure you follow the instructions).
Is There Anything That Bugs Don’t Like About Houseplants?
Choosing plants that pests dislike is one approach to keep them at away. Plants with naturally poisonous leaves are avoided by bugs (but not by children or pets, so be cautious!)
Mosquitoes and other insects are naturally kept at bay by the mosquito plant (or citronella plant), which has leaves that smell like citronella. You may even crush the leaf and use it as a mosquito repellent by rubbing it on your skin.
Sansevieria is a hardy plant that only requires watering every 10 days or so. It may reach a height of many feet and looks great inside. It has thick leaves that serve to keep pests at bay. However, since these plants are dangerous, keep them away from curious children or dogs that like to nibble on objects. Lavender has a pleasant aroma that may be quite calming, but it also repels bugs. It’s been used for years as a moth repellent, but it also works on fleas, mosquitoes, and rats.
Herbs are also a wonderful alternative since most bugs can’t stand the smell. And if you grow them in your kitchen window, you’ll have them when you need them in the kitchen.
One of my favorite insects is the Venus Flytrap. Carnivorous plants not only repel insects, but they also consume those that fall into their trap! These plants are not only beautiful, but they will also appeal to your children.
If you don’t like bugs, fake plants made of plastic or rubber are another option. There are several that appear really realistic nowadays, and the greatest thing is that they don’t need any watering.
Last Thoughts
Bugs enjoy indoor houseplants as much as people do. The good news is that there are some basic steps you can take to lessen the probability of bugs residing in your plants, and if they do, you can get rid of them quickly. Alternatively, you might select a plant that attracts fewer pests in the first place.
The “what indoor plants attract bugs” is a question that has been asked by many people. The answer to this question is that there are certain plants that can attract insects into your home and garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does gardening attract bugs?
A: In the words of one Youtube user, Yes. The kind that fly.
Will growing vegetables indoors attract bugs?
A: If you grow vegetables indoors, then yes.
Does having plants in your house attract bugs?
A: It is not known if plants attract bugs or not. However, a study published in The Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association found that having plants indoors can lead to an increase in mosquito populations by acting as a breeding grounds for their larvae.
Related Tags
- what indoor plants don’t attract bugs
- do fake plants attract bugs
- do plants attract gnats
- do succulents attract bugs
- do houseplants attract spiders
Also Read:
- None Found
