Prevent Pests using these Natural Remedies
Updated: Mar 1
Tips and tricks on how to get rid of pests on indoor houseplants!
Discovering pests on your plants is very disappointing! Do not worry though, there are several great options to get rid of them naturally without using any harmful pesticides.
There are a few other things we should do to help avoid the spread of pests. Making a habit of checking for pests when you water could help you catch them before an infestation happens. If you spot one, immediately place the plant in a separate room and treat the plant. When you catch them at a very early stage a simple treatment can do the trick, like a quick shower to wash away any pests.
Now that we know how to help avoid the spread of pests, let's look into ways to get rid of them!
5 Natural Treatments for indoor pests
These treatments help to treat Aphids, Fungus Gnats, Mealybugs, Scale, Spider Mites, and Thrips.
Indoor Pest Treatments:
Horticulture Spray
Herbal Water Spray
Neem Oil
Essential Oils
Castile Soap Bug Spray
Horticulture spray is a great way to immediately kill pests on contact! This one is personally my favorite. I have used it for all of my plants! If you see a pest rinse your plant, spray with the horticulture spray, and wipe the leaves off.
Mix a 50/50 ratio of water and rubbing alcohol with 1 drop of dish soap & shake well!
Herbal Water Spray can help rid those pests! Herbs with strong scents like Peppermint, Lavender, Rosemary, & sage are great examples!
Break up herbs enough for 1/2 cup. Pour into a mason jar with 3 cups of water, and secure the lid. Let steep for 24 hours. Strain herbs and place them into a spray bottle. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of dish soap. Shake before each use. Can use this spray daily. Make sure to store it in a dark area when not using it.
Neem Oil Using a neem spray every 2 weeks will interfere with their reproductive cycles, mess with their feeding, and even kill some pests on contact! It is safe to use and nontoxic for humans and pets!
Mix 2 tablespoons of neem with 2 cups of water. Place into a spray bottle and spray over the entire plant. Wait at least one week between uses.
Essential Oils can help kill pests on contact and also works as a great deterrent.
Add 10 drops of essential oil ( Peppermint, Clove, Rosemary) into 4 ounces of water. Shake and spray on leaves to help get rid of pests. Keep stored in a dark area.
Mix 1 tablespoon of Castile soap in 1 quart of water, or 5 tablespoons in 1 gallon of water for a larger batch. Spray on plants and soil. Wait one week before using it again if you still have pests.
How pests enter your home!
All of a sudden your plant has a pest! Where did it come from? Pests are so tiny they can slip right past you! Here are some ways pests can enter your home.
Doors & Windows - Bugs are always on the search for the perfect living environment. These are the easiest ways for plants to enter.
Potting Soil - Purchasing high-quality soil helps reduce this risk!
New plants from the store - It's always best to wait 1 to 2 weeks before adding your new plant to your current collection.
Fresh Produce and flowers - Wash any fresh produce you bring in as soon as you can. When receiving flowers keep them a nice distance away from any plants. This also goes for any other outdoor plants you bring in.
Why you should use natural treatment
Chemicals are never good, especially in a small, confined place like your home. The less you use chemicals will help your health and your plant's health! Plants are very similar to us and they can build immunity. After so many uses of a chemical spray, your plant builds immunity to it causing the treatment to no longer work.
Organic treatments are also safer for both children and pets, less irritating to allergies like asthma, and environmentally friendly.
My last piece of advice to give you is to keep your plants healthy. Healthier plants have a stronger immune system to help protect themselves from things like pests. Always ensuring you give your plants the right amount of sunlight, water, humidity & fertilizer will keep them strong.
Click the button below to check out my favorite fertilizer I use for all my indoor & outdoor plants!