Five common bugs infesting and killing houseplants

Brits are being warned their house plants could be swarming with harmful critters.

Experts at GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk have revealed five common pests found on houseplants and how to deal with these infestations.

Several insects and pests feed on indoor plants and, if left untreated, they can wreak havoc and eventually kill the plant.

Whiteflies, spider mites and thrips are among some of the bugs commonly found lingering in houseplants.

There are some obvious signs to show a plant may be suffering an infestation, including yellowing leaves and wilting.

A spokesperson for Garden Buildings Direct said: “Bugs in houseplants are not only a nuisance, they also work together to multiply, destroy and kill your plants.

“If you notice critters crawling around one of your carefully tended plants, it is important to treat them immediately to avoid serious damage.

“Common pests which can be found on house plants include spider mites, white flies and fungus gnats, but there are ways to remove the pests before they wreak complete havoc.

“Looking out for signs of bug infestations and treating them quickly is the best way to tackle them, so ensure you are paying close attention to the condition of the plant.”

Common bugs living in your houseplants and how to tackle them:

1. Aphids 

Aphids are tiny, pear-shaped insects that can be white, yellow, green or black and are often found clustered on leaves feeding on sap. Signs of these sap-sucking pests in houseplants include stunted growth and curled, yellowing or wilting leaves. Notorious for wreaking havoc, they also attract ants and encourage mould. Aphid infestations can be controlled with regular inspection, removing dead leaves and spraying the plant with water and mild dish soap.

2. Fungus Gnats 

If a houseplant has yellowing, poor growth and sudden wilting, they could be being targeted by fungus gnats. These small black flies will be spotted flying around, but also live in the damp soil of potted plants and feed on the roots. To get rid of them, water the plant less often, and use sticky traps or gravel mulch to stop them from laying eggs.

3. Spider Mites

Spider mites are one of the most common pests for houseplants, and signs of infestation include brown or yellow spots on leaves, webbing around the plant and stunted growth. It is important to act fast if mites are detected. Showering the plant with water and wiping the infected leaves will help remove the eggs and mites.

4. Whiteflies 

Whiteflies are tiny, heart-shaped insects which weaken plants by piercing leaves and stems when feeding on them, and quickly reproduce. They often appear in the dozens when the plant is moved, and must be treated quickly when spotted or the infestation could spiral out of control. They can be treated with sticky traps, water and even by sucking them up with a vacuum.

5. Thrips

Thrips are straw-coloured insects which eat away at leaves and cause blotchy red discolouration on houseplants. They multiply rapidly and infestation can be difficult to control, so it is important to treat and dispose of them quickly. Prune infested branches, dispose of any affected plants, and spray with water and insecticidal soap to stop them from spreading to other plants.