7 types of pests (and how to get rid of them)

You’ve lovingly picked the perfect plant, found its ideal spot, and made watering part of your Sunday ritual. But then, what’s that? Something’s squirming on the leaves, and it’s definitely not meant to be there.

The good news? You don’t need to suit up like a pest inspector, we’ve got you. Here’s everything you need to know about the most common houseplant bugs – how to spot them, what they’re up to, and how to show them the door, no second chances!

1. Spider Mites

What to look for:
These teeny-tiny pests are practically invisible, but the chaos they cause is easy to spot. You might notice speckled or patchy leaves that slowly fade to yellow. Get in close and you’ll likely spot fine, silky webs, usually tucked under leaves or where the stems meet.

Why they’re here:
Spider mites love a dry, cosy environment, especially when your heating’s on and the humidity’s low. Basically, your winter plant setup is their dream spa.

How to get rid of them:
Start by increasing humidity. Daily misting can help, or give your plant a mini spa break in the bathroom. Wipe down leaves with a damp microfibre cloth. Then use a neem oil spray (diluted with water) every few days until the mites have moved out. Keep it up for at least two weeks to make sure you catch the stragglers and any eggs that hatch.

2. Fungus Gnats

What to look for:
These little nuisances look like tiny fruit flies and love to loiter around the base of your plant. While they’re more annoying than dangerous, their larvae can sneakily snack on your plant’s roots if the soil stays too soggy.

Why they’re here:
Overwatering is the big culprit. They love damp soil, especially if there’s poor drainage.

How to get rid of them:
Start by letting the top few inches of soil dry out before you water again, they hate dry conditions. Cover the soil with a layer of sand, gravel, or Leca to block them from laying eggs. Sticky yellow traps are great for catching the adults (weirdly satisfying, too). If the infestation sticks around, try introducing nematodes - they’re tiny, totally harmless to your plant, and love to munch on gnat larvae. Teamwork!

3. Mealybugs

What to look for:
They look like little bits of cotton wool hiding in leaf joints or the undersides of leaves. These pests suck sap and excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can lead to sooty mould.

Why they’re here:
Mealybugs love warm, dry conditions and cosy corners. Basically, anywhere with shelter and not much airflow is fair game.

How to get rid of them:
Start with a cotton bud dipped in rubbing alcohol (surgical spirit) to dab each one. Wipe leaves clean, then spray the whole plant with neem oil. Repeat every few days, they’re pretty stubborn!

4. Scale insects

What to look for:
Scale look like little brown bumps along stems or on leaf undersides. They barely move, but they’re very much alive, sucking sap and weakening your plant.

Why they’re here:
They’re pro hitchhikers and love staying under the radar. You’ll often find them on older, woodier plants with plenty of crevices to hide in..

How to get rid of them:
Gently scrape them off with your nail or a soft toothbrush. Then treat the area with a neem oil spray or insecticidal soap. Keep checking weekly, they often return.

5. Thrips

What to look for:
Silvery or streaky damage on leaves, sometimes with tiny black dots (droppings). New growth may be twisted or deformed.

Why they’re here:
Thrips love warm, cosy homes and are pros at sneaking in through open windows or hitching a ride on new plants.

How to get rid of them:
Cut off any badly affected leaves. Rinse the rest of the plant thoroughly with lukewarm water. Then treat with a neem oil spray every three days for two weeks. Some people also use sticky traps to catch the adults!

6. Aphids

What to look for:
These tiny, squishy bugs love a crowd. You’ll often spot them huddled together on new shoots or the undersides of leaves. They come in green, black or even red, and their feeding can cause leaves to curl, yellow or feel sticky.

Why they’re here:
Aphids are opportunists and love soft, new growth, especially in spring.

How to get rid of them:
A quick blast with the showerhead will dislodge most of them. For a more thorough job, spray the plant with diluted washing-up liquid or neem oil. Natural predators like ladybirds are effective too (though possibly better for the garden than your bookshelf).

7. Whiteflies

What to look for:
Tiny white moths that flutter up in clouds when you move the plant. They feed on sap and lay eggs on the undersides of leaves.

Why they’re here:
They’re all about warm, sheltered spots with minimal airflow. Basically, your plant’s version of a cosy Airbnb.

How to get rid of them:
Sticky traps are your best friend here. Rinse the plant gently, then use neem oil every few days until they stop appearing. Try to increase airflow around the plant if you can.

How to prevent bugs on houseplants

Now that you’ve got the tools to treat pests, let’s stop them before they start. Prevention is easier than eviction, so here’s your checklist for keeping your leafy gang pest-free:

• Quarantine new plants for at least a week
  
  

• Wipe leaves regularly to keep them dust-free
  
  

• Check the undersides of leaves and stems during your weekly water
  
  

• Don’t overwater, always let the top layer of soil dry out
  
  

• Choose pots with good drainage
  
  

• Use clean tools when pruning or repotting
  
  

Bugs on houseplants aren’t a sign you’ve done anything wrong - even the most seasoned plant parent gets the odd uninvited guest. The trick is catching them early and showing them the door, fast. With a little attention (and your trusty neem oil sidekick), your plant will be back to thriving in no time.

Need help identifying a bug? Send us a photo and our team of plant experts are on hand with friendly, fuss-free advice. That’s what we’re here for.

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