'Kill' houseplant bugs using 30p household staple you probably already have
October is the ideal time to inspect indoor plants for pests and experts have been sharing their top tips on naturally eliminating these common bugs
by James Harrison, Sophie Harris, Rom Preston-Ellis · ChronicleLiveAs the days get shorter and colder, spending more time inside can be a wrench for the green-fingered.
But our homes can also be a fantastic place to indulge our horticultural habits - with October a key milestone in the calendar.
The start of autumn marking the prime time to check indoor plants for pests such as aphids, mealybugs, scales, and mites.
And experts have divulged their best advice for naturally ridding your greenery of these unwelcome visitors.
They recommend: "After all your hard work of looking after your indoor garden, it is important you control houseplant pests as quickly as possible to prevent them from spreading to your other plants. Sticking with natural methods is best when it comes to pesticides, and there are many all-natural home remedies that work perfectly well for controlling houseplant pests."
The initial step involves isolating the affected plant to stop the pests from moving to other houseplants, while also keeping an eye on nearby plants for any signs of indoor plant pests for three to four weeks. Following the isolation, it's crucial to clean the area where the plant was situated using soapy water to get rid of any lingering pests.
For those wanting to take additional measures, the Express suggests sterilising the area with rubbing alcohol, but caution is advised to avoid contact with the eyes.
The experts further advise: "Now wash the infested plant with insecticidal soap, or you can use a mild liquid soap, as soap can kill houseplant bugs on contact. Some contain degreasers and detergents that can harm sensitive plants, therefore be careful with the type you choose. Try dabbing the soap lightly on your plant before washing it fully to double-check it won't cause any harm."
"Use a cotton swab soaked in alcohol and dab it on the bugs to kill and remove them from the plant. Also, wash the pot and plant tray with soapy water too as houseplant pests can easily hide under the rim of the pot or tray without you even noticing," reports the Mirror.
Washing-up liquid can be bought for as little as 50p from several supermarkets, which will last a long time. Mealybugs, one of the most common pests, are often mistaken for fungus or mould because they can resemble cotton or white powder.
They usually gather on the stems and leaf joints. According to experts at Essential Living, damage typically includes stunted or "deformed growth" of the houseplant.
Aphids can be identified by the sticky residue they leave on the plant, resulting in deformed plant growth. The experts added: "They easily go unnoticed until the houseplant is completely infested, as you will begin to see fat, small, juicy bugs clustering on new growth and flower buds ranging from different colours including green, brown, blue, orange, red or black."
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