How To Get Rid Of Bugs From Houseplant Soil #1

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I can’t help it, I just can’t resist putting that line into this post! If you’re looking for how to remove bugs from your houseplant plant’s dirt, you’re at the right place. We have addressed the problem of insects attacking your houseplants in our article on how to deal with them.

Today, indoor container gardening is one of the most popular hobbies among urbanites. With limited space for outdoor gardens, urbanites are forced to make the most of their space to enjoy colorful blooms and better air quality. However there is one serious challenge that goes along with the excitement – bugs!

From whiteflies to fungus gnats, aphids, thrips, and whatever else, each of these minuscule living creatures has the potential to inflict severe damage on your plants and on you personally.

What are the Most Common Houseplant Bugs?

Houseplants are vulnerable to many different kinds of bugs, here is a list of the most common ones.

  1. Fungus Gnats
  2. Scale
  3. Spider Mites
  4. Aphids
  5. Whiteflies
  6. Mealybugs
  7. Thrips

Inspect the soil of your houseplants carefully to see which insects are infesting it. When heavy watering occurs, for example, gnats can appear while spider mites tend to flourish when the weather is warm and dry. The process of eradicating your potted plants becomes more efficient and less time-consuming when you identify what’s infesting the plants.

Which parts of the Houseplants do Bugs attack?

Insects attack various parts of a plant depending on their type.

Leaves

  • Baby leaves (new growth, very vulnerable)
  • Stems
  • Buds
  • Flowers
  • Roots

Several species live in and feed on leaves, several live in the soil of houseplants, some flies around, while others just stick to the plant-like fungi. It’s extremely important to act quickly and eradicate the bugs that have infested your plants no matter what type they may be.

What are the Methods for Removing Pests from House Plants & Soil?

1. Physical removal 

Some pests that are visible can be taken care of with hoses just by washing them off. You can just cut off severely infested stems or leaves to stop the spread of the fungus. Throw away the cut stems and leaves safely away from the plants.

2. Household Treatment for Houseplants

One teaspoon of Mild liquid soap mixed with one liter of water can be used to spray the parts of the plants that are infested. You should keep the plant away from direct sunlight as it may increase the chances of sunburn. The soap’s fatty acid can break down the outer shell and kill the bugs.

3. Natural treatment

Neem oil is an excellent natural solution. It is best mixed as per instructions in the following formula: 2 tbsp Neem oil with 2-3 tsp liquid soap + 1 gal of water. Apply it to your infected plants or houseplants. It has a pungent smell but will sure kill your insects and chase them away from your plants. If you don’t like it, you can also use horticultural oil or organic insecticidal soap spray, all of which contain neem oil.

We highly recommend Neem oil solution against any kind of houseplant bugs because it is the most effective natural treatment.

4. Systemic treatment for Houseplants

Using insecticides rid the soil & plants of the bug invasion, this process involves spraying the chemical on the plants or mixing with water and dumping it on top of the soil. Take care to read the instructions carefully before using them on your plants. Overdosing may kill them. Also, protect your skin from the chemical drops if you use pesticides. Our recommendation is not to use this method unless the infestation is extreme.

How to Get Rid Of Bugs in Houseplants & Soil?

1. Fungus Gnats

How to identify Fungus Gnats in houseplant soil?

  • Black insects, which resemble small mosquitoes or flies.
  • The wings are transparent and they stand on narrow legs.
  • The fungus in the soil can make it possible for an individual to stay close to a food source.
  • A gnat’s life expectancy ranges from a few days to a week.
  • A larva looks like a long gray or white worm.
  • You may see fungus gnats by shaking the pot. If you see swarms of tiny flies, the pot is infested.

Facts about Fungus Gnats

  • Overwatered plants are the cause of Fungus Gnats.
  • Humid, damp soil favors its growth and reproduction.
  • Cannot survive without water or moisture.
  • Eggs are laid in moist soil, reproduces quickly.
  • Lay 300 eggs, they hatch in three days and are ready to be harvested after three weeks.
  • They are mainly found eating fungus in wet soil.
  • Plants are not endangered by adult gnats.
  • The larvae of these insects are most dangerous, as they can feed on plant roots or root hairs.
  • The plants are hindered by this, and their growth is slowed.
  • Plants become wilted

 How to get rid of Fungus Gnats from Houseplants Soil?

The first step would be to separate the infested plants from your other plants. Try out methods 1 & 2 first, followed by Method 6. This combination approach is usually enough to eliminate all fungus gnat infestations. If infestation persists, look at other methods.

Method 1: Dry them out (physical removal)

The plants will die (no treatment method) if after a few days you dry them out 1.5 inches from the top layer of soil. You can still water them from the bottom through the drainage hole.

If so, you can do this by pouring adequate water into the saucer (water collector), sitting the pot on it for 30 mins and removing any remaining water. This way, the plant will get the water it needs through its deeper roots, killing the gnat larvae and eggs.

Method 2: Neem oil (natural treatment)

On the top part of the houseplant soil, pour a neem oil or insecticide soap solution (natural treatment) and spray the soil thoroughly. Apply Neem spray once a week for at least three weeks. After using Neem spray, you will notice fewer gnats as well. Neem oil, mild liquid soap, and water are the ingredients in the Neem solution.

Method 3: Diluted Hydrogen peroxide

If your infestation persists, simply dry the soil and mix 1 part “3% hydrogen peroxide” with 4 parts “Water” and let it rest for 30 minutes. With the hydroperoxide solution you water the plants, any larva or egg of a Gnat will be killed.

You may repeat this treatment once a week, for 2-3 weeks if needed, to help kill any harmful bacteria and emerging fungi.

Method 4: BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) (natural treatment)

The BT bacteria is a natural occurring, soil-borne bacteria that does not harm humans or pets. Add a few tablespoons to a gallon of water and let it infuse for at least two days. If you use it once a week, it will kill the gnats and keep them at bay. Put it on the plants once a week if necessary.

Method 5: Cinnamon & Chamomile Tea (natural treatment)

Spread a thin layer of cinnamon powder on top of the houseplant soil and the larvae will starve, because cinnamon eats the fungus they are feeding on. Repeat this treatment once every two weeks.

Additionally, if you sprinkle cinnamon, you can also use chamomile tea to enhance the treatment. Brew 32oz of chamomile tea with 4 teaspoons chamomile leaf, then add it to 1 gallon of water. The plants should be watered regularly, monitored regularly, and these dead gnats should appear within two to three weeks.

Method 6: Food Grade Diatomaceous earth (DE) (natural treatment)

In place of fungus gnats, DE can be used to kill them by absorbing their oil and damaging their bodies with its severing edges. Dry out the soil’s top layer and apply a layer of DE. Wear protective gear while working with DE. My recommendation is to repeat the process once a week, for a period of 3 weeks.

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