Quck answer
Bugs in a houseplant’s soil can be a nuisance, but there are organic methods to get rid of them.
1. Neem oil: Mix neem oil with water and spray it on the soil. Neem oil acts as a natural insecticide and repels bugs.
2. Diatomaceous earth: Sprinkle diatomaceous earth on the soil. It is made from fossilized algae and kills bugs by dehydrating them.
3. Sticky traps: Place sticky traps near the plant to catch flying insects. These traps are coated with a sticky substance that bugs get stuck to.
4. Cinnamon: Sprinkle cinnamon powder on the soil. Cinnamon acts as a natural antifungal and antibacterial agent, deterring bugs.
5. Beneficial insects: Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs or nematodes to the plant. These insects feed on bugs and help control their population.
Remember to regularly inspect your plants and maintain good hygiene to prevent bug infestations.
Houseplants might eventually encounter an insect infestation, particularly if they are placed outdoors during the summer season. Preventing an infestation involves regularly monitoring the plants and promptly isolating any that exhibit signs of bugs. Soil insects dig beneath the surface to reproduce or harm the plant’s root structure. Getting rid of insects organically is a simple process that avoids exposing your home to harmful chemicals.
Step 1
Plant all houseplants in sterile containers or pots using clean potting soil. Avoid using garden soil for houseplants as it may bring outdoor bugs and initiate an infestation.
Step 2
Isolate plants that display signs of a bug infestation to prevent spreading to other plants. Dispose of heavily infested plants that show signs of irreversible plant death.
Step 3
Saturate the soil with insecticidal soap when soil insects appear. Aphids and mealybugs will burrow into the soil and become visible during watering when they come to the surface. A large number of soil insects cause wilting in the plant.
Step 4
Use sticky-paper traps to capture and identify soil fungus gnats. Place the traps next to the plant. Additionally, place a small container with cider vinegar near the plant to attract the gnats, as they will dive into the vinegar and drown. Regularly check the vinegar to determine when the problem has been controlled.
Step 5
Apply garlic juice to the soil of plants infested with mites or aphids. Create a solution using the juice of two garlic cloves, one teaspoon of isopropyl alcohol, and 3 quarts of water. Spray the solution directly onto the soil surface several times a day until the pests are under control.
