What are the little bugs on my plants?

A: They’re most likely fungus gnats. These little buggers are a really common pest over winter, and they’re more attracted to the moist soil in houseplant pots than to the plants themselves. Though the adults look like tiny mosquitoes, they don’t bite or sting or cause plant damage.

How do you get rid of small pests on plants?

How to get rid of these bugs: Remove any heavily infested parts of the plant. Wipe off insects elsewhere with a damp rag or spray them off with water in the bathtub. You can also dislodge them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or vegetable oil, or spray them with insecticidal soap.

Why is my plant covered in bugs?

Fungus gnats (also called soil gnats) are probably the most common (and annoying) houseplant pests. You will notice these indoor plant bugs crawling out of the potting soil, or flying around your plant when you water or otherwise disturb the soil. Yuck!

How do I get rid of little white bugs on my plants?

MEALYBUGS TREATMENT

1. Dip cotton balls and swabs in alcohol and remove all visible mealybugs.
2. Mix 1 cup of rubbing alcohol with few drops of Dawn dish soap and 1 quart (32oz) of water.
3. Spray the whole plant, not only where mealybugs are visible.
4. Repeat the treatment once or twice a week until the issue is gone.

Is soapy water bad for plants?

Usually, small amounts of well-diluted dish soap don’t hurt flowerbeds, and soapy water is better than no water for plants during a drought. Don’t assume that dish soap is completely safe, however. It must be applied according to certain guidelines to prevent plant damage.

How do you get rid of bugs on plants organically?

Wash plants with a strong spray of water to dislodge aphids, or remove and destroy affected plant parts. Organic solutions include spraying with horticultural oil (petroleum- or vegetable-based oil used to smother insects), insecticidal soap or neem (insecticide made from a tropical tree by the same name).

What to spray on plants for bugs?

Simply put 1/4 cup vegetable oil and 1 Tbsp liquid dish soap (it must be free of bleach, degreaser, synthetic dyes, and fragrances) in a spray bottle, then fill it to the top with warm water and shake. You can spray the mixture onto your plants once a week in order to combat pest issues.

How do I keep my houseplants bug free?

I recommend using organic insecticidal soap or a mild liquid soap for washing the leaves. Then spraying the plant with neem oil (a natural insecticide for houseplants) for long-term organic pest control.

How do you get rid of little white bugs on houseplants?

Use neem oil for whiteflies that have already infested your plants, or use it as a preventive pest control spray. You can buy neem oil for pretty cheap, and a big bottle will last a long time. A pre-mixed horticultural oil or hot pepper wax spray can also be very effective when used directly on whiteflies.

What does whitefly look like?

Whitefly nymphs have small, oval bodies and no wings and no apparent legs or antennae. The adults that emerge form mature nymphs are winged and look like a very tiny moth. The giant whitefly or Mexican whitefly has been moving into California and is making an unsightly mess of hibiscus and other landscape ornamentals.

Will Dawn dish soap hurt plants?

Dawn dish soap is safe for plants if you use a small amount diluted with water. You can use Dawn dish soap to kill pests plaguing your plants, but you need to be careful using it. If you use too much, it can be toxic to the plant and disintegrate the leaf’s waxy coating known as the cuticle.

How often should I spray my plants with soapy water?

Spray once a week (or for more serious infestations, every 4 days) for 4 weeks until you see improvement. Any more or longer than that, and you risk leaf injury, as the soap will remove all the natural oils and waxes that protect the leaf, and thus remove the plant’s natural defenses against pests and diseases.

Why are the leaves on my Fittonia dying?

Fittonia plants tend to be quite picky about the amount of light they need. If you notice dry, shriveled leaves, and evidence of scorching on your Fittonia, it could be a sign of the plant getting too much direct sunlight causing the leaves to burn.

What does a Fittonia plant look like?

Fittonia (Nerve plants) are all elegance and grace, with their striking deep-green leaves and delicately patterned veins in white, pink, or red. But don’t be fooled by their sophisticated looks, as Fittonia plants are ready to throw tantrums and start wilting at a moment’s notice!

How do you keep Fittonia roots from rotting?

The best way to protect your Fittonia’s roots from rotting is to water it only when you notice the top layer of the soil turning dry. Yes, this plant loves moisture and humidity, but in their zeal to keep it healthy, most people end up giving it more water than the plant really needs.

What is Fittonia used for?

The diminuative plants are used as ground covers in warmer areas, but in colder climates, it is a houseplant and quite often, a terrarium plant. Fittonia care isn’t too complicated but the extra care that this plant requires is well worth it.