Having houseplants is a great way to improve your home’s aesthetic appeal and air quality, but you might be afraid that your indoor plants will attract insects. Although different types of bugs love plants, following these tips will help you keep critters away from them.
Choose the Right Plants
Choosing the right plants for your home’s environment and lighting conditions is an essential first step. Before investing in house plants, research to ensure they will do well inside your house.
Use Clean Soil
Although digging up a bit of dirt from your backyard might be tempting, this should usually be avoided. Outdoor dirt can contain insects and larvae, and you don’t want to bring these pests into your home. Instead, opt for high-quality potting soil that can be purchased at your local retail store or garden center. The soil will be clean and free of bugs and might also have more nutrients for your plants.
Raise Healthy Plants
Healthy plants are less likely to become infected by insects, so strive to keep your plants as healthy as possible. Prune them when necessary and water them regularly. Using plant food to keep them healthy and strong is also a good idea. When caring for your plants, take the time to scrutinize them for any insects; if you find any, get rid of them as soon as you can.
Handle Infestations Quickly
If you have noticed an infestation near or on your plants, handling the situation as quickly as possible is essential. Plants can be cleaned with a moist rag, and you can even dip those with smaller leaves into a bit of mildly soapy water. If necessary, consider changing the plant’s soil, and use a plant-friendly insect spray to eliminate any pests still hanging around.
Dispose of Badly Infested Plants
Once an infestation gets too bad, getting rid of it can be next to impossible while keeping your plant healthy. Therefore, tossing the plant and purchasing a new one is sometimes a better idea. If you don’t want to dispose of the plant, you should consider moving it outdoors to keep the pest issue out of your home.
If you live in or around Houston, ABC Home & Commercial Services can help you with all of your pest control issues. From ridding your home of indoor pests to treating the exterior perimeter of your property, call us today to learn about the practical and affordable services we offer.