Plants

If you have a potted plant inside your home or out that you love and it is infested with bugs don’t throw it out just yet. There are three steps that you can take that might just fix your problem.

1. You can remove the caterpillars, slugs, and other larger pests by hand (remember to wear gloves) or you can swab pests with a small brush or cotton swab that is moistened with rubbing alcohol. This method is feasible when plants are small and infestations very light. It is tedious and must be done once a week over a period of time.

2. Plants can also be washed in a dilute mixture of water and true soap or insecticidal soap, or gently spray-washed with lukewarm water. Repeated washings over a period of time are necessary to gradually reduce infestations. If the infestation is severe, it may be preferable to discard the plant and replace it rather than attempt chemical control.

3. Insecticides and miticides that are available for ornamental plants in the landscape may be effective for certain pests on houseplants. However, few are labeled for houseplant use, and foliage and houseplants may be injured by the sprays since their sensitivity to pesticides varies widely. The safest approach is to use a given pesticide only for the uses specified on the label. Also look for precautions and warnings of plant injury. Avoid using the chemicals indoors and make sure that you mix only the amount needed so that you do not pour any down the drain.