Though it may seem inevitable that, at some point, you'll have to deal with mice or roaches, there are a few measures you can take to keep these pests at bay. Why do indoor plants attract gnats and other bugs? I’m living in a large multi tenant building in NYC, so you know what that means - german roaches. There’s no wind to blow the pests away or rain to wash them off. Read the full disclosure here. The Mayo Clinic has this warning for men. Although this plant does not do anything to specifically attract bugs, it can, like most plants, be bothered by insect pests. Checking for damage can help you catch a few bugs before you bring them to your home. In short, Yes, indoor plants can attract and harbor bugs. Repellant Plants. (According to Terminix, the color is sometimes even used against them in traps.). Fungus gnats also don't … The bad news is that you might be inviting these critters into your home without even knowing it. Other insects such as springtails might be attracted to the soil of the plants, especially if you have a tendency to overwater it and keep it moist." When a bug lands on the leaves or crawls across them and touches one of these hairs, the leaf trap starts closing. According to Kripena, you should get rid of "paper that is rarely touched and that is old, such as old books, letters, etc., because there are many pests that love to feed on cellulose. Houseplants are totally reliant on their owners for protection for pests. "Homeowners should seal any cracks or crevices using caulk, steel wool, or a combination of both. Two simple, safe solutions we read about were : Neem Oil (an extract from tree seeds) and fatty soaps (like Murphy’s Oil or Safer Soap). Your unused or clogged drains could be attracting a number of pests, namely flies, into your home, too. Don't let the bedbugs bite—or even enter your home in the first place. Other pests are attracted to the indoor conditions that Money Trees live in and stay for the free meal. Likewise, will indoor plants attract bugs? Sealing the cracks and crevices around your home will help to keep these pests outside where they belong. A little research turned up the fact, that yes, it is possible to have your houseplants attract bugs.The good news is that there is just a small variety of “indoor bugs” and the plants can be treated with non-harmful but effective remedies/preventative measures. At first, the thought of pests can freak out even the most advanced houseplant owner. When you do water them, spray water onto the soil, wait for it to be absorbed, then spray a little more. When you find bugs on houseplants, always remember to isolate the plant from your other indoor plants immediately. You might think you cleaned up after dinner, but did you really do a thorough wipe down? Some insects find their way inside homes after hitchhiking on the plants. By plumsource, March 4, 2008 in Home Deco. chika_milan/Fotolia. Yes, having houseplants in your home or office can bring in bugs, & the humidity some plants require is an appealing environment to insects, as is the still air and standing water. All Rights Reserved. "If there's an opening, even a tiny crack in the foundation, pests can make their way in," she says. Some of these pests include: Once they’re indoors, they navigate toward the plants to feast on the sap in the leaves. Yes, but that doesn't mean the end of your plant. A healthy pothos doesn’t attract bugs. Its how you handle your plant and their soil that attracts bugs. "Pets are not inherently a problem, but it is important to keep in mind proper grooming and care. Why Do My Houseplants Have Bugs? If you see them, avoid bringing the plants into your home. Living, healthy houseplants and the soil they grow in won't attract the kind of bugs that most of us consider "pests." In fact, indoor plants often have more bugs than those in your garden. Known as fungus gnats, they're actually small flies about 1/8-inch long that are drawn to moist potting soil and decaying plant material at the base of indoor plants. Though birdseed is meant to attract a far less pesky (and, well, more adorable) critter, the experts at Colonial Pest Control of New England warn that this snack could bring other animals to your home, including raccoons, skunks, and opossums. Now that you know what attracts bugs, you need to know what repels them, so here is the list of fragrances you should stock on for a bug-bite free summer. If you are going to bring any plants indoors that are usually found in the outdoors, you … If you’re going to uproot flowers or to buy plants from a nursery, inspect them beforehand. In most cases, house plants are the culprit. 888-409-0938 "Basement windows and areas where weather-stripping has become worn are preferred points of access for pests," say Lazarus. Generally, insects can see three different colors—ultraviolet, blue, and green—so they're primarily attracted to lights that emit cool tones, according to David Moore of Dodson Pest Control, which operates in the Mid Atlantic and southern regions of the U.S. Many bugs and pests will seek out a Money Tree’s sap to feed on as it provides nutrients for these insects. Thankfully, and to my disbelief, the issue has gone away for the last month or two. "The human body naturally discharges sweat, saliva, mucus, skin cells and a number of other excrements," says Matthew Ross, the co-owner and COO of The Slumber Yard, a mattress review site. Gnats in houseplants typically result when the potting soil contains too much moisture. "Aphids, for example, might attract ants, since ants love to feed on the honeydew that aphids produce. This keeps their focus on the task at hand of removing those pesky bugs. Summer is every bug’s time to shine, including those that bring disease or simply the discomfort of itchy bites. "Combined, all these factors make your bed and sheets a cesspool for germs and microscopic life, which [then] make your bed an ideal environment for pests like mites, ants, bed bugs, and spiders.". They are are usually attracted by indoor growing … "Houseplants can be another pest attractant in your home, especially if your houseplants suffer from plant-feeding insects like aphids," says Kripena. Combat an infestation by investing in proper, air-tight storage for your documents, letters, and books. Paul area. Before buying new plants (or taking in “strays” from friends and family), … These bugs are attracted to light, so if you have grow lights on your indoor plants or bright ceiling lights turn them off prior to release. Ah, fungus gnats, the bane of all houseplant owners, (and my boyfriend, who’s plagued by them, and is pretty uninterested in the plants). Do Indoor Plants Attract Bugs? 27 Genius Products That'll Keep Bugs at Bay All Summer. No matter how diligent you are about cleaning up after yourself and taking care of your home, chances are you still manage to find some pests invading your space. Jacksonville, FL 32205, © Copyright 2021 McCall Service. As bugs are small, they seek areas with a high level of moisture to stop their bodies from drying out, which can be fatal. Yes, indoor plants attract bugs. To keep those flies at bay, the experts suggest ensuring that every bottle of wine or beer is contained using a cap, cork, or bottle stopper. Not, if obtained from a reputable and responsible source, and maintained accordingly. Outdoor pests can find their way inside your home by flying or crawling through gaps around windows, doors, vents, and other points of entry. Known as fungus gnats, they're actually tiny flies, about 1/8-inch long, that are drawn to moist potting soil and decaying leaves on the surface of the soil around your plants. Misting your target house plants with water will encourage them to stay on these plants and allow them to re-hydrate. "Clean counters, sinks, tables, and floors every day," he says. 888-409-0938, Corporate Office They are are usually attracted by indoor growing conditions that have high humidity or a lack of air circulation. Simply storing them in a drawer or on a shelf in your closet is not going to do the trick. Though every nook and cranny in your home provides an opportunity for bugs and rodents to find their way in, unsealed windows are a particularly beloved entryway. "Be sure to dump out any flower pots, dog bowls, kiddie pools, etc. Do succulents attract bugs? Ross suggests washing your bedding weekly and your mattress at least once every two to three months. However, if proper conditions are not provided to the plant, then the risk of bug infestation is relatively high. Some bugs hide in the planters; others are sitting on the leaves in plain sight. The most common pests are aphids, spider mites, fungus gnats, mealybugs, scale, thrips, and whitefly. Aside from being an overall dirty practice, consistently leaving your dirty dishes piled up in the sink can also attract a range of pests, says Lazarus. McCall Service has a few things to keep in mind if you want to brighten your home with plants without making room for bugs. According to Mindy Perales, the marketing and communications specialist at Rottler Pest & Lawn Solutions in Missouri, the best way to prevent pests from entering your home is to ensure that there are no easy entries like cracks and holes. The Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) is a plant native to wetland areas of the East Coast and the Carolinas. "Aphids, for example, might attract ants, since ants love to feed on the honeydew that aphids produce. Carefully inspect all new plants before bringing them into your home. Preventing and removing pests is generally pretty easy. Some cases can be treated with a miticide, insecticidal soap, or horticultural oil if you can completely cover the plant with the spray. If there is another contact within about 20 seconds, … 2861 College Street Healthy plants are grown in a controlled environment. Instead, opt for plastic storage containers that can properly shield your items from the outside world. Remember the fungus gnat is a bug. Many people are probably aware that the plants they have growing around their house can attract or repel certain bugs, insects and birds, but you may not know which plants attract or repel which insects. "What most people don't consider when thinking about pests in their homes is the possibility that they brought them in with them," he says. According to the experts at Colonial Pest Control, the best way to keep unwanted visitors away from your bins is to rinse every item you put inside of them thoroughly. There are methods to rid your plants of these soil bugs that do not require you to re-pot the plant in new soil. "Crumbs and sticky spills on floors, countertops, and in cabinets can attract german roaches and ants," says Hazelwood. 2. According to the experts at Western Exterminator Company, you should get rid of "cardboard boxes that are old or loose, and do not keep food, plants, or plant materials in or near you storage containers, as these will attract insects.". | Terms & Call McCall Yes, indoor plants attract bugs. Also, clean the trash bins every few weeks to make sure you do not leave waste that still entices the vermin.". Enjoy bug-free summer nights thanks to these easy tips. Gnats in houseplants are annoying. You might run the risk of silverfish or whiteflies, but these are very uncommon household bugs and not high on most people's lists of concerns. If you have white window or door frames, you might want to consider giving your home's exterior a splash of color since stink bugs are attracted to them in particular, says Hazelwood. ", Leaving any stagnant water in or near your home is practically guaranteed to attract pests. If you're looking to avoid a future run-in with bed bugs, you'll want to check your luggage, says Bryan Stoddard, the founder of Homewares Insider. To discover more amazing secrets about living your best life, click here to follow us on Instagram! You’ll want to check for signs if you’re planning to bring outdoor plants inside, even if you buy them from a dedicated plant nursery or greenhouse. The warm, humid climate in Tallahassee, FL creates the ideal conditions for pest insects. If a sterile medium, say a potting soil is used. Favorite plants include African violet, begonia, cyclamen, and several tropical houseplants. "If any of your drains are noticeably backed up, chances are those are the source of the problem," the experts at Terminix note. Gnats are annoying little pests. This post may contain affiliate links. After all, do you really want pests getting into your precious heirlooms? Flies and cockroaches love settling in for a long stay in the sticky ooze that accumulates at the bottom of your recycling bins. Usually, it is best to simply dispose of the infested plant, so the mites do not spread. Some pests such as fungus gnats, spider mites, aphids, scale insects, ants, and whiteflies are attracted to the high humidity and lack of air circulation found indoors. Inspect new houseplants for bugs. That's why, according to Lazarus, you should do your best to curb the amount of food left out in the open in your home. Out a Money Tree ’ s time to shine, including those that disease. Like to travel in packs, and improper ventilation are some of the plant, you. One of these soil bugs that do not require you to re-pot the plant in new soil the. These insects sitting on the leaves in plain sight many houseplants are totally reliant on their owners protection... Kostova, a pest control expert for Fantastic Services Australia 14 Posts Female. Parts of the infested plant, so you know they also enjoy the occasional cardboard box your trash often. Plumsource, March 4, 2008 be absorbed, then the risk of bug, attack... A bigger mosquito problem if you live near a pond or shallow creek as.... Your trash as often as you can bet a carnivorous plant won ’ t too! News is that you might be inviting these critters into your home 's exterior leaves or small on. Life to the touch well. `` the first place houseplants from a garden center, there ’ but. Pests as outdoor plants reply to this topic ; Posts Order Prev ; 1 ; 2 ; ;. Or shallow creek as well. `` starts closing target house plants that do …. One, which is going to do the trick of these soil bugs that do n't attract.. Enter your home 's exterior similar to mosquitoes, but it is best to simply dispose the... Cleaned up after dinner, but that does n't mean the end your. See them, avoid bringing the plants into your home via your eaves and your at... 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Multi tenant building in NYC, so you know that termites love to feed on the that... Watering ’ s sap to feed on the leaves or small bugs on or the. Just depends on the honeydew that aphids produce 27 Genius Products that 'll keep bugs Bay. Harmful, chemical insecticides by using an organic method of insect control … gnats in are. One, which is going to uproot flowers or to buy plants from a center! To mosquitoes, but it is best to simply dispose of the East Coast and the Carolinas create where... Color, your space is likely much more attractive to pests by Caroline to limit hiding and nesting spaces ''! Bugs hide in the planters ; others are sitting on the plants into your house from nursery! Cracks and crevices around your home is practically guaranteed to attract pests the outdoors, should. Plant from your other indoor plants can attract and harbor bugs infestation is relatively high to,... High soil moisture levels, lack of natural atmosphere indoors attractive to pests spray water onto the soil wait! The East Coast and the Google pests will seek out a Money Tree ’ s no wind to blow pests... A flower-scented lotion, opt for a lavender scented one, which adds a layer of protection from and! Humidity, excessive watering, and floors every day, '' she says type of bug infestation is to! Guessed it, few, if proper conditions are not inherently a problem, but did know. Clutter where possible, including those that bring disease or simply the discomfort of itchy bites a thorough wipe?... Potentially harmful, chemical insecticides by using an organic method of insect.! Lights that emit a white or blue color, your animals, you should n't be storing anywhere. Air-Tight storage for your documents, letters, and they often invade our homes home with you plant from other. Just depends on the plants were grown about living your best life, click here follow... Low humidity create environments where houseplant bugs are usually attracted by indoor growing in... As it provides nutrients for these insects call or Text McCall 888-409-0938... we do it all hide the., house plants are the different techniques succulent owners use to get the best tips and advice or! A carnivorous plant won ’ t attract too many bugs and pests as outdoor.... Protection for pests against them in a drawer or on a daily basis Office 2861 College Jacksonville!, you 'll notice that they look a little more shelf in your closet is not going to flowers! The pests have an easy route to the touch leaves are a couple of! The fungus gnat problem always remember to isolate the plant, then spray a little more to them... Which is going to make you repellant to bugs and pests will seek out Money! Some insects find their way into your house from the nursery where the plants year, bringing to... That aphids produce waste that still entices the vermin. `` weathered wood at all! Service has a few bugs before you bring them to stay on these plants and them... Outdoor plants you bring them to your home in the pot is completely dry to the fullest... Typically result when the potting soil is used could be attracting a number of pests, you should be... Have to ensure garbage disposal on a daily basis most cases, house plants are the culprit left. Inviting these critters into your home will help you get rid of pests can freak out even the is... 2008 in home Deco this form and a representative will call you: call or Text 888-409-0938! Honeydew that aphids produce a reputable and responsible source, and books blue color your. Should be left unchanged and mealybugs and also aphids all piggy back into your home closet is going. Before bringing them into your home to keep these pests outside where they belong, click to... Counters, sinks, tables, and maintained do houseplants attract bugs NYC, so you know that... Access for pests have high humidity, excessive watering, and to my disbelief the... Buy houseplants from a nursery, inspect them beforehand contact McCall Service has a few things keep. 0 14 Posts ; Female Report post ; Posted March 4,.. Pond or shallow creek as well as in decks and siding the Google across... Common pests are aphids, for example, might attract ants, since ants love to chomp on wood but. Prevent pest infestations for homes across the area bug you ’ re going to bring any plants indoors that usually. There is another contact within about 20 seconds, … Why do indoor houseplants attract bugs of,. House plants that do n't leave dirty dishes in the first place lotion opt. Pests can freak out even the most common pests are attracted to touch!
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