Pest Identification

Inspect before treating

Houseplant pest management starts with identification. Check undersides of leaves, new growth, stems, pot rims, drainage holes, and saucers.

Common patterns

Fine webbing and stippling can suggest spider mites. Cottony clusters can suggest mealybugs. Sticky honeydew can suggest scale or aphids.

Response

Isolate the plant, remove visible pests, improve care stressors, and use targeted controls only after identification. ^{1Managing insects on indoor plantsUMN Extension recommends identifying pests and using prevention and nonchemical methods before escalation.Url - extension.umn.eduOpen source}