How to Get Rid of Aphids from Houseplants: How to Control Aphids Indoors


Houseplant Pests, Aphids

Aphids Identification

Aphids also called Plant Lice are tiny, soft-bodied insects, which are prevalent in poorly ventilated, dry conditions. They are sap-sucking insects which are usually green but may be black, grey or orange.

All plants with soft tissues can be attacked by aphids; the shoot tips and flower buds are the most often attacked. This weakens the plant, causes yellowing, stunted growth, distorted growth and leaf curl.

They also deposit a sticky honeydew residue on plants, called sooty mold, which attracts ants and may be fertile ground for disease infestation. It also reduces plant growth and vigour by blocking pores and shading the leaf surface area for light absorption.

Aphids also transmit viral diseases from one plant to another. They multiply very fast and can spread very fast from plant to plant. Be on the look out for these pests so as to control them immediately to prevent damage to your houseplants.

How to Treat Aphids on Houseplants

  1. Isolate the affected plant to minimize spread to the other houseplants.

  2. Remove heavily infested parts of the plant and destroy to prevent further spread.

  3. Take the plant outside or to a sink and wash the aphids off with a high pressure stream of water. If the plant has delicate foliage, turn it upside down and dip the foliage in a bucket of water to wash off the pests. Repeat as many times as is necessary.

  4. For a light infestation, wipe the pests off with cotton buds or a soft cloth dabbed in rubbing alcohol followed by thorough spraying of the plant with a solution of 4 parts water and 1 part rubbing alcohol. Repeat the spraying after 7 days.

    5. You can also treat the affected indoor plant with an insecticidal soap or a neem oil both of which are safe for indoor use. Ensure to follow the manufacturers instructions.

  5. For a heavy infestation, spray the plant with a contact Pyrethrin-based insecticide as per the manufacturer's recommendations.

How to Prevent Aphids on Indoor Plants

  1. Maintain your plants healthy at all times as strong, healthy plants are less likely to be damaged by aphids; ensure proper watering, feeding and lighting.

  2. Obtain your plants from reliable sources to avoid introducing these pests to your plant collection.

  3. Thoroughly inspect new plants before bringing them indoors and isolate any infested plants until they are aphid-free.

  4. Frequently check the plants for these sap-sucking insects and take timely control measures.

  5. Keep the plants well pruned to get rid of the breeding and hiding grounds for these pests.

  6. Maintain the growing area clean by removal of fallen leaves or plant debris as they can harbor aphids and/or their eggs.

  7. On a regular basis, clean the leaves to get rid of dust and to discourage the pests.

  8. Increase humidity and improve air circulation to minimize aphids infestations as they prefer dry, stuffy growing conditions.

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