What are the insects?
Sometimes it can be hard to identify exactly what type of pest or bug that's on your plant, but luckily there are some generalized methods of insect removal that work for a number of different species.
Identify the bug and determine if it's actually a pest
If you're not able to identify it, you can always contact our Plant Experts for identification and guidance on proper treatment
If you're unsure of what they are and they seem to be causing damage to your plant, remove them from your plant
What to do now
Always consider using gentle methods before using pesticides - this is better for the environment and less harsh on your plant.
Manually remove all visible insects.
Use sticky traps - this is a type of yellow, blue or white glue trap that attracts the insects to them. Place them near the infected plant.
Spray your plant with soapy water. Mix 1 quart of lukewarm water, 1/2 tsp liquid soap and a few drops of rubbing alcohol. Shake until the soap is diluted into the mix and apply it to your plant.
Common questions
What else could it be if it's not pest?
Not all bugs are pests and they are all part of the ecosystem. Some store-bought plants might also have beneficial biological control on them, such as Predatory mites or green lacewings. It would be sad to unnecessarily kill harmless insects.
How do I manually remove them?
This is typically easier if the insects are large enough to be seen and removed. Depending on the plant and how sensitive it is, you can use your hands, masking tape, a lint roller, vacuum cleaner (on low suction) or just give your plant a thorough shower.
What more should I think about when using pesticide?
Some plants, can react badly to pesticides or soaps so test it on a smaller area of the plant first. Always avoid direct sunlight after application as it can otherwise burn the plant.