Why do white bugs appear on indoor plants and how to deal with them?

Reasons for the appearance of white bugs

Since small insects that are pests of indoor plants reproduce very, very quickly, it is natural to fight them immediately. And the first condition for this is to establish the root cause of their appearance.

White insects, like other insects, show activity in winter and in winter, and experienced gardeners and flower growers call the main reasons for their appearance:

1. Excessive waterlogging of the soil in the flowerpot.
2. The presence in the soil or flowerpot of components that retain excess moisture.
3. Initially, the soil in the flowerpot was contaminated and you planted a new plant in it.
4. Fertilizing the soil under flowers with tea leaves or coffee grounds, which are not intended for this at all.

Note! And simply, the penetration of insects into the room through a window or door, or ventilation and, accordingly, subsequent infection of indoor plants.

We recognize pests

First of all, you need to pay special attention to whether your plants have any pests, since they are the ones that can spoil the condition of potted flowers and sometimes even kill them.

The most common are small white bugs that spread very quickly throughout the flower. Before we talk about how to get rid of such “unexpected guests”, it is necessary to find out the reasons why small white insects appeared in the pot.

We tried to find out what factors contribute to their appearance:

• it is likely that small white insects in flower pots were blown onto the plants by the wind, by way of an open apartment window. Therefore, it is better not to place plants under direct wind flows from the street;
• Also, if you notice that strange white small insects have appeared in the soil of your flowers, photos of which on the Internet are labeled with various names - from aphids to thrips, the soil itself could be the reason for the appearance. Midge larvae could be brought in with soil, especially if it was not purchased in a specialized store, but was taken from the forest or garden;
• If there are small jumping midges in the pot, the reason for their spread could be waterlogging of the soil or the process of rotting caused by excessive watering of the plant.

Having found out the reasons for the appearance, we figured out how to prevent small white insects from appearing in the apartment. However, if such unexpected guests do appear, you need to be able to detect the problem at the first signs. Signs that white insects, such as those in the photo below, have appeared in the bathroom or flower pot are as follows:

• The first sign that a plant is susceptible to the negative influence of pests is various spots on the leaves. As a rule, they can be of completely different shapes, colors and sizes. Therefore, if you notice the slightest problem with a flower, conduct a quality inspection;
• very rapid weakening and dullness of flowers is an alarm bell signaling the appearance of midges on it;
• the last and final sign of the presence of insects is the detection of their presence, or the discovery of their larvae. Some of them run quite fast, so it is difficult to notice them. However, if you find midges, check for them in places with high humidity, such as on the floor of the toilet.

How to get rid of white bugs on plants?

First of all, you can resort to the help of chemical reagents sold in specialized stores - they act quickly and effectively, and act not only as a means of control, but also as a good preventive measure for the subsequent appearance of midges in flowers.

The products themselves are sprayed near the plant - it is important to remember that they contain insecticides that can harm green spaces if the instructions in strict rules are not followed. In addition, a person should also wear gloves and put on a mask first.

Aktara

The drug does not have any side effects for green spaces, while it is gentle and effective in the fight against insects. But adult, especially tenacious insects can survive and begin to reproduce again.

Inta-vir

The composition does not have a poisonous, suffocating odor and is easily sprayed. But it is worth remembering that in the fight against white insects, the plant should be treated 2-4 times, since one treatment may not be enough to completely destroy the pest.

Fitoverm

The drug has proven itself to be highly effective in controlling pests of indoor plants, but it is worth remembering that it is not suitable for all green spaces. It is also important to strictly follow the instructions due to its toxicity.

How to recognize white bugs in the ground?

Some parasites live not only in the soil, but also on the plant. Some species periodically crawl out of the ground to the surface. Such “uninvited guests” are easier to notice and destroy. But there are also those who are visible only when examining the soil after signs of plant infection.

Whiteflies

Often these parasites settle in greenhouses because they love warmth and humidity. With the warming of the climate, they began to appear en masse in garden plots, and the insect is almost omnivorous. It climbs from cucumbers to cabbage, then to tomatoes, etc. The whitefly does not disdain indoor plants.

However, in natural conditions its existence is difficult: the wind prevents insects from flying from place to place, and there are many who want to feast on the whitefly. Some types of bedbugs especially love to feed on their larvae.

Another thing is the window sill in the room. It’s warm, there are no enemies, the plants are located close to each other, it’s easy to migrate.

Signs of this pest appearing in flower pots:

It is very important to notice the colony as early as possible. These insects multiply quickly and destroy a large number of plants.

Caterpillars

Small light green caterpillars of leaf roller butterflies are also characterized by active damage to indoor plants:

Severely affected areas are treated with insecticides. The treatment must be done several times with an interval of one day.

Fools

These small, nimble, whitish (and sometimes brown) insects are also called springtails. Initially they settle in the ground. Then the colony grows and rises up the plant from the roots. The pest is dangerous because it drinks the juices of not only leaves, but also roots.

There are several reasons for this:

The first sign of a possible appearance is a white coating on the ground. It often occurs in wet soil. If such a plaque is detected, you should place the earthen ball along with the root system in a bucket of water for about 15 minutes. The pests will quickly float to the surface. All you have to do is collect them.

Ticks

There are several types of so-called soil mites that readily settle in the soil of indoor flowers. It is impossible to notice them with the naked eye, but signs of their presence are quite easy to identify:

There is only one salvation: immediate replanting and removal of the affected roots. Disinfection of the flower pot is also necessary.

Flea-like bugs

These are sciarids. Most often they affect the root system of the following plants:

Adults love to settle on the leaves of these crops, but do not cause them any harm. But the larvae are already digging into the soil and feeding on plant roots.

The causes of these fleas are considered to be:

The pest can simply fly into the apartment from the basement if it is humid there. The fight against it should begin immediately after detection.

Spiders

The most common member of the arachnid family that harms indoor plants is the spider mite. If the room has dry air and the plants are not periodically sprayed or wiped, wait for this guest. Due to its small size (almost invisible to the naked eye), it is easily carried into the room by a simple blow of wind.

It feeds on plant juices and reproduces quickly. A large colony entwines the flower with a kind of thin web, after which the victim dries out and dies.

There are several varieties of the parasite:

It is also impossible not to fight. If the plant is left unattended, it will die.

Thrips

These small bugs are also difficult to notice, but traces of their vital activity are clearly visible in the form of brown stains and yellow spots. Pests feed on plant sap and lead them to complete exhaustion.

There are more than 6 thousand species of these parasites in nature, but there are not many of those that attack ornamental crops:

Among other things, thrips carry dangerous fungal diseases. The green “pet” dies much earlier.

Mealybug

This parasite has its own characteristics:

After such an invasion, the leaves curl and fall off. The stem becomes deformed and the roots begin to rot. After some time, the flower dies.

Folk ways to fight white bugs

If you are wary of store-bought chemicals, you can turn to folk recipes and remedies to combat midges and white insects. Plus, your green plants will not suffer from chemicals even if you overdose the product.

Tops

• At the very beginning, you can use a decoction of tomato tops.
• It is enough to pour 3-4 kilograms of stepsons from a bush with 10 liters of water, boil half an ace and let it brew for a couple of hours.
• Next, the plants are sprayed with it - the main thing is to first dilute the decoction in a ratio of 1 to 3 with water.
• If desired, you can add laundry soap, this will enhance its effectiveness.
• As an option, you can use potato tops - also an effective folk remedy.
• It’s easier to prepare - just pour boiling water over the tops so that the water covers them and let it brew for 8-10 minutes.
• After straining, you treat the plant without diluting it with water; it is even suitable for daily treatment.

Tar soap

• It is used in the form of a soap solution.
• You need to rub a bar of tar soap, dissolve it in a bottle of warm water, shake so that the flakes dissolve and form foam.
• The plant is treated with this foam without washing it off - it forms a protective layer on the green space.
• After some time, you can wash the plant in the shower.

Horsetail

• Its greens, as well as potato tops, are steamed in boiling water, left for 3-5 hours, strain and then the plant itself is sprayed.
• Does not harm the plant, while forming reliable protection around the green space.
• You can not only spray, but also water the soil with this infusion.

Lemon zest

• It is enough to steam 100 dried lemon peels in a liter of boiling water and let it brew in a thermos for 3 days.
• Next, strain the infusion and spray the green plant with it.
• As an addition, you can put fresh peels of any citrus fruit, orange or grapefruit in the flowerpot, changing them periodically.

Garlic

• This aromatic spice is often used by gardeners and flower growers to treat plants against a wide variety of insects and pests.
• You can crush a head of garlic in a mortar, then mix it with water in a ratio of 1 to 1 and leave for a week in the refrigerator.
• Next 25 gr. The infusion is diluted in 10 liters of water, spraying the plants with it.

Types of insect control

It is important to note that not all control methods are effective at all stages of insect development. The plaque that forms on the leaves as a result of the vital activity of midges is a barrier against chemical and biological agents. Therefore, to quickly destroy pests, you need to use an integrated approach.

Chemical control methods

Manufacturers annually produce a large number of drugs against pests. Before purchasing the product, you need to study the instructions in order to properly treat the plant. Some drugs only need to be sprayed once, others need to be used regularly.

It is important to choose a drug suitable for a certain stage of insect development. So, moth repellents will not help get rid of larvae and pupae. Spraying is ineffective in controlling adults; they can fly from plant to plant.

Types of chemicals against whiteflies:

• systemic insecticides - the drug penetrates the plant sap and poisons insects;
• contact insecticides - act when the pest comes into direct contact with the treated plant.

Important! Systemic drugs should not be used during the harvest period. The last treatment should be no later than 25-30 days before harvesting the fruits.

The most effective drugs against white midges are:

• "Pegasus";
• "Fufanon";
• "Confidor Extra";
• "Aktara";
• "Mospilan";
• "Decis-pro";
• "Phosbecide";
• "Aktellik".

Processing rules

So:

1. The procedure is carried out on a warm, windless day.
2. Chemicals are applied using a spray bottle.
3. After treatment, you need to bring the plants into the shade or place a canopy over them to avoid burns.
4. Alternate medications regularly.
5. Use a product suitable for the specific stage of insect development.

Important! Do not immediately use strong chemicals; toxic compounds can accumulate in the soil and poison the plants.

Biological drugs

The essence of biological agents is the use of living microorganisms that can resist the action of pests. In the case of whiteflies, manufacturers produce preparations with insects that can eat white midge larvae.

A cardboard with a biological product is hung on tomato bushes. After some time, microorganisms begin to spread throughout the plant, destroying whitefly larvae and pupae.

Fitoverm is considered the most effective biological preparation; after its use, you can harvest within two days. The product contains compounds that quickly decompose in the soil; they do not harm the plant.

Traditional proven methods

Experienced summer residents note that folk remedies can effectively combat pests without developing resistance in them.

These methods include:

1. Cold. Moths do not like low temperatures, so you need to take the seedlings out into the fresh air from time to time. The method is suitable only for cold-resistant varieties; the pest will die only when the temperature drops to +10C.
2. Insect traps. Glue baits, which can be made at home, are especially effective - a sheet of plywood is painted yellow and generously smeared with glue, Vaseline, oil or honey. The bait is placed near the affected plants. You can also hang regular adhesive fly tape.
3. Infusion of yarrow. Pour 1 kg of plant leaves into a bucket of water and leave for two days in a warm place. Then the infusion is filtered. It is used for spraying. The procedure is carried out 2-3 times with an interval of 7 days.
4. Dandelion decoction - pour 1 kg of fresh flowers into 1 bucket of water, add 1 tbsp. washing powder. The mixture is infused for a day, then filtered. Suitable for processing bushes and soil.
5. Soap products - used when there are large numbers of insects, as well as in cases where the use of chemicals is undesirable. To treat the leaves, you can use laundry soap - grind 1 bar and dilute it in water in a ratio of 1:6. Before applying to the leaves, you need to whip up the foam; you can also spray the bushes with the solution. The product does not require rinsing.
6. Garlic infusion - chop 10 cloves and add 5 liters of water, leave to infuse overnight in a warm place. Before use, the infusion must be filtered.
7. Water - used to wipe the leaves. Effective in the fight against adult insects.

Fumigation of greenhouses

The procedure should be carried out twice a year - before planting seedlings and after harvesting. Before fumigation, you need to close the windows and doors, and also plug all the cracks.

Sulfur candles can be used for fumigation, but they are only suitable if the room is located away from residential buildings. Before carrying out the procedure, you need to remove all tomatoes from the greenhouse.

You can use smoke bombs with insecticides in those greenhouses that are located near your home. In this case, you can leave the seedlings in the greenhouse. The product will help kill not only adults, but also larvae, and will also protect against various diseases.

The smoke control method can be carried out using tobacco. You need to put a sheet of iron on the ground, on top of which you place newspaper, wood chips and tobacco. Before the procedure, you need to lubricate the glass of the greenhouse with Vaseline. After the fire is lit, the disturbed insects will rush to the windows and stick to them.

What herbs will save tomatoes?

By sowing the right herbs in an area with tomato beds, you can forget about pests forever. These herbs include dill - it attracts insects that feed on midges. It can be planted between the beds.

Experienced summer residents often plant tobacco along the perimeter of the site. Although this plant will not repel whiteflies, it will bear the brunt of the attack. Most of the insects will begin to settle in the tobacco bushes, which will give the vegetable grower time to begin pest control.

Mechanical methods

The fight against whiteflies in a greenhouse is also carried out using light and natural enemies of midges. You can also catch adults using a vacuum cleaner.

Whiteflies, like other moths, are attracted to light. One person enters the greenhouse and begins to shake the bushes, while the other stands at the exit and holds a blowtorch in his hands. This procedure can be carried out every 2-3 days.

During the day, you can spread pieces of foil between the beds. The sun's rays will reflect off the foil and fall on the lower leaves of the tomatoes where the insects live.

The enemies of white midges are ladybugs and lacewings. If you attract these insects to the area, you can quickly eliminate the problem. You can also populate the greenhouse with pupae of the encarsia wasp and the macrolophus bug.

Prevention measures

To protect plants from insects and prevent the appearance of white insects in the flowerpot, soil and green mass, you should take into account the following recommendations:

1. Water the earthen ball regularly, but without excessive moisture or flooding the plant.
2. It is important to ensure that water does not accumulate or stagnate in the pan.
3. Buy soil in special stores, plus you should not use organic matter for fertilizing - complex synthetic fertilizers are optimal.
4. For watering, use settled, clean water, and after watering and adding, loosen the soil.
5. Fallen leaves from the flowerpot should be removed in a timely manner, without creating favorable conditions for the reproduction of midges.

Note! The recommendations are simple, but they always allow you to maintain the beauty of a green and healthy plant.

Types of midges

Sciarids, black soil mosquitoes, are found on seedlings. Whiteflies appear less frequently and attack leaves and stems. Adults drink the juice of the plant and weaken them.

Drosophila flies live on indoor flowers, rotting fruits and vegetables. They are small, dark brown, and multiply quickly. Green lacewings destroy aphids and do not harm plants.

Black midges appear due to waterlogging of the soil. This is typical for cold window sills with no air circulation. These two combinations create ideal conditions for the laying of eggs from which the larvae hatch. It is they, and not adult insects, that cause the most damage to seedlings.

It is not always clear how the pests got started. They can be brought along with purchased soil. This becomes clear only when the midges have time to reproduce. Therefore, any land must undergo disinfection.

Midges appear after heavy use of organic fertilizers. This creates a breeding ground for hatching larvae - warm and humid. Sometimes seedlings get bugs from indoor plants that are already infected.

Insects can be found in the ground, on stems or leaves. They remain invisible for a long time. Therefore, they are discovered only after the midges have seriously multiplied and their numbers have reached frightening proportions.