The Most Common Pests in Plants and How to Prevent Them

Do your plants have strange spots, yellow leaves, or little bugs that you don’t know where they came from? These are signs that they may have pests, a very common problem in homes, offices, businesses, and anywhere with a garden or ornamental plants. Detecting them in time is the key to keeping them healthy and in an environment free of these annoying visitors.

Common Types of Pests in Plants

In any space where you have plants, different types of pests can appear. Here we tell you which ones are most frequent, why they occur, in what environments they reproduce, and on which plants they are most common:

• Aphids
  They are small and soft insects, green, black, or brown in color, that feed on the sap of plants. They mainly form when there is an excess of fertilization or watering, as the plants have more nutrients in the sap, which attracts them. Aphids proliferate in warm environments with little ventilation. They are very common on ornamental plants like roses, bougainvilleas, geraniums, and indoor plants.

  
  

• Whitefly
  These tiny white insects settle on the underside of the leaves and reproduce quickly in warm and humid climates. They usually appear in closed spaces with little air circulation and on plants with excess moisture. They are particularly harmful to garden plants like hibiscus, geraniums, and also to indoor plants such as ferns and palms.

  
  

• Mealybug
  They are recognized by their white, cottony appearance. They feed on the sap and produce a sticky substance called honeydew, which attracts fungi. They form on plants with little sunlight and in humid places or with poor ventilation. They are often seen on cacti, succulents, orchids, and office plants.

  
  

• Red spider
  These are almost microscopic mites that cause yellow spots and fine webs. They like heat and dryness, so they appear in dry environments with little watering. The most affected plants are usually those close to sunny windows, such as ficus, ivy, and some species of palms.

  
  

• Thrips
  These are elongated and small insects that leave silver marks or scars on the leaves and flowers. They develop quickly in warm and dry climates and can reach plants through air currents or when moving infested plants. They are particularly harmful to flowering plants like African violets, carnations, orchids, and plants with dense foliage.

  
  

• Slugs and snails
  These are mollusks that come out mainly during the rainy season or in very humid environments. They feed on leaves and tender shoots, leaving irregular edges and trails of slime. They are a common problem in outdoor gardens with plants like callas, hostas, ferns, and plants with broad leaves.

  
  

• Worms and caterpillars
  These are larvae of different types of insects that pierce leaves and sometimes fruits. They proliferate on plants with many leaves and in temperate or warm climates. They are seen on garden plants like basil, lettuce, parsley, and some ornamental plants like geraniums and bougainvilleas.

How to Identify and Prevent Pests

1. Frequent Inspection
Spend a few minutes a week checking all your plants. Carefully observe the leaves, especially underneath, and the stem. Look for color changes, spots, or small bugs.

2. Warning Signs

• Leaves that look yellow, with dark spots or deformed.

• Small insects walking or flying around the plant.

• Fine webs or sticky spots on the leaves.

• Eggs or small larvae that may be in the substrate or on the leaves.

3. Good Prevention Practices

• Ensure that the plants have space and good ventilation, avoiding overcrowding.

• Do not overwater, as excessive moisture promotes pests and fungi.

• Wipe the dust off the leaves with a damp cloth or a little water.

• Remove dry or damaged leaves to prevent them from becoming a refuge for pests.

4. Natural Control

• For mild pests, you can prepare a solution of water with a splash of neutral soap. Spray the leaves and rinse with clean water afterward.

• You can also use home remedies such as garlic or chili infusions, which help repel insects.

• If you want a natural ally, introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs, which feed on aphids and other bugs.

Pesticide Treatment of Plants: When is it Necessary?

When pests have already spread extensively or home remedies do not work, it’s time to consider pesticides for plants. Here we explain the types of treatments that exist and when each is best:

• Chemical Treatment
  This involves the use of special products called insecticides or pesticides. These quickly eliminate the most resistant pests. They are recommended when the pest is very advanced and has already affected a large portion of the plant or several plants. The application should be done by professionals, as misuse can harm the health of people, pets, and the plants themselves.

  
  

• Biological Treatment
  This is based on using living organisms that help control pests. For example, insects that eat other harmful insects or bacteria that only affect the pests. It is ideal if you are looking for more environmentally friendly options and if you have delicate plants or crops that do not tolerate chemicals. Moreover, it reduces the risk of pests becoming resistant.

  
  

• Physical Treatment
  This involves methods that do not use chemicals or living organisms, such as physical barriers (netting, plastics) or traps to catch insects. This method is good for preventing pests from entering or spreading, or as a complement to other types of treatments. It’s perfect if you have few plants or if you want to keep the first signs of pests under control.

Choosing the right type of treatment depends on how serious the problem is and the type of plants you have. If you are unsure which is best, a professional can assess the situation and recommend the best solution to keep your plants healthy and your spaces free of pests.

Fucesa: Your Ally in Pest Control

At Fucesa, we have trained personnel and the experience to help you keep your plants healthy and pest-free. Our experts use safe products and professional techniques that adapt to your home, office, or business needs. With our pesticide treatment and pest control, you’ll have the peace of mind that your spaces will be clean and protected.

Don’t let pests ruin your green spaces. Trust Fucesa to care for your plants and your environment.