Plants have long been a popular way to bring some of the great outdoors into the home. Whether you have tall flowering plants that creep up the walls or simple potted succulents, these greens can give a fresh aesthetic to every room — but that’s not all they might be bringing into your home.

While some plants naturally repel insects, certain others, along with the right conditions, can attract unwelcome visitors. The trick is to know which plants to select and which ones to avoid.

Indoor plants tend to be more vulnerable to insects due to a few different factors. Shelter from the natural elements means there’s no rain or wind to blow pesky visitors away.

The low natural atmosphere and humidity in the house can also contribute to attracting bugs. Because nature won’t take care of the pests for you, it’s your job as a homeowner to keep your plants safe.

Conditions and environment will typically play a much bigger role in attracting pests than the specific type of houseplant you choose.

Any indoor vegetable plants — particularly cabbage, cauliflower, tomatoes, onions and tuberous vegetables — are commonly known to attract pests.

Sweet flowers, such as peonies and desert willow, are also associated with bringing ants into the home.

If you have any of these plants on the premises, you should keep a particularly close eye and make sure your conditions aren’t optimal for a bug infestation.

When it comes to any indoor houseplant, you’ll want to stay on the lookout for common insects like aphids, mosquitoes, spider mites and mealybugs.

Tips to Keep Houseplant Pests at Bay

The type of houseplant in question isn’t the only thing that might be drawing insects into your home. Bugs tend to flock toward humid areas over dry or cold locations. They’re typically in constant need of moisture, making humidity a go-to breeding and lounging spot for bugs of all kinds. To keep humidity as low as possible, follow these tips for all your indoor and outdoor plants:

• Avoid overwatering: Watering your plants too frequently can make the humidity level in your home rise. Instead, research the amount of hydration your plants need and stick to a watering schedule that allows the soil to absorb liquid quickly.
• Prevent standing water: There’s nothing an insect loves more than soggy soil. Giving your plants an overly hefty dose of H2O can create standing water, especially if your plants have a saucer in the pot that collects drainage.

When it comes to pest-attracting indoor plants, you can keep a few other preventive tricks up your sleeve. Remember to give new houseplants a thorough inspection before bringing them into the home. Check for bugs in the planter, leaves and stems, as bringing just a few small pests into your home can quickly spiral into a bigger problem.

You’ll also want to keep a close eye out for any signs of pest damage, including wilting or browning on the leaves. If you notice any issues, step in right away. Figure out where these pests are finding a point of entry into your home, and get backup in the form of pest management.

Keep Pests out of Your Home With Pestech Residential Pest Management

Hoping to keep your favorite houseplants but get rid of any insects that have appeared? Pestech Pest Solutions can help in Orange County, Dutchess County and across the Hudson Valley region. You can keep your home flourishing and insect-free with our residential pest management services. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your home inspection.