How to Spot Plant Pests Before They Take Over
By the time you see a pest infestation, it is usually not new.
Pests are sneaky. They hide under leaves, in crevices, and inside new growth. By the time you notice webbing or sticky residue, they have been there for weeks.
The key is catching them early, before you have to wage war.
The Weekly Inspection Routine
Set aside 5 minutes every week to inspect your plants. Seriously. It is the best prevention.
What to check:
- Undersides of leaves (this is where most pests hide)
- New growth and leaf joints
- Stems and leaf axils
- Soil surface
Use your phone flashlight. It helps you see tiny bugs.
The Most Common Pests (And How to Spot Them Early)
Spider Mites
What they look like: Tiny red, brown, or yellowish dots. Almost invisible.
Early signs:
- Tiny white or yellow speckles on leaves (stippling)
- Faint webbing between leaves and stems
- Leaves look dusty even after wiping
How to check: Hold white paper under a leaf and tap it. If tiny moving dots fall onto the paper, you have mites.
Most affected plants: Calathea, spider plants, ivy, ficus.
Aphids
What they look like: Tiny soft-bodied bugs. Green, black, white, or yellow.
Early signs:
- Clusters of small bugs on new growth
- Sticky residue on leaves (honeydew)
- Leaves curling or distorted
How to check: Look at the newest leaves and buds. Aphids love tender new growth.
Most affected plants: Herbs, peppers, tomatoes, flowering plants.
Mealybugs
What they look like: White, cottony clusters that look like lint.
Early signs:
- White fuzz in leaf joints or on stems
- Sticky residue on leaves
- Leaves turning yellow
How to check: Inspect where leaves meet the stem. Mealybugs love tight spaces.
Most affected plants: Succulents, orchids, ferns, ficus.
Scale
What they look like: Small brown or tan bumps on stems and leaves. They do not move.
Early signs:
- Bumps that do not wipe off
- Sticky residue below the bumps
- Yellowing leaves
How to check: Run your finger along stems. Scale feels like rough bumps.
Most affected plants: Ficus, citrus, orchids, ferns.
Fungus Gnats
What they look like: Tiny black flies that hover around the soil.
Early signs:
- Small flies near plants
- Larvae in the top layer of soil (small white worms)
How to check: Look at the soil surface. If you see movement, you have gnats.
Most affected plants: Any plant in constantly moist soil.
Thrips
What they look like: Tiny slender bugs. Hard to see without a magnifier.
Early signs:
- Silver streaks or scars on leaves
- Black specks (thrip poop) on leaves
- Distorted new growth
How to check: Shake a leaf over white paper. Thrips will fall off and look like moving grains of pepper.
Most affected plants: Calathea, monstera, ficus, flowering plants.
What To Do When You Find Pests (Early Stage)
If you catch them early, treatment is simple.
Step 1: Isolate the plant
Move it away from other plants immediately. Pests spread fast.
Step 2: Rinse or wipe
- Spray the plant with water to knock off pests
- Wipe leaves (top and bottom) with a damp cloth
- For mealybugs and scale, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and dab them
Step 3: Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil
- Spray thoroughly, especially undersides of leaves
- Repeat every 5 to 7 days for 3 to 4 rounds
Step 4: Monitor closely
Check the plant daily for a week. Pests can come back if you miss eggs.
Prevention Tips
- Inspect new plants before bringing them home
- Quarantine new plants for 2 weeks
- Wipe leaves monthly
- Do not overwater (fungus gnats love wet soil)
- Increase airflow around plants (pests hate moving air)
Common Mistakes
- Ignoring the undersides of leaves
- Treating once and stopping
- Not isolating the affected plant
- Waiting until the infestation is severe
What To Do Next
- Set a weekly calendar reminder to inspect your plants
- Keep insecticidal soap or neem oil on hand
- If you keep getting pests, check your watering and airflow habits