How to Identify Indoor Plant Pests
- 1
Spider mites can create fine webs.spiders web image by Andrzej Dziedzic from Fotolia.com
Check the plant for webs, which are caused by spider mites, a relative of spiders. Spider mites are extremely small, create silky, fine webs and cause damage by sucking sap from the plant. Spider mites cause leaves to look faded and speckled and, if the infestation is severe or left untreated, can kill the plant. - 2
Aphids are often seen in groups.famille image by guy from Fotolia.com
Inspect the leaf stems and underside of leaves for aphids. Aphids are pale, pear-shaped sap feeders that congregate under leaves and sections of new growth, according to Clemson University. They are small, less than 1/8 inch in length, cause dark spots on the leaves and excrete a shiny, granular substance that is sticky and attracts dust and hair. - 3). Look for mealybugs, small cottony-looking insects. Mealybugs cover themselves with white filaments, feed on the base of leaves and, like aphids, they also excrete a sticky, shiny substance. They are slow-moving but easy to see because of their white appearance.
- 4). Check the underside of leaves for scales. Adult forms of this insect are immobile and appear as small fish scales on the surface and underside of leaves. Scales may be hard or soft and feed off the plant's sap, according to Clemson University.
- 5). Gently shake the plant to dislodge any hidden whiteflies. Whitefly adults can fly, are quite small at 1/10 inch long, and cause leaves to yellow and die. Both adult and young whiteflies secrete a shiny substance, but the immature form of whiteflies are immobile and may be mistaken for scales.
