6 Indoor Plants That Attract Pests

What are some indoor plants that attract pests?

1. Cabbage
2. Tomatoes
3. Fruit trees
4. Ferns
5. Calatheas
6. Peonies

 

There’s one good reason why there are so many types of insecticides and repellents in the market: pests of all kinds can be found almost anywhere. They are reoccurring problems practically everywhere in the world. And since pests are generally harmful to us, we do our best to keep them at bay, outside of our homes. However, some of us may not be aware that we have indoor plants that attract pests.

Gardens are notorious for attracting all sorts of insects and pests. Some gardeners choose to add pest-repellent plants to their gardens. Some homeowners do the same for their indoor plants. But if they don’t know what indoor plants are great pest attractors, the effects of these repellents might be counteracted.

That’s why we prepared a list of some indoor plants that you may have that also attract pests to your home. Try to avoid these plants, or at least take extra protective measures in your home if you have these. Keep reading below to see the list!

 

Cabbage

Many harmful pests are attracted to leafy vegetables. Even though cabbages are typically grown in fields, some people like to keep indoor vegetable gardens. This is an open invitation for pests to start infesting their plants and maybe even invade the rest of the home. This is because like us, insects recognize cabbages as food.

 

Tomatoes

Another entry for indoor vegetable garden lovers, tomatoes are delectable treats for many pests out there. This includes insects such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Other than that, if you leave a rotten or overripe tomato unattended, houseflies will surely jump in the mix. In short, if you want to keep a tomato plant indoors, you need to be ready and have countermeasures against these pests.

 

Fruit Trees

Other than vegetables, some people like to keep mini fruit trees indoors. These often include low light but high yield trees such as lemons and oranges. The citrus fruits, as you may already know, attract insects of all kinds even when they’re not yet rotting. If you get woody trees, they might also get infected with termites. Meanwhile, sweet fruits will attract ants. Trees are great supporters of life, making them attractive to pests even when indoors.

 

Ferns

In general, pests are attracted to very damp, moist, and humid places. Since ferns thrive in a high humidity environment, owners often keep the environment humid. Match that with poor air circulation and it would be a safe haven for many pests, and maybe even fungi (which would lead to fungus gnat infestations). This is why the presence of ferns can sometimes be associated with the presence of pests as well. However, a well-maintained fern should be pest-free and healthy, so be careful not to jump to conclusions.

 

Calatheas

Like ferns, calatheas survive best under humid conditions. For mostly the same reasons as ferns, calatheas attract plenty of bugs under their foliage as it’s easy to accumulate water and keep the surroundings moist. You might also overwater and keep the soil damp, another favorite trait of pests.

 

Peonies

Peonies are beautiful flowers that are sometimes grown and placed indoors. While they’re great eye candy, their sweet fragrance can also attract ants. We all know how much of a nuisance that ants can be once they get inside the house, so be wary of this when you have sweet flowers like peonies. These flowers may also invite the presence of other bugs such as thrips, mealybugs, and hoplia beetles.

 

Key Takeaway

If you really don’t want to avoid these indoor plants that attract pests, the key is good care and maintenance. Some general tips include avoiding overwatering, keeping good air circulation around the plants, and use of repellents. With proper care, both the plants and your house’s inhabitants will be thankful. Just remember that some pest control options may also repel beneficial insects like bees and ladybugs.

If pests have already found their way into your home, there’s no need to panic. The best way to get rid of any pest infestation is by calling professionals for help. In the Philippines, Topbest is known for providing the best pest control solutions you can find! If you want your struggles with pests to end, reach out to us through this link and we’ll give you a FREE consultation!