Pests can be a massive hassle for plant enthusiasts. If you’re a beginner, you might need a little help solving this problem. Keep in mind that dealing with a pest infestation takes time and effort. Whether you have a small or extensive plant collection, we have helpful tips for handling the most common houseplant pests.

Scale insects
Scale insects feed on a plant’s juices. You’ll mostly find these pests on the underside of the leaves, close to the central vein. They have soft brownish bodies covered with a waxy film for camouflage, so you might not notice them at first glance. 
The first signs of a scale infestation are dead leaves and a sticky residue on the plant. To get rid of this insect, you should spray the plant with insecticide soap Mealybugs
Mealybugs are another common houseplant pest, similar to scales insects. You’ll probably notice dying leaves and a sticky residue, which makes the plant prone to black mold. Unlike scales, mealybugs move around, so keeping them under control is more difficult. 
To remove these insects, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For smaller plants, you can rinse them off with soap and water. But you can also use insecticidal soap to get rid of these insects before they damage any sensitive plants. 
Photo Credit: UnsplashSpider mites
You’ll likely meet these pesky insects if you love growing hibiscus or dracaenas. Spider mites suck juices from plants, killing the le...