Greenhouse Pest Control: Identify & Treat Common Pests Naturally

Greenhouse Pest Control: Keep Your Plants Healthy

A greenhouse's warm, humid environment is perfect for plants—and unfortunately, perfect for pests too. Here's how to identify, prevent, and control common greenhouse pests without harsh chemicals.

Common Greenhouse Pests

Aphids

• Tiny green, white, or black bugs
• Cluster on new growth and undersides of leaves
• Leave sticky "honeydew" residue
• Solution: Spray with water, insecticidal soap, or introduce ladybugs

Spider Mites

• Microscopic, look for fine webbing
• Cause stippled, yellowing leaves
• Thrive in hot, dry conditions
• Solution: Increase humidity, spray with water, use predatory mites

Whiteflies

• Tiny white flying insects
• Hang out under leaves
• Like to fly up when disturbed
• Solution: Yellow sticky traps, insecticidal soap, neem oil

Fungus Gnats

• Small black flies near soil
• Larvae damage roots
• Thrive in overly wet soil
• Solution: Let soil dry between waterings, use sand on top

Mealybugs

• White, cottony clusters
• Hide in leaf joints
• Suck plant sap
• Solution: Dab with alcohol, spray with insecticidal soap

Prevention Strategies

• Quarantine new plants — Keep isolated for 2 weeks
• Inspect before buying — Check undersides of leaves
• Maintain cleanliness — Remove dead plant material promptly
• Proper spacing — Good airflow discourages pests
• Healthy soil — Strong plants resist pests better

Natural Control Methods

1. Beneficial insects — Ladybugs, predatory mites, parasitic wasps
2. Insecticidal soap — Safe, effective, available at any garden center
3. Neem oil — Organic, works on many pests
4. Sticky traps — Monitor and catch flying pests
5. Diatomaceous earth — Sprinkle on soil for crawling insects

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Automate your greenhouse for easier care: Greenhouse Automation Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Greenhouse Pest Control FAQs

Q: How do I prevent pests in my greenhouse?

A: Inspect new plants before bringing them inside, maintain good air circulation, remove dead plant material promptly, and use sticky traps for early detection.

Q: What natural remedies work for greenhouse pests?

A: Neem oil, insecticidal soap, and beneficial insects (like ladybugs) work well. Increase humidity to deter spider mites.

Q: How do I get rid of aphids in my greenhouse?

A: Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Introduce ladybugs or parasitic wasps. Remove heavily infested leaves.