Introduction
As the weather gets cooler, you may be tempted to bring some of your outdoor container plants inside for the winter. While this can help your plants survive the cold, it also risks bringing pests and bugs indoors with them. Proper inspection and preventative measures when transitioning plants from outdoor to indoor spaces can help avoid infestations. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to bring outdoor plants inside without introducing bugs.
Check Plants Thoroughly for Bugs
The most important step is thoroughly checking over plants for any signs of bugs before bringing them indoors. Here are some tips for inspection:
Look at Both Sides of Leaves
Examine the tops and bottoms of leaves closely. Look for insects, eggs, webs, specks of dirt, or trails. Pay particular attention to the joints where leaves meet stems.
Check All Crevices and Joints
Bugs often hide in tight spaces. Carefully use a toothpick or tweezers to open crevices and look for signs of infestation. Check where leaves join stems, where stems join soil, undersides of pots, etc.
Shake Branches Over Paper
Gently shake each branch of the plant over a white piece of paper. Look for any bugs that fall out onto the sheet. Repeat this process for the entire plant.
Use Magnification
Use a magnifying glass or hand lens to inspect plants at 10-20x magnification. Look for tiny eggs, larvae, or other juvenile insect forms. A thorough sweep of the plant is needed.
Look for Damage
Inspect leaves and stems for evidence of pest damage like chew marks, spots, wilting, yellowing, etc. Plants that already have infestations often show signs of damage.
Check Soil
Pour the top layer of soil out and look through it to spot any bugs. Pay attention to areas around roots and the soil surface.
Treat Infested Plants Before Bringing Inside
If you find bugs on plants you want to save, use these methods to treat them before bringing indoors:
Spray With Insecticidal Soap
Insecticidal soaps containing potassium salts of fatty acids can help control many soft-bodied insects and mites. Spray all areas of the plant, especially the undersides of leaves.
Apply Neem Oil
Neem oil is extracted from the neem tree and can disrupt the life cycle of pests. It’s less harmful to beneficial insects than synthetic pesticides.
Use Horticultural Oils
Light horticultural oils suffocate soft-bodied insects. They can also deter pests from laying eggs on plants. Avoid using these oils over 85°F.
Water With Systemic Insecticide
Systemic insecticides like imidacloprid are taken up by the plant’s vascular system and make leaves/stems toxic to feeding bugs. They provide residual control.
Propagate Healthy Cuttings
For valuable infested plants, propagate new starts from healthy cuttings. Discard the original plant after taking cuttings.
Quarantine And Monitor
Isolate heavily infested plants for several weeks. Use sticky cards and traps to monitor pest levels before bringing indoors.
Preventive Measures Before Moving Plants
For pest-free plants, take these proactive steps before moving inside:
Wash The Foliage
Use a strong spray from your hose to wash away any bugs from leaves and stems. Pay attention to undersides of leaves.
Change The Soil
Replacing old soil removes hidden eggs/larvae. Use fresh, sterile potting mix when repotting plants before moving inside.
Prune The Plants
Trim overgrown and dead branches which can harbor bugs. This encourages new pest-free growth.
Apply Systemic Insecticide
Water with systemic insecticides 2-3 weeks before moving the plants. This provides residual protection.
Check For Weeds
Remove any weeds growing in or around pots. Weeds can provide cover and food to outdoor pests.
Sterilize Pots
Scrub pots thoroughly with soap and water, then soak them in a 10% bleach solution before using them indoors.
Place In Isolated Area
Keep brought-in plants isolated for 1-2 weeks before introducing them to other indoor plants. Monitor for signs of pests.
Monitor and Maintain Plants After Bringing Indoors
Keep checking for pest problems and maintain plant health with these tips:
Use Sticky Traps
Place yellow sticky traps around brought-in plants to catch adult insects looking to feed or lay eggs.
Check Leaves Regularly
Continue inspecting plant leaves, stems, and soil for any signs of bugs weekly. Catch infestations early before they spread.
Apply Houseplant Insecticide
Treat plants preventively with indoor-approved insecticidal soap or neem oil every 2-3 weeks over winter.
Remove Infested Material
Immediately prune and discard any portions of the plant that show signs of bugs. Don’t compost them.
Adjust Water And Light
Ensure plants get proper water, humidity, temperature, and sunlight for their needs to avoid stressed growth.
Quarantine New Introductions
Isolate any new plants for 1-2 weeks before placing them alongside other brought-in plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you know if an outdoor plant has bugs?
Look for visible insects, webs, eggs, specks of dirt, leaf damage, wilting, sticky residue, and other signs of infestation on the leaves, stems, and soil. Shake branches over paper to dislodge hidden pests.
What bugs are commonly brought in with outdoor plants?
Aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs, scale, spider mites, gnats, thrips, cabbage worms, caterpillars, leafminers, and fungus gnats are some common plant pests transported indoors.
Should outdoor plants be repotted before going inside?
Yes, repotting in fresh sterile soil helps prevent eggs and larvae from being brought indoors. You can also propagate cuttings instead of moving whole plants.
How long should I isolate outdoor plants before introducing indoors?
Isolate brought-in plants and monitor for signs of bugs for 1-2 weeks before placing them alongside other indoor plants. Use sticky traps to catch pests.
What’s the best way to wash outdoor plants before bringing inside?
Use a strong spray of water to dislodge and wash away bugs from all plant surfaces. Pay extra attention to the undersides of leaves where pests hide.
Can systemic insecticides be used preventively?
Yes, applying a systemic insecticide 2-3 weeks before moving plants indoors allows time for the active ingredients to spread through the plant’s tissues. This deters pests.
Conclusion
Checking plants closely, treating any found infestations, taking preventive measures, and maintaining monitoring can help you successfully transition outdoor plants inside without introducing bugs. Be vigilant in watching for signs of pests. Isolate and treat plants immediately if any bugs are found indoors to avoid widespread problems. With proper diligence and plant care, you can safely enjoy your outdoor container plants inside over the winter.