This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
To get rid of bugs on pothos, you need to act quickly and use the right method for each pest.
Common bugs on pothos include spider mites, mealybugs, fungus gnats, scale, and aphids.
If you’ve noticed any of these bugs on pothos, don’t panic – you can get rid of them.
Learning how to get rid of bugs on pothos is a skill every plant owner should have.
In this guide, we’ll cover how to get rid of bugs on pothos step by step.
Identifying Common Bugs on Pothos to Get Rid of Them
Identify the pest to get rid of bugs on pothos effectively.
Spider Mites – Tiny Bugs on Pothos
Spider mites are among the most common bugs on pothos, especially in dry air.
These tiny bugs on pothos create fine webbing on the undersides of leaves.
To get rid of bugs on pothos like spider mites, focus on increasing humidity and using miticides.
Neem oil is also very effective at getting rid of these bugs on pothos.
Check your pothos regularly to catch these bugs on pothos early.
Mealybugs – White Fuzzy Bugs on Pothos
Mealybugs are another frequent pest that you need to get rid of on pothos.
These bugs on pothos suck sap, causing leaves to yellow and drop.
To get rid of bugs on pothos such as mealybugs, use rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab.
Dab each bug on pothos directly to kill them on contact.
Insecticidal soap also works well to get rid of mealybugs on pothos.
Fungus Gnats – Soil-Dwelling Bugs on Pothos
Fungus gnats are small flying bugs on pothos that live in moist soil.
The adults are annoying, but the larvae feed on roots and can damage your pothos.
To get rid of bugs on pothos that are fungus gnats, let the soil dry out between waterings.
Sticky traps catch the adults, while hydrogen peroxide drenches kill larvae in the soil.
Consistent drying of soil is key to getting rid of these bugs on pothos.
Scale Insects – Hard-to-Kill Bugs on Pothos
Scale insects look like small brown bumps on stems and leaves of your pothos.
They have a protective covering that makes them tricky to get rid of on pothos.
Manual removal by scraping them off is often the first step to get rid of bugs on pothos.
Follow up with neem oil sprays to get rid of any remaining scale bugs on pothos.
Patience is essential when dealing with these stubborn bugs on pothos.
Natural Methods to Get Rid of Bugs on Pothos
Natural remedies are a safe way to get rid of bugs on pothos.
Neem Oil Spray
Neem oil is a powerful natural pesticide to get rid of bugs on pothos.
It works against mites, mealybugs, scale, and other common bugs on pothos.
Mix one teaspoon of neem oil with one quart of warm water and a few drops of dish soap.
Shake well and spray all surfaces of the pothos, especially leaf undersides where bugs on pothos hide.
Repeat every 5-7 days until you no longer see bugs on pothos.
Insecticidal Soap
Insecticidal soap is another excellent way to get rid of bugs on pothos.
It suffocates soft-bodied bugs on pothos like aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites.
You can buy a ready-to-use spray or make your own with mild liquid soap.
Spray directly on bugs on pothos and repeat every few days until they’re gone.
Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is a quick and direct method to get rid of bugs on pothos.
Use a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol and touch each bug on pothos.
This kills bugs on pothos instantly on contact, making it great for small infestations.
Be careful not to get alcohol on healthy parts of the pothos too much, as it can damage leaves.
For larger areas, you can dilute alcohol with water (1:1) and spray lightly.
Hydrogen Peroxide Drench
To get rid of bugs on pothos in the soil, especially fungus gnat larvae, use hydrogen peroxide.
Mix one part 3% hydrogen peroxide with four parts water and water your pothos thoroughly.
The solution kills larvae and also adds oxygen to the roots, benefiting the plant.
Repeat once a week until no more signs of these bugs on pothos appear.
Chemical Methods to Get Rid of Bugs on Pothos
Systemic Insecticides
Systemic insecticides are absorbed by the pothos and kill bugs on pothos that feed on it.
They are effective for persistent bugs on pothos like scale and mealybugs.
Apply as a soil drench or spray according to the product label.
Pyrethrin Sprays
Pyrethrin sprays are derived from natural sources and provide fast knockdown of bugs on pothos.
They are effective against many bugs on pothos but break down quickly in sunlight.
Use in the evening to maximize effectiveness against bugs on pothos.
Follow up with preventive measures to avoid reinfestation by bugs on pothos.
Preventing Future Bugs on Pothos
Water Wisely
Overwatering creates conditions that attract bugs on pothos like fungus gnats.
Water your pothos only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Using pots with drainage holes helps prevent soggy soil that invites bugs on pothos.
Inspect Regularly
Make it a habit to inspect your pothos every week for any signs of bugs on pothos.
Early detection allows you to get rid of bugs on pothos before they become a big problem.
Check leaf undersides, stems, and soil surface for any bugs on pothos.
Clean Leaves
Dust can hide bugs on pothos and reduce the plant’s ability to photosynthesize.
Wipe pothos leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks to remove dust and any early bugs on pothos.
This also makes it easier to spot bugs on pothos during inspections.
Quarantine New Plants
New plants can bring bugs on pothos into your home.
Keep new additions separate from your pothos for at least two weeks to ensure they have no bugs on pothos.
This simple step can save you from having to get rid of bugs on pothos later.
So, How to Get Rid of Bugs on Pothos?
To get rid of bugs on pothos, start by identifying the pest and choosing a suitable treatment.
Natural methods like neem oil, insecticidal soap, and rubbing alcohol work for most common bugs on pothos.
For stubborn infestations, systemic insecticides or pyrethrin sprays can help you get rid of bugs on pothos.
Prevention through proper watering, inspection, and cleaning is the best way to avoid future bugs on pothos.
With these strategies, you can effectively get rid of bugs on pothos and keep your plant healthy.