How To Get Rid Of Bugs And Pests On Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant?

Did you just spot ting bugs crawling on the leaves of your Fiddle leaf fig? Apart from being one of the most gorgeous houseplants, Ficus lyrata, the botanical name for the fiddle leaf fig plant, is susceptible to pests. As the plant is significantly demanding when it comes to care and maintenance, it is vital to pay attention to pest attacks. Spotting and eliminating them is the best way to keep the plants healthy.

There are various pests or bugs that can attack your Fiddle leaf fig. These include spider mites, pillbugs, butterflies, mealybugs, aphids, etc. When these pests extract the plant sap, it leads to a negative impact on the health of the plant. Some prevalent causes that lead to pest infestation are too much watering, the absence of proper air circulation, and increased levels of humidity.

TL; DR

There are different types of bugs that can attack the Fiddle leaf fig plant. You need to identify the symptoms in order to know which pest has attacked the houseplant. After that, you can apply an organic pesticide or other appropriate solutions to weed out the pest. It is vital to identify the pest type as soon as possible.

Related: Why Is My Fiddle Leaf Fig Turning Brown?

Different Ways To Get Rid Of Bugs And Pests From Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant

It is essential to note that eliminating the bugs from the plant as soon as possible is imperative. Otherwise, it can damage the houseplant severely. That is why it is recommended that you take active steps to combat pest infestation right away.

1. Conduct Detailed Inspection

The first thing you need to do to remove bugs from your Fiddle leaf fig is to conduct a thorough inspection. If you spot any live bugs, webs, eggs, or other specific identifying symptoms, you need to formulate a counter-plan right away. It is vital that you carry out these inspections at periodic intervals.

2. Isolation Of The Plant

After you have identified the bug type attacking your plant, you must isolate it. This step is particularly crucial because it will prevent the spreading of the pest infestation on other plants. You don’t want to add more pest-attacked plants to the list.

3. Get Rid Of The Pest Infested Parts

Isolation of the pest-infested plant is not the solution. You will need to prune the infected areas from the plant with precision. For that, use sterilized and sharp pruners or scissors. Make sure that you cut off a little bit at a time.

Keep in mind that Fiddle leaf figs are extremely sensitive and cannot handle too many changes at once. Another thing that you need to consider is wearing gloves and being safe. After that, you must also disinfect the previous location of the plant.

4. Use Natural Insect Control Agents

There are various organic insecticides you can use to get rid of the pests or bugs from your plant. For the best results, apply the insecticide to a small portion of the plant leaf and make sure that it has no other impact on the plant. After you are aware that there are no adverse effects, you can douse the whole plant with the solution.

There are different organic insecticides you can use to combat bugs on your Fiddle leaf figs. These are –

• Cinnamate

Did you know that cinnamate is an exceptional pest repellent? Yes! You might not know, but this non-toxic substance can be used to remove pests from your Fiddle leaf fig with ease. Use this solution after an interval of three days for optimum results.

• Rosemary Oil

Another excellent pest solution you can opt for is rosemary oil. Apart from living bugs, you can also use this to remove larvae from the pests. However, you need to dilute the rosemary oil before using it. Spray this wonderfully scented oil all over the plant to remove pests with ease.

• Neem Oil

Perhaps one of the best pest control solutions available is neem oil. You can use this to combat different types of pest attacks. It is especially helpful if you want to get rid of bugs from the fiddle leaf fig plant. For efficient results, use neem oil regularly on the plant.

5. Opt For Commonly Used Chemicals

Apart from plant-based products, you can also use chemical solutions to get rid of the pest infestation. Without a doubt, you will get fast and efficient results with these chemicals. However, it is vital to ensure that your plant can endure the stress of the chemicals before using them. Here are some popular chemicals you can use –

• Rubbing Alcohol

Using a solution of water and rubbing alcohol is an excellent idea to handle pest infestations. Make sure that you add rubbing alcohol and water in a ratio of 1:1. You can hose or shower the plant with the mixture. Now, you must use regular water to wash away the solution from the leaves. Continue using this mixture till you observe positive results.

• Dish Soap

Another chemical mixture you can use to remove bugs from Fiddle leaf figs is dish soap solution. For that, take a liter of water and add one tablespoon of dish soap to it. Use this mixture on the plant generously. After that, you need to use clean water to wash down the solution. You can use this solution regularly for better results.

6. Choosing Commercial Pesticides

There is a wide range of chemical-based pesticides to get rid of the bugs from your Fiddle leaf fig plant right away. However, there is always a risk associated with the usage of these solutions.

You need to check out the label and take a closer look at the ingredient list. Moreover, you also need to follow the directions rigidly. In case you feel that the solution is not suitable for the plant or might cause more damage, refrain from using it.

7. Use Sticky Traps

You can use sticky traps to remove pests from the plant. This method is particularly beneficial if you want to get rid of flying insects or bugs. Use the strips made from sticky substances on the leaves of the plant. The strong scent of these strips will lure the pests. Once the pest comes near, it gets trapped and cannot fly out anymore. After some time, you can get rid of the strips along with the pests from the leaves.

8. Try Showering The Plant

Another excellent way to remove bugs from Fiddle leaf figs is to shower or hose the plant with clean water. That way, you can use the water force to displace the pests infecting the leaves. Make sure that you spray water generously underneath the leaves for excellent results.

After showering the plant, it is vital to ensure that the plant is dry. For that, place the plant where it can get ample bright yet indirect sunlight. It is crucial to dry up the moisture soaking the plant.

Related: Why Does My Fiddle Leaf Fig Have White Spots? 

FAQs Related To Removing Bugs From Fiddle Leaf Figs

What can you do if none of the solutions get rid of the pest infestation on Fiddle leaf figs?

If none of the solutions can remove the pest infestation, there is only one way out. Unfortunately, you will need to get rid of the plant. Just accept that there is no way to recover the plant and let the hope go. Throw away the pest-infested plant carefully, and remember to disinfect the location where it was kept.

What are the main causes that lead to bugs infestation on Fiddle leaf fig plants?

The main causes that explain the prevalent bugs infestation on Fiddle leaf fig plants include excessive levels of humidity, too much watering, and lack of proper airflow.

Is using well-aerated soil vital for pest infestation prevention?

Yes, opting for aerated soil is crucial to ensure the healthy growth of Fiddle leaf figs. Here, it is essential to understand that dry soil that cannot retain water at all is the perfect condition for pest growth. That is why you need to make sure that the soil is aerated along with proper airflow to keep away the easts.

Does cleaning have an effect on plant health?

Making sure that the fiddle leaf figs are clean is vital to prevent pest infestation. If the leaves have increased dust and dirt accumulation, the plant is bound to be vulnerable. That makes it the ideal time for the pests to attack.

Conclusion

When it comes to sprucing up the interior décor of your house, adding Fiddle leaf fig to your aesthetic element is an excellent idea. The glossy textured leaves give off an elegant vibe to the space. That is why it is essential to keep an eye on the health of the plant. If you spot anything unusual or any bugs on the houseplant, you need to take active steps right away. If you let the pest spread, it will definitely hamper the overall plant’s health. Identification of the bug is crucial to applying the right solution. Are you aware of any other ways to get rid of bugs on your Fiddle leaf fig? In that case, share your thoughts with us in the comments section!

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