Your garden may be your happy place, but it can also be a launchpad for pests looking for a cozier home. Experts warn that several insects are surprisingly good at sneaking indoors, often by riding in on plants, produce, firewood, or even your clothing. Once inside, they can damage belongings, spread disease, or set up long-term infestations. Here are seven of the most common hitchhikers to watch for. Plus, we’ll share how to keep them outside where they belong.
1. Ants
Ants may seem harmless outdoors, but once they find a way in, they can quickly set up a colony in walls, under floors, or near kitchens. They often hitch a ride inside on potted plants, garden tools, or produce baskets. Prevent their entry by inspecting pots, shaking off tools, and sealing cracks along windows and foundations. If they do enter your home, you may need to set up traps.
2. Spiders
While most garden spiders aren’t dangerous, they’re not exactly welcome houseguests. They may crawl inside via firewood, plant clippings, or garden storage containers. Keep them out by storing firewood away from the house and checking it before bringing it in. If spiders become a problem, you may want to consider spraying to create a barrier around your home.
3. Aphids
Aphids love to cling to plants and can easily come indoors when you bring in cut flowers or potted greenery. Once inside, they can spread to your houseplants. Inspect stems and leaves for clusters of tiny green, white, or black bugs, and rinse plants before bringing them in. A strong jet of water or soap spray will easily get them off leaves.
4. Stink Bugs
These shield-shaped pests seek warmth in cooler months and can cling to vegetables, patio furniture, or even clothing. Their smell can be overwhelming when crushed, so prevention is key. Check outdoor items before carrying them inside and seal gaps around windows and doors. To get rid of them without the smell, trap them in soapy water.
5. Earwigs
Known for their pincers, earwigs like damp environments and can easily hide in garden mulch, flowerpots, and vegetables. They often come inside tucked in between leaves or inside produce boxes. Shake out plants and inspect produce before storage. You also want to avoid overwatering your garden. As far as a solution, try to roll up damp newspaper, secured with a rubber band, and leave it in the garden overnight. In the morning, toss the paper and the bugs inside into a bucket of soapy water.
6. Beetles
Japanese beetles and other plant-eating beetles can ride in on garden harvests or outdoor furniture cushions. Once inside, they may target houseplants or pantry goods. Look for chew marks on leaves or small round droppings before moving items indoors. If you have a lot of garden beetles, neem oil is safe for most plants, which disrupts their feeding and reproduction.
7. Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes don’t need an invitation. They’ll fly right in through an open door or hitch a ride on you after gardening. They can breed indoors in even small amounts of standing water. Wear repellent while gardening and empty indoor plant saucers regularly.
Protect Your Home from Harmful Insects
A quick inspection before carrying plants, tools, or outdoor goods inside can save you from a full-blown pest problem. Think of it as a security checkpoint for bugs. Your home’s comfort depends on it.
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