Where else would a pest rather live than in the ideal conditions of your indoor garden? The creepy crawlies are a potential problem all year long, but the crisp fall weather here in Missouri gives them reason to specifically seek out other places to live. They can and will invade your space so be especially vigilant for any signs of trouble.
In addition to migrations, this is also the time of year when we bring our house plants back inside to protect them from early frosts. I’m sure you can guess who might be hitching a ride with them. Yes; thrips, aphids, mites, oh my! When you bring your house plants in for the winter, try to confine them to particular spaces and watch them close for a few weeks. You should be able to catch an outbreak before it can spread to your grow.
This isn’t always so easy though, as the little beasties can hitch a ride on your socks too! Best to examine your house-plants for pests after you have been to your medical garden for the last time that day. Alternately, you can investigate them just before taking a shower and changing clothes. That would work too.
I have a 30 year old philodendron that I can’t part with, along with a few others. However, I’ve gotten rid of most of the rest of my house plants for just this reason. I no longer have house-plants that spend time outside. I wouldn’t have done it if it hadn’t led to sadness for me in the past. You don’t have to go to such extremes, but you really should be aware that this could be an issue.
Shout out to Daniel for his timely idea for this article.
Happy Harvests!
— The Lit Farmer —
