How to Keep Bugs From Eating My Peace Lily

Inspect the peace lily routinely for insects. Insects the plant attracts include mites, scales and mealy bugs. Look for signs on the plant’s leaves and stems that may indicate the presence of these pests, such as honeydew, a clear, sticky substance excreted by some insects; small dark bumps that are not easily wiped off, which may be scale; sooty mold, a black fungus that often grows on honeydew; and fine webbing. Signs that may indicate feeding activity include yellowing leaves, curled or distorted leaves, premature leaf drop and holes in the centers or along the edges of leaves.

Wipe the leaves of your peace lily with a damp cloth or sponge to remove dust, which attracts and harbors insects, particularly spider mites. Wipe under surfaces of the leaves, where pests gather. Put the plant in the shower or kitchen and use a brisk spray of water to douse the leaves and knock off insects.

Dab mealy bugs with an alcohol-soaked cotton swab. Mealy bugs are flattened, oval insects less than 1/8 inch in length that are covered with a white, powdery wax. Wipe the peace lily’s leaves with cotton balls dipped in alcohol. Allow the alcohol to dry, and
then lightly rinse in the sink to cleanse.

Use an insecticidal soap in cases of severe insect infestation. Dilute the insecticidal soap following label instructions. Spray the peace lily in a well-ventilated area, such as a porch or garage. Wash the plant within a couple of hours after applying the insecticidal soap to reduce the possibility of damage to the foliage. More than one application may be required to control the insects.