As a self-proclaimed houseplant enthusiast, I’ve certainly had quite a few pest problems, and over time I’ve figured out how to tackle them head on. Whiteflies are one of those pests that leave you perplexed as to how they got into your home since they are more common among garden plants.

Those with a vegetable garden in their yard probably should have get rid of white flies at some point, with edible crops being a common target. However, they are not picky and will also take up residence among ornamental plants. They often make their way inside when you bring infested plants inside or enter through a window. Once they land on your houseplant collection, they can cause significant damage. “Whiteflies damage plants by piercing their leaves and stems and sucking sap. Leaves may turn yellow, wilt or drop prematurely. They may also develop discolored spots or appear dry, and the plant’s growth may become stunted or slow,” explains Marc Cleghornan entomologist from Arrow Exterminators.

A visible sign that you have a houseplant whitefly problem is discolored foliage that appears grainy and infested with small white bugs. You can also spot the larvae as tiny white ovals on the underside of the leaves. But don’t worry, I’ve put together a simple, step-by-step guide that will help you get rid of whiteflies on houseplants for good.

5 Steps to Get Rid of Whiteflies on Houseplants