Potted Plant Patrol: Solving Houseplant Pests (Fungus Gnats, Mealybugs & Springtails)

Houseplants bring life to a home — and sometimes uninvited guests. In this episode Mikey and Dana walk through a real field call where a cluster of potted plants started attracting tiny black flies, sticky residue on leaves, and white fuzzy visitors in the soil. We identify the usual suspects (fungus gnats, mealybugs, springtails), explain how watering, potting mix, and drainage create habitat, and show how to tell look-alikes apart using simple clues. The episode lays out an IPM playbook focused on inspection, exclusion, moisture control, sanitation, and monitoring, then delivers a practical 6-step XTERMIGATOR DIY Report you can use tonight—no pesticide mixing, no risky hacks. We also debunk a popular viral tip and list clear red flags that mean it’s time to call a pro. Warm, checklist-driven, and safety-first, this episode helps plant lovers protect their greenery and their homes.