Spider Mites vs Thrips vs Mealybugs vs Fungus Gnats: How to Identify Them Fast

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Spider mites leave fine webbing and stippled leaves; thrips cause silvery scars and distorted growth; mealybugs look like white cotton in leaf axils; fungus gnats are tiny flies around the soil. Here is how to tell them apart and fix each problem.

Correct ID is the first step to the right treatment. Extension resources like UMD Extension and the RHS focus on these same indoor pests. Use the ePlant identifier to name your plant and our disease diagnosis if you see damage. Full control methods are in our common plant pests guide.

Spider Mites

Signs: Fine silky webbing between leaves and stems; tiny yellow or white speckles on leaves (stippling); leaves can turn bronze or drop. They are tiny and often need a magnifier. Common on ficus, Calathea, and ivy. Fix: Increase humidity; spray with water or insecticidal soap; neem oil. Repeat as needed.

Thrips

Signs: Silvery or brown scars on leaves and petals; distorted new growth; tiny slender insects. They scrape and suck tissue. Common on flowers and new growth. Fix: Remove damaged parts; blue sticky traps; spinosad or insecticidal soap; isolate affected plants.

Mealybugs

Signs: White cottony masses in leaf axils, on stems, or under leaves; sticky honeydew; sooty mold. Common on succulents, orchids, and ficus. Fix: Dab with alcohol on a cotton swab; spray with insecticidal soap or neem; repeat. See pest guide.

Fungus Gnats

Signs: Small dark flies hovering around the soil and pot; larvae in wet soil. They do not usually damage leaves but are a sign of overwatering. Fix: Let soil dry between waterings; use yellow sticky traps; top dress with sand or reduce moisture. See yellow leaves and overwatering.

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