For thousands of years, people have enjoyed growing plants indoors. Not only are they beautiful, but houseplants also clean the air, reduce stress, and put you in a good mood without asking for much in return.

Other creatures—tiny ones with multiple legs and beady eyes—love houseplants, too. Indoor garden insects bite into the plant’s leaves and stem and drink up its sap, leaving behind dreary leaves and stunting its growth. But there’s no need to worry. We’ve been studying garden pests for many years, and we’ll share our time-tested tips for getting rid of common indoor plant insects.

Aphids / Mealybugs / Spider mites / Fungus gnats

Indoor garden insects can travel with the plant from the garden center, or they can find their own way into your home when the temperatures start to dip. By keeping a watchful eye out for these troublesome creatures, you can protect your houseplants from harm and continue to reap the many rewards of growing plants indoors.