Fake plants have been all the rage for years now. With more and more people wanting to add a bit of greenery to their homes without all the hassle of taking care of natural plants, fake plants have become increasingly popular.
Even so, some people remain hesitant about bringing artificial plants into their spaces for fear of attracting bugs. After all, we’ve all heard these stories that fake plants are nothing more than a breeding ground for bugs and other pests.
But do fake plants attract bugs? Could it be just another urban legend, or is there some truth to it? Well, that’s what we’re here to find out. So, if that’s what you want to know, follow to the end to get to know everything about fake plants and bugs.
Do Artificial Plants Attract Insects?
No, artificial plants don’t attract insects. Artificial plants are made of inorganic materials like rubber, plastic, and silk, which bugs are not interested in. Even so, that doesn’t mean they repel bugs either. As long as there’s a thing or two about the artificial plants that can attract bugs, insects may still end up in your fake plants.
The debate on whether or not artificial plants attract insects has been around for years now with no clear winner. On the one hand, some people say that artificial plants don’t attract bugs because they don’t come with organic materials. On the other, some claim that they’ve seen insects in their fake plants before.
Well, each of these sides has a valid point. Artificial plants come with inorganic materials that can’t attract insects for food or through scent. But that doesn’t mean they’re entirely safe from insects. If the plants have something outside their inorganic makeup attractive to bugs, they may still end up in your fake plants.
Why Do Fake Plants Attract Bugs?
Fake plants attract bugs for shelter and other non-food-related reasons. While bugs may not be interested in the inorganic materials that make up fake plants, they may still use these plants for other purposes. That includes using them for shelter or as a place to lay their eggs.
For example, if your artificial plant is near a window, it may attract bugs that love light. It may also be the first spot insects coming through the window will land on. Or, if your artificial plant is in an area with high humidity, it may attract bugs looking for a place to lay their eggs.
So, while artificial plants may not be outright attractive to insects, there are still some conditions that may make them more susceptible to an infestation. Hence, all depends on the environment and condition your artificial plant is in.
And actually, fake plants seem to offer just the ideal conditions for most insects. They come with damp soil and are often located away from light- all of which are attractive to insects. As such, while they may not attract insects, they may still be a breeding ground for them if the conditions are right.
Do Fake Plants Attract Roaches?
Yes, fake plants may attract roaches. While roaches are not interested in the inorganic materials that make up fake plants, they are attracted to other things like moisture and darkness. Hence, if your artificial plant meets these conditions, it may attract roaches.
But another reason that may invite roaches to your artificial plants is food. That’s especially true if you have a fake plant in your kitchen. In this case, an artificial plant will offer a convenient spot for roaches where they can hide when they sense you coming.
Do Fake Plants Attract Fruit Flies?
Fake plants won’t directly attract fruit flies. Even so, the soil for the fake plants could be the primary reason you may come back to a fruit fly or two near your plant. Fruit flies love damp soil and that may bring these insects to your artificial plant.
As already said, artificial plants can attract insects for many reasons, even though they can’t offer food. So, seeing fruit flies near your fake plant is not entirely out of the question. It should tell you that there’s still something about your potted plants inviting these bugs.
And more often, for fruit flies, that something has less to do with the plant and more to do with the soil. Actually, if using a potting mix that’s not entirely sterile, it may be the reason you’re seeing fruit flies near your artificial plant.
Sometimes the bugs will come because the soil is damp. If that’s the case, you can easily bid your fruit fly problem goodbye by letting the soil dry out completely. You can also try repotting the plant to avoid attracting fruit flies in the first place.
Do Fake Plants Attract Spiders?
Yes, fake plants may attract spiders. Spiders are attracted to places that offer them shelter and a place to lay their eggs. So, if your artificial plant can offer these and other attractive conditions, it may be susceptible to a spider infestation.
Spiders are also attracted to places that offer them easy access to their prey. Plants near light or window will invite bugs that love light. In return, that will serve as a natural invitation to spiders for an easy meal. It’s the same way you’ll prefer to shop for groceries in a store that’s well-stocked as opposed to one that’s not.
The same goes for spiders- they’ll be more attracted to an artificial plant that can offer them easy access to a variety of prey. So, if you have an artificial plant near a light source or window, it may be more susceptible to a spider infestation.
As such, the next time you see a spider on your fake plants, know it could be helping you to control other pests. And more often, spiders that show up in our homes aren’t venomous, so you don’t have to worry about them biting you.
Why Are Bugs Attracted To Fake Plants?
Artificial plants may attract bugs for many reasons, just as earlier said. It could be because of the plant’s material, the conditions around it, or even the insects already there. If your artificial plant seems to attract insects, try to find out why.
Only after you’ve known the primary attractant can you take steps to keep the bugs away. And more often, it’s an easy fix like letting the soil dry out or keeping the plant clean. So, don’t be too quick to throw out your fake plant just because it seems to attract bugs.
How To Keep Bugs Away From Your Fake Plants?
Proper maintenance and simple tips can keep bugs away from your fake plants. That could be as easy as dusting them often, keeping them away from the window, or even using soil toppers. It all depends on the identified primary attractant for the bugs.
And in most cases, you’ll see bugs around your fake plants if they aren’t receiving the necessary care and maintenance. Improper care will all lead to an inviting environment for bugs, and you certainly don’t want that.
So, the best way to keep bugs away from your fake plants is to ensure they’re well-taken care of, and that takes us to the next section.
How Do You Take Care of Fake Plants?
You should take care of fake plants by cleaning them often, keeping them from direct sunlight, and in several other ways. With proper care, fake plants will add the much-needed green touch to your home without the fear of attracting bugs.
You see, fake plants require less maintenance than their natural counterparts. But that doesn’t mean you should neglect them entirely. In fact, if you want your fake plants to last long and serve their purpose, you need to take good care of them, and here’s how;
Clean Them Often
Yes, your artificial plants need regular dusting. Dust and other debris can easily accumulate on the leaves and stems, making the plant look dirty and unattractive. And when left for too long, this debris will become a breeding ground for bugs and other pests. So, to keep your fake plant clean and free of bugs, dust it often. Once a week should suffice, but if you can do it more often, that would be even better.
Keep Them From Direct Sunlight
Fake plants will start to fade when left in direct sunlight for too long. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause the plant’s leaves and stem to discolor. So, if you want to keep your fake plant looking its best, keep it out of direct sunlight.
Use UV Protectant Sprays
You can use UV protectant sprays if you can’t avoid placing your fake plant in direct sunlight. These sprays will create a barrier between the plant and the sun’s harmful UV rays. And as a result, your plant will be protected from fading and other damage.
Relocate Them Often
If you want to reap the full benefits of fake plants, you must relocate them often. Artificial plants don’t grow, so they won’t benefit from the sunlight as natural plants do. But by relocating them often, you can help them avoid concentrated fading associated with staying in one place for too long.
What Smell Will Keep Bugs Away?
Bugs generally dislike the smell of citronella, garlic, vinegar, peppermint, and other strong scents. You can use these smells to keep bugs away from your artificial plants. Just spray or sprinkle the scent around the base of the plant, and bugs should stay away.
Scents can attract or repel bugs, so choosing the right one is essential. Some of the most effective bug-repelling scents include lavender, citronella, eucalyptus, peppermint, basil, cider, garlic, and vanilla extract.
You can either buy these scents in the form of essential oils or make your bug spray. Either way, they should help keep bugs away from your artificial plants.
Final Verdict
Artificial plants offer a convenient, easy-maintenance, and often a more affordable alternative to natural plants. And while they won’t attract bugs for food, these plants can still serve as bug magnets for other reasons. Improper care, dust accumulation, and direct sunlight are all factors that can lead to an infestation.
So, the best way to keep bugs away from your fake plants is to ensure they’re well taken care of. As long as you play your maintenance role the correct way, you won’t have to worry about bugs ruining your fake plants.