Common British Bugs You Might Find on Your Houseplants (and Why You Probably Don’t Need to Panic)

If you’ve been nurturing houseplants for a while, you’ve probably had a moment where you spot something unexpected: a spider between two pots, a woodlouse nestled in the compost, or a beetle meandering across a Monstera leaf. It can be alarming — but it’s often nothing to worry about.

At Happy Houseplants, we want to help you recognise the difference between a passing visitor and a persistent problem. Some bugs are just part of life. Others may need a bit of gentle management. Either way, there is no need to panic, reach for the chemicals or start blaming yourself.

Let’s walk through a few of the most common native creatures you might spot on or near your houseplants — and how to live alongside them, kindly.

1. House Spiders

You will sometimes find a spider tucked into the corner of a plant shelf, or hidden in a trailing vine. They are not a threat to your plants. In fact, they may help by eating fungus gnats, fruit flies and other tiny pests.

What to do:
Leave them be if you can. If they are in the way, gently move them outside or to a quieter part of your home. They are shy, helpful creatures doing their own thing.

2. Woodlice

Woodlice like damp conditions and decaying matter. If you find one in your plant pot, it likely came from outside or found its way in through a window. They do not feed on healthy plants — they are recyclers, not pests.

What to do:
Check your compost — it may be holding too much moisture or breaking down too slowly. Remove any decaying leaves and let the soil surface dry out a little more between waterings.

3. Small Flies or Midges

Tiny flying insects near your plants could be fungus gnats, fruit flies, or even just midges attracted to moisture. Fungus gnats are the most likely culprits — especially if you are watering frequently or using organic compost.

What to do:
Let the top layer of soil dry out between waterings. Improve airflow and avoid soggy compost. If needed, sticky traps or a gentle soil refresh will help.

4. Ants

Ants are not interested in your plants — but they may be visiting if there is something sweet nearby. That is usually honeydew, left by pests like aphids or mealybugs. Ants often protect these pests to collect the honeydew.

What to do:
Check your plant carefully for signs of sap-sucking pests. If you find sticky leaves or insects clustered near new growth, treat the plant — not the ants.

5. Beetles, Moths and Outdoor Visitors

Now and then, a beetle or moth may appear on or near your plants. These are almost always accidental visitors, having flown in through an open window or door.

What to do:
Unless they are eating your leaves (which is rare indoors), just guide them gently back outside. No treatment needed.

6. Ladybirds

Spot a ladybird on your plants? Lucky you. These are beneficial insects, known for feeding on aphids and other pests.

What to do:
Nothing — they are your allies. Enjoy the visit.

So When Should You Step In?

There is a difference between spotting the occasional bug and noticing:

• Multiple bugs clustered on one plant

• Sticky or shiny leaves

• Yellowing, misshapen or curled foliage

• Fine webbing, spots or leaf damage

• Small black specks (which may be insect droppings)

If you see these signs, check our full pest care guides — we explain exactly what to look for and how to fix it, gently and effectively.

Kindness First — Always

Plants are living things. So are bugs. Sometimes they cross paths in your home, and that is completely normal. Most bugs are harmless, passing through, and simply doing what nature programmed them to do.

At Happy Houseplants, we do not support scorched earth solutions or endless spraying. A thoughtful approach, a little patience, and some gentle care are almost always more effective — and better for your plants, your home and the small lives we share it with.

Find this guide helpful? There’s more advice like this in our UK houseplant care blog — or head back to our Pest Help hub for tips on everything from aphids to fungus gnats.