If you see these buggers near your pots, don’t panic. Here are 6 brilliant things you can do

Sure! Here’s an engaging, informative article based on the headline **”If You See These Buggers Near Your Pots, Don’t Panic. Here Are 6 Brilliant Things You Can Do”** — perfect for a blog, magazine, or gardening website. The “buggers” in this case could be common pests like fungus gnats, aphids, or other small insects that show up in or around potted plants.

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## **If You See These Buggers Near Your Pots, Don’t Panic. Here Are 6 Brilliant Things You Can Do**

You’re watering your plants, minding your own business, when suddenly — there they are. Tiny flying bugs hovering near the soil or crawling along your pots. Gross. Annoying. Possibly destructive. But before you panic and toss your plant babies out the window, take a deep breath.

These “buggers” (most commonly fungus gnats, aphids, or spider mites) are a common sight in indoor and outdoor plant setups, especially during warm and humid months. The good news? They’re manageable — and often without harsh chemicals or a full plant quarantine.

Here are six brilliant, practical ways to handle these pests and protect your plants:

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### **1. Identify the Culprit**

Not all bugs are bad — some are even beneficial. Start by figuring out what you’re dealing with:

* **Fungus gnats:** Tiny black flies, often found hovering near soil. More annoying than harmful.
* **Aphids:** Small green, black, or white bugs that cluster on stems and leaves.
* **Spider mites:** Very tiny, often red or brown; you might see fine webbing between leaves.

Once you identify the pest, you’ll know how best to treat it.

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### **2. Let the Soil Dry Out**

Most pests thrive in moist environments. Fungus gnats, in particular, lay their eggs in damp soil.

**Solution:** Water your plants less frequently for a while. Let the top 1–2 inches of soil dry out completely between waterings. This interrupts the pest life cycle and helps prevent further infestation.