Plant Care

Pothos Pests: Mealybugs, Spider Mites, and Scale Treatment

Last updated: October 30, 2025

Pothos pests like mealybugs and spider mites are rare but treatable. Learn to identify, isolate, and eliminate these common houseplant invaders.

TTerrence "TJ" Johnson

October 30, 2025

Person inspecting pothos leaves for mealybugs and spider mites with magnifying glass — — Image © PlantReference.org 2026

Quick Answer

Isolate infested pothos immediately. Treat mealybugs and scale with rubbing alcohol on cotton swabs. Use neem oil spray weekly.

TL;DR

Pothos pests are rare but treatable. Common invaders include mealybugs (white cotton clusters), spider mites (fine webbing), and scale insects (brown bumps). Isolate immediately, treat with rubbing alcohol or neem oil, and monitor weekly for recurrence. Most treatments resolve infestations within 2-3 applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my pothos has mealybugs?

Look for white, cottony clusters in leaf joints and stem crevices. Mealybugs also leave sticky honeydew residue on leaves and cause yellowing where they feed. Check systematically by examining where each leaf meets the stem—this is their favorite hiding spot.

Can I use dish soap instead of neem oil for spider mites?

Yes, mild dish soap works as an emergency treatment. Mix 1 teaspoon gentle dish soap per quart of water and spray affected areas. However, neem oil is more effective because it provides residual protection and won't burn leaves like soap can with repeated applications.

How long does it take to get rid of pothos pests completely?

Most infestations clear within 2-3 weeks with consistent treatment every 3-4 days. Light infestations (under 10 visible pests) often resolve in 7-10 days. Severe infestations may require 4-6 weeks of treatment plus monitoring for re-emergence.

Should I throw away my pothos if it has scale insects?

No, scale insects are treatable with rubbing alcohol. Only discard plants if the infestation covers more than 75% of stems and leaves, or if the plant is severely weakened. Most pothos recover fully from scale treatment when caught early.

Can pothos pests spread to other houseplants?

Yes, immediately isolate infected pothos at least 6 feet from other plants. Mealybugs and spider mites spread rapidly through direct contact and air currents. Check all nearby plants weekly for 6-8 weeks after treating the infected plant.

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Tagged with

#pothos pests #mealybugs #spider mites #scale insects #plant pest control #neem oil #rubbing alcohol treatment #houseplant pests #pest prevention #organic pest control

Written By

Terrence "TJ" Johnson

TJ stumbled into plant parenthood when a coworker gave him a neglected pothos. That single plant sparked an obsession that led him to quit his corporate marketing job and start a plant care service for busy professionals in Chicago. TJ maintains over 150 plants for residential clients and runs monthly plant swap meetups at local coffee shops. He's self-taught through YouTube, plant forums, and plenty of expensive mistakes (RIP to his variegated monstera). TJ specializes in troubleshooting common houseplant problems and is known for his blunt, no-BS advice: "Your plant isn't dying because Mercury is in retrograde—you're overwatering it." He's particularly skilled with finicky tropical plants like fiddle leaf figs and calatheas.