Do Bugs Live in Fake Plants?

When you spend a fortune on a dazzling, high-quality artificial plant. In addition to eliminating the need for time-consuming care, another big advantage is that artificial plants don’t attract bugs!

While artificial plants are not an inherent bug attractant, they are not immune to the occasional encounter. Unlike real plants, artificial plants lack the basic ingredients that make plants attractive. Since artificial plants don’t have these characteristics, bugs have no reason to swarm them.

But because fake green plants resemble real plants, it can fool some retarded bugs. So just because the leaves are plastic doesn't guarantee an insect-free zone. Bugs can get into your fake lord in other ways.

For example, if your fake plant is located near an open window, some insects may wander and perch on the leaves. However, this was not an intentional act, but more of an accident.

Or, if your space is already a bug hub, they may stumble upon your artificial plants, looking for alternative food sources or hiding places. In this case, the insects are not attracted to the artificial plants themselves, but are simply exploring their surroundings.

Just like bugs love the nooks under your desk or the crevices behind picture frames, they get the same sense of security when they roost under the leaves of artificial plants.

How to keep artificial plants bug-free?

Since fake greenery can sometimes confuse bugs, there are a few things you can do to get rid of any crawling nuisance. In most cases, this will only require some simple maintenance.

Clean regularly:

Dust and debris can accumulate on the leaves of artificial plants, creating the perfect home for bugs. So wipe the leaves and stems regularly with a soft cloth or feather duster to remove buildup.

Blow away debris:

If your artificial plant has some tangled stems, use a vacuum cleaner or hair dryer to remove loose debris that may attract insects and dull the plant's shine.

Check the nooks and crannies:

Check your artificial plants to discover hidden crevices that tend to attract dust and dirt. Pay special attention to the areas where the leaves meet the stems, as these are often favorite hiding spots.

Don’t place them near open windows:

Placing them away from open doors and windows will minimize the chance of bugs getting into your fake plants. Of course, this is only possible with small, portable plants.

Store fake plants properly:

If you need to store artificial plants for a long time, make sure they are clean and free of any bug food sources. To do this, cover your counterfeit items with bags to protect them while in storage.

Don't spray repellent:

Abrasive chemicals are just as harmful to your impostors as they are to insects. Instead of spraying insect repellent, place citronella candles or essential oil diffusers around the room to stop insects from buzzing around.
By following these tips and tricks, you'll eliminate the appeal of hiding spots and the bugs will crawl (or fly) away.

Since bugs are not attracted to the appearance of green plants (so they largely ignore artificial plants), why do they like real plants?