Cutworms, slugs and snails can be collected from their hiding places and destroyed. When you detect houseplant pests early, you have enough time to diagnose the problem and to take curative actions before they do any serious damage. Table 1 lists the practices suggested to control each pest. If you must use pesticides always read the product's label to be sure it is labeled for use on the plants that need treatment. Most insecticides control pests by contact with the insect or by acting as a stomach poison.
Some products rely on a fumigating or vapor action to kill the target pest.
Gain effective control by following four basic principles. Correctly identify the pest. Control recommendations vary greatly according to the pest. Select a material labeled for the insect pest you wish to control and the host plants that are infested. Under certain conditions, pesticides may burn or cause phytotoxic damage to houseplants.