With fall just around the corner, now is a good time to examine your houseplants, those that were outdoors as well as those that stayed inside, for the presence of insect pests. The sooner insects are discovered, the easier it will be to control them. Mealybugs on a rubber plant. Photo: Julie Weisenhorn, U of M Ext What to look for Any insects that are missed will continue to feed and can spread to other plants. Keep plants with insect problems isolated from uninfested ones until the pests are eliminated. Most of these insects are small and a hand lens is often helpful in detecting their presence. Check leaves, both the top and the bottom, as well as stems, and remove plant debris from the soil surface where insects may reside. You can also use sticky traps to help detect flying insects, like thrips. Also, look for evidence of insect feeding, such as discolored leaves, webbing or honeydew (a shiny, sticky substance secreted by some insects). Check under the bottom