Uninvited Houseguests

Many gardeners move potted plants from outdoors to indoors every fall to protect them from winter weather. For example you may have a potted jade plant that does fine on the deck from April to September but would die if exposed to even moderately cold fall weather. In fact, potted houseplants often do better if given this yearly exposure to outside sun and air.

Be aware, however, that you may introduce some uninvited houseguests indoors by this practice. Slugs, root weevils and spiders are notorious for hitching a ride on these plants. As the plants warm up the critters become active and will often move off the plants. These houseguests pose no threat whatsoever unless, of course, the spiders happen to be one of the very few poisonous species in your area. So, if you find slugs or root weevils wandering across the floor this winter they probably came off that potted plant you moved indoors.