Better Homes & Gardens says freshly cut flowers can bring ants, spiders, small caterpillars and thrips indoors. Learning how to stop these bugs can protect your home and keep your houseplants healthy.

Pest specialist Jerry Wang told Martha Stewart that purchased bouquets should be inspected carefully and rinsed with plain water before they go into a vase. Clemson University adds that a magnifying glass helps you see hidden thrips, and a gentle blow can make the tiny insects move so you can spot them.

Tom’s Guide recommends preparing garden‑cut flowers outside. First, remove the lower leaves that would sit below the water line. Then hold the stems upside down and shake gently to drop hidden bugs. Finally, rinse the stems in cool water and soak the flower heads for about 30 seconds to wash away insects.

The article warns that garden‑cut bouquets should stay away from houseplants because they can carry pests. Aphids and spider mites may move from the bouquet to indoor plants, causing yellow leaves or pale speckles. Keeping the bouquets separate reduces this risk.

By checking, cleaning, and separating fresh flowers, you can stop garden bugs from hitching a ride into your home. Simple steps protect both your bouquets and your indoor plants.