Dried botanicals are preserved for their lasting beauty in home decor and are generally low-maintenance alternatives to fresh flowers. A common concern is whether these arrangements can attract unwanted insect visitors. Dried flowers can attract bugs, but this outcome is not inevitable. The risk of infestation hinges almost entirely on two factors: the thoroughness of the preservation process and the environmental conditions in which the botanicals are displayed or stored.
The Reality of Infestation Risk
The susceptibility of dried flowers to pests stems from the fact that they are still organic matter, even after the moisture is removed. The natural plant structure retains compounds like cellulose, starches, and trace amounts of sugars, which serve as a viable food source for specialized pests. When the drying process is incomplete, residual moisture encourages the growth of mold and mildew, which acts as a powerful attractant for certain insects.
The environment plays a significant role in determining the risk level. Dried flowers stored in warm, dark, and especially humid areas are far more likely to experience an infestation than those kept in cool, dry spaces. High humidity allows materials to reabsorb moisture from the air, creating a microclimate where mold can thrive and specific pests, such as psocids (booklice), are drawn to the damp, decaying material. Dust accumulation on the surface can also provide shelter and a secondary food source for mites and other tiny arthropods.
Common Pests That Target Dried Botanicals
The insects that target dried botanicals are typically “pantry pests” that feed on stored dry goods, herbs, and spices.
Indian Meal Moths
One of the most frequently encountered is the Indian Meal Moth, whose larvae spin fine, silken webbing across the arrangement as they feed, causing noticeable damage to petals and seed heads. The adult moths are distinguishable by the reddish-brown coppery sheen on the outer two-thirds of their wings.
Cabinet Beetles
Another group of common culprits are the cabinet beetles, which include the Drugstore Beetle and the Cigarette Beetle. These small, reddish-brown beetles feed on a wide variety of dried plant products. The damage is primarily caused by their tiny, hairy, and voracious larvae, which tunnel through the material, leaving behind fine powder and evidence of chewing.
Psocids and Mites
Psocids, or booklice, are minute insects that do not directly feed on the dried flower itself but are drawn to the presence of mold. Their appearance often indicates that the material has been exposed to high humidity, causing microscopic fungal growth. Spider mites, which are technically arachnids, are also attracted to dusty dried flowers, and their presence is often betrayed by the fine, almost invisible webbing they spin.
Preemptive Treatment and Storage Methods
Preventing an infestation begins with thorough and proper curing of the plant material. Traditional air-drying or the use of desiccants like silica gel must ensure that virtually all moisture is removed from the plant structure. Incomplete drying leaves behind enough water activity to support microbial growth and attract pests.
After drying, sterilization is a crucial step to eliminate any eggs or larvae introduced during the harvest or drying process. A common non-chemical method involves freezing the fully dried botanicals. Place the arrangement in a sealed plastic bag and freeze it at 0 degrees Fahrenheit for a minimum of 48 to 72 hours. This extended exposure to freezing temperatures kills all life stages of most common pests, including eggs embedded within the material.
For long-term storage, dried flowers should be kept in airtight containers or sealed boxes to physically exclude pests. The storage location must be cool and dry, ideally with low relative humidity, to prevent the reabsorption of moisture. Including silica gel packets within the container can help regulate the internal humidity. Natural deterrents, such as placing bay leaves or cedar chips near the arrangements, can discourage insect activity.
Dealing with an Active Infestation
If you observe tell-tale signs of insects, such as fine powder, small holes, or webbing, the first step is to immediately isolate the affected arrangement. Remove the infested item and inspect all nearby dried goods and botanicals to prevent the spread of the pests. Heavily infested items, particularly those with extensive damage or webbing, should be sealed tightly in a plastic bag and disposed of immediately outside the home.
For arrangements that are only lightly affected and worth salvaging, the deep-freezing sterilization method is the most effective reactive treatment. Place the entire arrangement into a large, sealed plastic bag and leave it in a freezer at the lowest setting for at least three full days to ensure the eradication of all eggs, larvae, and adult pests. After removing the flowers, allow them to return to room temperature before handling them to prevent damage from brittleness.
The area where the infested flowers were displayed requires a thorough cleaning. Vacuuming all cracks, crevices, and surfaces is necessary to remove any residual eggs, larvae, or adult insects. Immediately dispose of the vacuum cleaner bag contents in an outdoor trash receptacle after cleaning. Wiping down the area with a standard household cleaner will help sanitize the space and reduce the chance of a reinfestation.