Don't let bugs hitch a ride — how to safely bring fresh flowers indoors

Bringing fresh flowers from your garden indoors can enhance the ambiance of your home, but it's important to do so carefully to avoid unwanted insect guests. Here are five tips for ensuring your floral arrangements stay bug-free.

First, consider the timing. Early morning or late evening is ideal for cutting flowers, as these cooler periods mean the flowers won't wilt quickly and insects are less active, reducing the chance of bringing them inside.

When cutting, do as much as possible outdoors. Handle the flowers away from your home to allow any insects and pollen to drop off naturally. This applies to all steps, from leaf removal to the final placement in a vase.

Next, remove the lower leaves from each stem. This practice is standard for store-bought flowers, but it's crucial when cutting your own, as it prevents leaves from rotting in the vase water. Removing leaves also eliminates potential hiding spots for insects and prevents soil from contaminating your indoor environment.

Give the flowers a gentle shake to dislodge any lingering insects. Be careful not to shake too vigorously or disturb the delicate petals. Tilting the flowers downward during the shake can help insects escape more easily.

Finally, soak the flowers in cold water. This step helps clean off any remaining soil, insects, or debris. You can place the flowers in a bucket of cold water or even run them under a running tap for about 30 minutes before arranging them in a vase. This final rinse ensures your indoor space remains free from uninvited guests.