Insects on plants

Insects on plants - how to recognize them and protect the garden

The garden is a living ecosystem and the appearance of insects is a completely natural process. The problem arises, when the balance is disturbed and pests begin to destroy the decorative value of your plants. Many owners find out about the problem too late - when the leaves are already curled, yellowed or covered with a sticky layer. In this article, we will consider who are the most common "uninvited guests" in the Bulgarian court and how to act pragmatically, to save your vegetation.

Content

Aphids: The most common aggressor
Spider mites: The invisible danger
Shield lice: The hard armor
Boxwood moth: The silent killer of boxwood
Prevention and spraying: When and with what?
Frequently asked questions
Conclusion

Aphids: The most common aggressor

They are small, greenery, black or brown and cluster on the young tops of roses or fruit trees.

Symptoms: The leaves are rolled up, they become sticky (t.nar. "honey dew"), and ants are often seen around them.
Solution: They can be washed off with a strong jet of water or sprayed with a solution of potassium soap. In case of mass infestation, insecticides are used.

Spider mites: The invisible danger

Mites are so tiny, that cannot be seen with the naked eye, until it's too late. They love dry and hot air.

Symptoms: The leaves (especially thuja and roses) start to lighten up, turn into small white dots and end up looking "burnt". In a more serious phase, fine cobwebs are noticeable.
Solution: Maintaining high humidity by spraying the crowns helps in prevention. For treatment, specific preparations are needed - acaricides.

Shield lice: The hard armor

They look like small brown or gray scales, stuck to the stems and leaves of evergreen shrubs and houseplants. Since they have a "shield", ordinary preparations hardly reach them.

Solution: Treatment with oil solutions is most effective, which suffocate the pest under its shield.

Boxwood moth: The silent killer of boxwood

If you have boxwood and it starts to dry out in days, probably attacked by boxwood moth caterpillars.

Symptoms: Bareness of the branches and the presence of a dense cobweb with small black balls (excrement).
Solution: Immediate spraying with specific insecticides is required, as caterpillars are extremely gluttonous.

Prevention and spraying: When and with what?

We believe in Eno Park, that strong and healthy plants get sick less.

Balanced fertilization: Excessive nitrogen fertilization makes the leaves too "soft" and attractive to aphids.
Observation: Check your plants once a week. Problems, caught in the beginning, solved in minutes.

Frequently asked questions

1. Should I spray preventively every spring??
Yes, t.nar. "winter-spring spraying" with copper preparations and oils destroys eggs and larvae, which overwintered in the bark.

2. Are there organic solutions against insects??
Yes, Neem oil, potassium soap and attracting ladybugs to the garden are excellent natural methods of control.

3. Can I spray at noon??
Absolutely not! Spraying in strong sun will cause the leaves to burn. Spray only early morning or late evening.

Conclusion

Insects on plants are part of nature, but in your garden you are the one, which sets the limits. With regular monitoring and proper care, you can keep the decorative look of your yard intact. If you are not sure what the pest is, better consult a specialist, so as not to waste valuable time.

More professional advice at USEFUL