Tips for getting rid of bugs on your plants

Whether you have potted plants or you are growing your own lush garden, there is one thing that you can be sure of – there are plenty of bugs that can destroy your plants. Keep your plants safe from these pests by using the following techniques and tips.

Flies and gnats

Gnats and flies in your garden are more of a nuisance than a real threat to your plants. That said, these bugs lay eggs which turn into larvae and they will nibble on your plants before they reach maturity. So, before they multiply, you need to get rid of them. Look for a spray that contains Acephate. You should tap the plants gently to disturb the flying bugs and then spray the air surrounding the plant. Remember not to spray too much or you could end up harming your plants. If you want something more natural, you can make your own fly trap. You will need something to attract them as well as a trap to ensure that they don’t simply fly back out. It’s also a good idea to keep the soil around your plants clear of fallen leaves and flowers. This is where these bugs usually hide.

Nematodes

Nematodes are microscopic worms that love living on the leaves and roots of your plants. They can cause massive devastation within a short period of time. It’s best to try to keep them out of your garden from the start. Nematode pesticides can only be used if you have a pesticide license. So, if you notice an infestation, you should discard the plant immediately. If possible, burn the plant so that there is no chance of the infestation spreading further. If there is still hope for the plant, you can remove all of the leaves and repot the crown in a new pot with fresh soil. Seaweed or humic acids can also be added to the soil to keep these worms at bay.

Mealy bugs and plant lice

Lice are tiny and pear-shaped. They might be small but they can do plenty of harm. Apart from damaging the plant, they can also spread disease. Lice usually gather around the undersides of the plant leaves. Mealy bugs are approximately the same size and they also enjoy the same part of the plant. They are white and they have a kind of waxy substance all over. Lice and mealy bugs suck the juice out of the bottom of the leaf. Isolate the infected plant from the rest. 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab is what you need to repel these pests. You will need to take your time and gently wipe the entire plant before rinsing it thoroughly under lukewarm water.

Slugs and snails

Slugs and snails might not completely destroy your garden but they can do a fair amount of damage. It can be particularly annoying if you are trying to grow fresh flowers. Fortunately, they are large enough to spot with ease. They are easily caught early in the morning. If you are not able or not keen on catching them, you can always invest in snail traps and place them in your garden to keep these bugs from nibbling on your plants.

Beetles

If you notice small holes around the edges of the leaves, you most likely have a beetle problem. Get rid of them by physically removing them. If there are too many to remove one at a time, you can use a special pesticide to repel them. There are also natural substances that make the leaves taste quite disgusting to insects and this is another option to consider.

Ants

Ants are hard workers but they can destroy your garden if they decide to make it the location for their colony. Ant traps are good for keeping these bugs from overrunning your garden and you can also wash them away when watering your garden.

With these handy tips, your plants will thrive. Don’t forget that different types of plants attract different bugs. So, do your research before planting and consider companion planting as a way of naturally repelling certain bugs.