It will free all your flowers and plants from pests: never looked so lush
There are natural methods that solve the problem of pests of flowers and plants. Avoid using pesticides!
For those who love taking care of their houseplants and have a knack for gardening, it is not uncommon to encounter a special situation.
Tiny insects that do no harm to humans, but are dangerous to plants, are often found on leaves and stems.
These insects, known as aphids or lice, can pose a serious obstacle to those who have invested time, effort and passion in growing their vegetable garden.
The presence of these pests is common and can easily derail all the hard work that goes into creating a beautiful indoor oasis.
Fortunately, the issue of plant pests is not an impossible obstacle to overcome.
In fact, there are several methods and tips that can be implemented to eliminate these pests in a simple and effective way. Below you’ll find a comprehensive guide outlining everything you need to know.
Plant pests: what are they?
There are many types of insects that can pose a threat to plants, and aphids are among the best known.
These hemipteran insects are typically tiny, measuring between 1 and 3 millimeters, with a delicate body structure.
They may or may not have wings and possess mouthparts capable of piercing and/or sucking fluids.
Aphids are harmful to plants because they feed on the sap of both cultivated and wild plants, and are particularly harmful to bean and apple trees.
Owning roses can be a nightmare due to their tendency to spread and affect other plant species nearby.
Detecting an aphid infestation is a relatively easy task that can be done with a quick visual inspection.
These pests consume plant sap, which affects the overall health and vitality of the foliage, including color and shape.
A quick examination of the buds and leaves with the naked eye is usually enough to identify the problem.
However, it is important to note that their appearance can fool producers. Although they usually appear in shades of brown, yellow, or black, some aphids can be green, making them harder to detect because they blend in seamlessly with the leaves they attach to.
The risks
Home growers should consider various risks, and aphids are not the only ones.
Caterpillars are another risk that should not be underestimated, as they can quickly consume entire plants or branches.
Typically, they start by nibbling on a small leaf and then progress to other parts of the plant and nearby specimens.
This type of pest prefers tender, sweet foliage, especially basil and lettuce leaves.
Caterpillars are difficult to spot because they often blend in with the plant they are feeding on, being exactly the same green color as their host.
Bed bugs pose a real threat to plants, especially the stink bug which poses the most serious threat.
Despite its small size, this pest can have a catastrophic effect, especially for farmers.
When present, it is important to focus on fruit plants, such as peaches, pears and apples. The Asian bedbug differs from its European counterpart because it affects not only leaves but also flowers, vegetables and fruits.
The insect causes necrosis, sucking plant sap, possibly contributing to plant wilting.
Attack of the bug at the base of the buds can cause the plant to dry out, with profoundly negative repercussions on the success of the harvest. It should be noted that the stink bug has also spread throughout Europe.
Mealybug, red spiders and whiteflies
We must not neglect the impact of cochineal, a parasitic plant that only has the capacity to propagate under certain climatic conditions.
This little insect particularly likes hot, humid climates and tends to disappear when it rains.
However, the proliferation of mealybugs over time can result in a marked decrease in the structural integrity of the plant.
Whiteflies, native to tropical regions, prefer warm, humid climates, similar to the previously mentioned mealybugs.
They are a common problem in greenhouses and lakes and are known for the damage they cause to lemon trees.