Pests (Things That Bite) Part 2
Hard Body Pests
I will only list one hard body pest because it is the
most common of all the hard body pests.
Scale
These are pernicious little sucking insects that are
hard to detect which haunt the underside of the leaves. The young
start out as a soft body insect and the harden when they become
adults.
By a preventative solution of soapy water once to
twice a month will help control all pests even the hard body pests
that are the hardest to kill.
Symptoms: Yellow spots on leaves. The whole leaf
may yellow and fall off. Growth is stunted, Young scales are
translucent and hard to see, but they can be seen and felt as
immobile colonies of the build up. Sooty black mold may be found
growing on their excrement, which is called honeydew. Adults are more
noticeable. They turn black and usually hang out on the stems of
plants while their children hang out on the leaves.
Treatment: If you catch them early the insects
can be scraped off with a thumbnail. Then wash around the area where
the scales were with soapy water, to dislodge any eggs or young. If
the insects are well established, spraying with malathion or cythion
will kill the young scales which have not grown protective shell. To
kill mature scales apply a systemic insecticide powder to the
compost.
Not All Insects Are Bad
We always feel we need to get rid of all insects from
our dear little plants. But not all insects are bad to a point.
Worms
Certainly not a pest. Worms are among the outdoor
gardener's best friend because of their role in aerating and
fertilizing the soil. Indoors in a pot maybe a nuisance, but there is
no reason why they should be. But if you feel you need to get rid of
them by all means do so.
Treatment: Remove the plant from the pot and if
you see any worms in the compost pick them off and leave them in the
garden to do their good work there.
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