Working at a nursery and garden center, I recieve many phone calls in regards to a few annoyingly common insects found in customers gardens. In response to this extensive questioning, I can only hope this will provide you with an easy answer, and hopefully, a solution!
Scale: A Popular Pest!
Scale insects are round, oval, or flat. In this area, (Windsor- Ontario) scaling is usually a dark brown, flat insect. This species will lay their eggs in May, but will not hatch until mid June. Most commonly, in this area, euonymous plants are prone to scaling. If the insect is not found in its early stages on your plant, the survival of the plant progressivly declines. Solution: Be sure to trim off the damaged branches of the plant in which masses of scaling may occur. This will help decrease the chances of the scaling effecting any surrounding plants. I am always the first to recommend the cheapest solution: soapy water! Mixing soap, and a little H2O and misting it onto the leaves of the infected plant will help create a waxy coating, warding off these pesky insects. Of course, you can also use dormant oil, or even insecticides, including our most populars: Malathion and Sevin.
The Dreaded Japanese Beetle
Over the years, Japanese Beetles have become an increasing concern, rapidly reproducing, and causing considerable damage to infested gardens. The first signs of the beetle were found in 1937, and were eliminated by the use of insecticides. However, in the 1950's they appeared again, and now infest 120 countries around the world.Japanese Beetles can feed on 300 different species of plants, and are usually found in groups, feeding on the surface of the foilage and chewing out the tissue between the veins. They usually start to emerge in late May, early June.
Solution: A tried, tested and true home-made recipe:
ingredients:
- 5 large rhubarb leaves
- 1 hot chili pepper
- 1 garlic clove
Step 1- Place these ingredients in boiling water, and let them seep (like tea!) over night.
Step 2- Strain, and put the water into a spray bottle.
Step 3- Spray this solution over the infected plants.
Note- make sure to boil enough water to cover all affected plants- Bye-Bye Beetles!!!
Aphids: How to Take Action!
Aphid colonies are most likely found on the underside of leaves, on the tips of branches, and on new growth. In our area, aphids are mostly light green, appearing almost white. Our most common tree in which aphids attack are usually tri-colour beeches. Aphids suck the sap from the leaves, stems, and even roots, causing damage. Yellow spots, or spots on the leaves that are discoloured, are usually signs that your tree or plant has been affected by aphids.Solution: A similar solution to control Scale can also be used to control Aphids. Soap and water can be useful in controlling Aphids, as well as dormant oils, and insecticides. For infestations severe enough to threaten the health of a tree, you may want to consider the services of a licensed pest control operator.
**Hopefully these solutions that I have provided for you will be beneficial next year when dealing with those detestable insects! These insects that I have listed are three of the most common insects, however, I will probably list more insects and possible solutions in the near future!
Helping you keep your garden beautiful,
Megan
