There are many pests that can affect our plants and the mere hint of their presence anticipates a nightmare for the farmer. It doesn't matter if you have a cultivated plot of land, a large garden or a small natural space on your terrace or in the corners of your home, when pests appear, all your effort, time and money invested go down the drain and this, let's face it, hurts us. Because we know everything that goes through your head in situations like these, we want to teach you How to get rid of plant pests.
These invasions can be very varied and, depending on which agents are present in the pests, it may be more or less difficult to eliminate them. For example, we saw not long ago How to get rid of ants in the soil of plantsAnd today we are going to learn many more tricks.
Pests on plants can have different consequences depending on the intensity of the pest and the parasite in question. The damage will range from a decrease in growth to the death of the specimen in extreme cases. Taking measures as soon as possible will determine its control and whether the plant will finally heal and grow successfully. Let's see step by step How to get rid of plant pests.
Identify what type of pests are affecting your plants
There are so many pests that sometimes it is not easy to realize which one has specifically appeared in your pot. But it is essential toidentify the pest, because, although there are remedies that are common, however, certain types of parasites or insects require specific treatments.
To give you an idea, the ones we are going to show you below are the most common types of pests that appear on plants.
Aphids
The Aphids are small insects They are green, yellow or black in colour. Their small size makes them easy to spot, although they do leave a trail in the form of faeces or eggs.
You can also see when they are numerous, because they group together and appear as a row attached to the leaves and stems, especially the latter.
They act by sucking the sap and, therefore, weakening the plant, because they steal its nutrients and its life essence.
plant mites
The Mites are other of our enemies when we take care of plants. If the aphids are small, the mites are even smaller and you will only see them as small brown or yellow specks or spots on the leaves.
Mealybugs
You will recognize that there is mealybugs on your plant because you will find these little animals covered by a white cottony layer. This sticky substance sticks to the plant and sucks out the nutrients, making it sick.
caterpillars and worms
The presence of caterpillars and worms It is more evident, because they eat the leaves directly, leaving their damage visible, with the bitten leaves. They may be hard to spot because they hide so cleverly, but you'll think that an invisible creature is chewing away at your plants. Don't look for ghosts, though. They are simply caterpillars or worms that live hidden underground and, at night, when no one is looking, they attack!
White fly
La White fly They also lie in wait, flying away from you when you shake the plant, but will return to it immediately in search of its sap. In addition, when they eat, these flies leave a sticky layer on the plant that leaves the leaves more exposed to the appearance of fungi.
Snails and slugs
Finally, we cannot forget the snails and slugs, because they are there too, eager to eat the leaves and stems of your garden. The holes they leave in the leaves will be their signature and identifying mark. Be alert!
How to eliminate plant pests with natural remedies
The Natural medicine they are valid to eliminate plant pests like the ones we just saw. You can say goodbye to these parasites without putting your health or your environment at risk.
Potassium soap
El potassium soap It is an old acquaintance among expert gardeners and it is not surprising, because it is biodegradable and only fights the pest but does not harm the plant itself.
To use it, you only have to dissolve 2 or 3 tablespoons of this substance in 1 litre of water. You can then spray it on your plants, generously, covering the entire stem and all the leaves. Repeat once a week until the pest has disappeared.
Neem oil
If you have searched for information about pests and plants, you will surely find neem oil You know it, even if it's just hearsay. If you have pests, it's time to put it into practice. And it really is the best. It combats all kinds of common pests.
It is used in the same way as potassium soap, mixing with 1 part water and spraying the plant once a week.
Domestic traps against snails and slugs
With a little creativity you can create traps for slugs and snails. For example, add a small container with beerWe know it's a shame to throw away the beer, but it will be an investment, because it will attract slugs and you will be able to catch them.
Repellent with pepper and garlic
Mix ground pepper and garlic and throwing them where parasites pass will be a magnificent repellent for them.
You can also infuse garlic and chili and then water or scrub with the resulting water.
Biological control methods for plant pests
If you prefer, you can take it to your garden insects that control the parasite population. For example, ladybugs. Both this friendly insect and the not so pleasant one asian wasp are able to do it.
You can buy them at specialist garden stores and they will help you keep control naturally.
How to avoid pests on plants
Prevention is better than cure. Avoid moisture in the pot. If there is a lot of water in the soil, slugs and snails will appear.
When you prune, you are also preventing these creatures from settling into the ground.
On the other hand, if you have to fertilize, do so, but do not overdo it. Too much nutrient will also cause parasites to appear and, contrary to what you expect, the plant may die.
Knowing How to get rid of pests on plants, your garden will be more cared for, healthy and beautiful.