Having a garden, a vegetable garden or simply some Facilities At home it is a source of satisfaction and calm, but it also carries with it a certain responsibility, mainly in the face of the threat of pests that can ruin our crops and green spaces. No matter the size of your green space, the appearance of pests means jeopardizing all the effort, time, and resources invested in your plants. Therefore, learning how to How to get rid of pests on plants effectively and sustainably is essential for any gardening enthusiast.
Pests can negatively affect plant health, causing anything from general weakness to total loss of plants, depending on the intensity of the attack and the type of organism present. A quick response, correctly identifying the pest and applying the appropriate treatment, is the key to restoring the vitality of your plants.
Why do pests appear on plants?
Before addressing elimination, it is important to understand that Pests appear due to various factors: Climate change, excessive humidity, poor ventilation, stress due to a lack or excess of nutrients, the use of contaminated substrates, or the transfer of infected plants. Furthermore, monoculture or limited plant diversity favors the proliferation of harmful organisms.
La frequent observation and proper management of environmental factors can significantly reduce the incidence of pests. However, even in well-maintained gardens, pests can appear, and it is essential to act quickly and accurately to avoid serious damage.
Pest identification: the first step in pest control and elimination
Identify the pest It's the essential step in applying the correct treatment. Not all pests respond equally to the same remedies, and a mistake in identification can make the situation worse.
- Aphids: Small green, black, or yellow insects usually cluster on leaves and stems, secrete a sugary substance (honeydew) and weaken the plant by sucking its sap.
- Mites (such as red spider): Tiny brown or yellow dots, they often cause spots on leaves and weave fine threads (like a spider web) on the underside of the leaves.
- Mealybugs: They have a cottony or waxy appearance and are usually found on leaves and stems. They leave a sticky substance that predisposes to the growth of fungi.
- Caterpillars and worms: They chew leaves and stems, leaving jagged edges and holes.
- White fly: Small, white, winged insects found on the underside of leaves. They often fly away when the plant is shaken.
- Snails and slugs: They leave traces of slime and large holes in the leaves, especially in cool, humid environments.
- Thrips: Tiny, elongated, brown or yellowish insects that feed on pollen and sap, causing discoloration and deformation of leaves and flowers.
Signs of infestation include leaf spots, discoloration, ragged edges, sticky stems, or the visible presence of insects. Observing the undersides of leaves and regularly inspecting stems and flowers is essential for early detection.
Main pests and how to recognize them
Aphids
They are identified by their large numbers on the underside of leaves and young stems. They can be green, black, yellow, or even red. They secrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes the development of sooty mold. For more details on how to combat them, see biological pest control.
Mites and red spider
Mites, especially the red spider, are almost microscopic and are detected by the presence of fine cobwebs and yellowish or silvery spots on the surface of the leaves.
Mealybugs
These parasites have a whitish, cottony covering. They leave a sticky substance on the plant (honeydew) that can promote fungal infections. For an advanced strategy, explore biological control using entomopathogenic fungi.
White fly
Their presence is noticeable when tiny whiteflies emerge when you shake the plant. They prefer warm, humid environments and weaken the plant by sucking its sap.
Trips
They produce discoloration and silvery or whitish spots on leaves and flowers. Their excrement also forms small black spots on the plant's surface.
caterpillars and worms
They leave visible traces when consuming whole leaves or parts of them, especially in horticultural and ornamental crops.
Snails and slugs
They prefer humid environments. They usually emerge at night, leaving a trail of slime and large holes in tender leaves and flowers.
How to eliminate plant pests with natural remedies
The home and organic remedies They are an effective and safe option for eliminating most pests and avoiding the use of harmful chemicals. They also help maintain the health of your garden's ecosystem and protect biodiversity.
- Potassium soap: Biodegradable and safe for plants. Dissolve 2-3 tablespoons in 1 liter of water and spray all affected areas, especially the undersides of leaves. Repeat weekly until the pest is eliminated.
- Neem oil: Broad-spectrum, useful for mites, aphids, whiteflies, and mealybugs. Mix a few drops in a liter of water and spray. Repeat the treatment weekly.
- Garlic preparation: Repels aphids, mites, bedbugs, and whiteflies. Soak 4 crushed garlic cloves in 1 liter of water for 5 days. Then, add half a glass of this mixture to another liter of water and spray the plant.
- Vegetable oil and soap: Especially useful against aphids, mealybugs, and mites. Mix 2 cups of vegetable oil with half a cup of liquid soap, dilute in water before applying, and spray during low-light hours to prevent leaf burn.
Ecological methods and biological control for persistent pests
La introduction of natural predators It is a very effective method for keeping pests at bay without affecting the ecosystem's balance. Among the best-known allies are:
- ladybugs: They feed on aphids and mealybugs.
- Lacewings: Its larvae devour aphids, thrips and eggs of other insects.
- Parasitoid wasps: They control populations of whiteflies and caterpillars.
- Praying mantis and earwigs: They help reduce caterpillar and thrips infestations.
These insects can be purchased at stores specializing in biological control and released periodically into the garden to keep pests under control.
The use of diatomaceous earth Also recommended: This natural powder is safe for people and pets, but lethal to soft-bodied insects. Simply sprinkle it on the substrate and foliage.
Prevention tips: how to avoid the appearance of pests
Prevention is always better than cure: There are everyday practices that can drastically reduce the risk of pests in your garden or home:
- Suitable location: Place each plant according to its sun, shade, temperature and humidity needs.
- Responsible irrigation: Avoid waterlogging and allow the soil to dry between waterings to prevent the spread of fungi and pests.
- Regular pruning and cleaning: Remove dry leaves and damaged parts to break the life cycle of many pests.
- Balanced fertilization: Use organic fertilizers in moderate doses to strengthen the plant without causing imbalances that favor pests.
- Frequent observation: Check leaves (especially the undersides), stems, and flowers for signs of infestation.
- Tool cleaning: Disinfect scissors, shovels, and other utensils after each use to prevent the transmission of pests.
- Promotion of biodiversity: Intersperse species, including flowers and herbs that attract beneficial insects and hinder the proliferation of specific pests.
Before the first sign of plague, act quickly: manually remove the most affected areas, isolate the plant, and apply natural remedies before resorting to more drastic solutions.
Pests according to the type of plant: indoor and outdoor
Each environment favors certain pests over others. For example:
- Inside plants: More susceptible to mealybugs, mites, thrips, and whiteflies. Lack of ventilation and a warm environment favor them.
- Urban garden and outdoor garden: Increased exposure to caterpillars, aphids, snails, slugs, and a wider variety of seasonal pests.
Perform crop rotation and keeping the soil aerated and enriched with compost helps reduce the appearance of pests in gardens.
When to use chemicals? Precautions and alternatives
Only in cases of very severe infestations and after trying natural methods without success, it is recommended to resort to Chemicals Specific solutions for each pest, always respecting the manufacturer's recommended dosages. Remember that chemicals can harm pollinating insects, contaminate the soil, and affect the health of humans and pets. Therefore, whenever possible, prioritize solutions. ecological and natural, which also preserve the ecological balance of your garden.
If you decide to use them, follow these guidelines:
- Read the label carefully and wear gloves and a mask.
- Do not apply during hours of intense sun not even on windy days.
- Avoid contact with children and pets with the treated plants until the product has disappeared.
Cultivar healthy and strong plants It's the best defense against pests. Maintaining constant observation, fostering plant diversity, applying organic remedies, and promoting the presence of beneficial insects are the most effective and sustainable strategies. If a pest appears, act quickly using natural methods. Only consider chemical treatments as a last resort and with the utmost caution. This way, you'll enjoy long-lived, healthy plants and a garden full of life.