Leafhoppers are common garden pests that can quickly damage young sage plants. These tiny, wedge-shaped bugs pierce plant tissues and suck out fluids, leaving yellow, curled, or stunted leaves behind. While mature sage plants can typically tolerate some leafhopper damage, newly sprouted baby sage plants are extremely vulnerable If your baby sage is being attacked by leafhoppers, taking prompt action is key to saving your plant
In this article, we’ll explore effective organic and chemical treatment options to eliminate leafhoppers from your baby sage plant. With consistent monitoring and using a combination of the methods below, you can protect your plant from further damage.
Identifying Leafhoppers
The first step is confirming that leafhoppers are in fact the culprits damaging your sage. Closely inspect the plant, especially the undersides of leaves, for the presence of adults and nymphs.
Adult leafhoppers are tiny green, yellow or brown wedge-shaped bugs about 1⁄4 inch long. They move quickly, hopping away when disturbed. Leafhopper nymphs are wingless, pale, and almost see-through.
Leafhopper feeding causes yellow V-shaped patterns or white stippling on leaves. Other signs of infestation include:
- Curled, distorted, or stunted leaves
- Plant wilting
- Presence of adults and nymphs on undersides of leaves
If you spot these signs, leafhoppers are likely attacking your baby sage
Cultural Control Methods
Remove Overwintering Sites
Leafhoppers overwinter as eggs in plant debris and weeds around the garden. Clearing away accumulations of dead leaves and stems deprives leafhoppers of protected places to lay eggs. Pull any weeds, which can also host leafhoppers.
Practice Good Watering Hygiene
Overwatering plants creates a damp environment preferred by leafhoppers. Water sage at the soil level rather than from overhead. This keeps foliage dry and less welcoming to the bugs.
Use Row Covers
Floating row covers provide a physical barrier preventing adult leafhoppers from reaching your plant. Drape the fabric directly over plants, securing the edges with stakes or garden fabric pins. Remove during flowering so pollinators can access the flowers.
Control Nearby Infested Plants
Leafhoppers are strong fliers and will infest multiple plants in a garden. Inspect all plants closely, not just the sage. Promptly remove any heavily infested plants to limit the population.
Natural Remedies
Introduce Beneficial Insects
Lady beetles, lacewings, spiders, and other predatory insects feed on leafhopper eggs and nymphs. Avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides that would harm populations of these beneficials. Interplant flowers and herbs that attract predatory insects.
Apply Neem Oil
Neem oil disrupts the leafhopper life cycle and should be applied at first sighting. Mix according to label instructions and thoroughly coat the undersides of leaves where the nymphs feed. Reapply after rain or every 7-14 days.
Use Insecticidal Soap
Insecticidal soap sprays are effective against leafhopper nymphs and adults. Spray leaves, stems, and undersides thoroughly. Reapply every 5-7 days for 2 weeks. Avoid applying soap sprays during the heat of day or when plants are stressed.
Sprinkle Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is made of fossilized algae that dries out and kills leafhoppers on contact. Dust a thin layer onto dry foliage, reapplying after rain or irrigation. Avoid breathing in the dust when applying.
Chemical Controls
If organic options have failed to control your leafhopper infestation, insecticides may be warranted to save baby sage plants from severe damage.
Apply Systemic Insecticides
Systemic insecticides like imidacloprid are taken up by the roots and make the plant’s tissues toxic to leafhoppers feeding on it. They provide longer control than contact insecticides.
Use Insecticidal Oils
Light horticultural oils and neem oil sprays suffocate eggs and control nymphs and adults on contact. Treat when few or no bees are foraging to avoid harming pollinators.
Apply Pyrethrins
Pyrethrins are plant-based insecticides that can quickly knock down leafhopper populations. However, they also kill beneficial insects and repeated applications are needed. Use pyrethrins as a last resort if other options fail.
Prevention Going Forward
Get your baby sage through the infestation using a combination of cultural practices, natural remedies, and insecticides as needed. Afterward, be vigilant about monitoring for leafhoppers to prevent recurring attacks. Sticky traps can help alert you to incoming adult leafhoppers early on. Taking prompt action at the first signs of leafhoppers is key to protecting your sage plant in future seasons.
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Leafhoppers
FAQ
How do you control sage leafhoppers?
What kills leafhoppers?
How to get rid of leafhopper nymphs?
What plant repels leafhoppers?
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Plant
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Pests
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Geranium
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repel leafhoppers, the corn earworm, and the Small White
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Hyssop
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repels the cabbage looper and the Small White
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Larkspurs
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repel aphids
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Lavender
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repels moths, scorpions, water scorpions, fleas, and flies, including mosquitoes
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How to keep leafhoppers away from plants?
One of the best natural methods to keep away leafhoppers and other insects is to use floating row covers. It gives plenty of protection from insect attacks. However, the type of material used for this allows light and water to reach the growing plants.
Can insecticidal soap kill leafhoppers?
Insecticidal soaps can sometimes be effective against leafhoppers, but only when leafhoppers are very young. Plus, since these pests tend to be on the move constantly, they can be tough to get rid of with insecticidal soaps alone. You’ll have to consider how these soaps will affect other insect populations nearby, too.
Do leafhoppers damage plants?
Leafhoppers can do some serious damage to your plants. Leafhoppers may look kind of cute (for a bug), and some types even sport bright colors and striking patterns. But these insects can feed on a lot of different garden plants and even spread diseases to your crops.
How do I get rid of leaf hoppers in my garden?
This is partially due to the leafhoppers themselves, but moreso because the bacteria introduced by the pests will continue to spread. Take plants away from the garden carefully, trying not to disturb the bacteria or mold spores on your plant. Throw them in the trash, and dispose of the media.