Integrated pest management, or IPM, combines elements of all three to holistically manage pests across an ecosystem. For instance, a homeowner practices IPM when they release ladybugs, spray neem oil, and plant marigolds to manage garden pests.
Staying current with these pest control methods sets your business up for success. The more pest control methods you have to choose among, the more personalized and effective solution you can deliver each customer.
Physical pest control methods comprise a wide range of options. Some are common sense, such as sealing cracks and setting traps.
But others are unexpected, like the way some pest control pros swear by using a vacuum cleaner. Knowing what to use and when goes a long way toward improving your field service operations.
Arrowhead plants also known as Syngonium podophyllum, are popular houseplants beloved for their arrow-shaped leaves and easy care requirements. However these tropical plants can fall victim to infestations of common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Left unchecked, these sneaky invaders can severely damage your arrowhead plant’s health and appearance.
The good news is that with vigilant monitoring and by taking some preventative measures you can keep your arrowhead plant thriving and pest-free. In this article we’ll explore the most common arrowhead plant pests, prevention methods, and effective control techniques to banish the bugs and maintain a healthy, beautiful plant.
The Usual Suspects: Common Arrowhead Plant Pests
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests, barely visible to the naked eye, that suck sap from the leaves and stems of houseplants Heavy infestations cause stippling, discoloration, and leaf drop Watch for fine webbing on the undersides of leaves—a telltale sign of spider mites. These microscopic bugs thrive in hot, dry conditions.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs appear as tiny white cottony masses on stems and leaves. These sap-sucking insects cause yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth. They also secrete a sticky substance called honeydew which can attract other pests like ants.
Scale Insects
Armored scale insects affix themselves to stems and leaves, while soft scales move around plants in search of sap. These gradual feeders cause leaf yellowing and drop. Check for small brown bumps on stems and the undersides of leaves.
Fungus Gnats
While not a direct pest, fungus gnats are a nuisance. The larvae feed on plant roots, and the adults lay eggs in damp soil. These small flying insects flock to overwatered plants.
Aphids
Aphids congregate on young plant parts like buds and new growth, siphoning off plant juices. Heavy infestations cause curling, yellowing, and distortion of leaves. Watch for tiny pear-shaped insects in colonies, often with ants tending them.
Prevent Pests from Invading
Stopping pests before they start is the best line of defense. Here are some key prevention tips:
-
Inspect new plants closely before bringing them home. Quarantine gifts and nursery plants for a few days to be safe.
-
Provide good growing conditions like proper light, water, humidity, and airflow. Healthy plants resist pests better.
-
Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry between waterings. Too much moisture attracts fungal gnats.
-
Clean leaves regularly with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris where pests hide.
-
Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings which prey on plant pests.
-
Isolate and discard any infested plants immediately to avoid spreading pests.
Control Methods for Existing Infestations
If pests sneak through, act fast with these organic and low-impact control methods:
-
Insecticidal soap – This natural pesticide disrupts the cellular membranes of soft-bodied insects like aphids, mealybugs, and scales when sprayed directly on bugs.
-
Neem oil – Derived from the seeds of the neem tree, this natural oil kills eggs, larvae, and adult insects. It also repels new pests.
-
Alcohol solution – Wiping leaves with a cotton ball soaked in 70% isopropyl alcohol kills most soft-bodied insects on contact. It also removes pest eggs.
-
Horticultural oil – This lightweight mineral oil smothers insects and eggs when sprayed thoroughly on plants. It also prevents future infestations.
-
Sticky traps – Traps catch adult fungus gnats. Yellow traps lure insects while blue traps trap thrips. Place near affected plants.
-
Insecticidal soap bath – For heavy infestations, submerge the entire plant in insecticidal soap solution for 20-30 minutes to kill all life stages of pests.
-
Manual removal – For large pests like mealybugs, use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to remove bugs. Repeat every few days until gone.
With preventative care and prompt organic pest control treatment, you can keep your arrowhead plant healthy, pest-free, and looking spectacular. Be vigilant for signs of infestation, and take action at the first sight of pests. A few simple strategies will help you avoid a full-blown invasion and keep the bugs at bay.
Predatory Insects and Invertebrates
Predatory insects and invertebrates turn the predator-prey relationship in your favor. These beneficial organisms are natural enemies of unwanted pests, like a dog or cat ready to go after a mouse. Some examples of predatory insects include:
- Certain types of beetles that eat termites
- Predatory mites that feed on spider mites
- Green lacewing larvae that eat aphids and thrips
Predatory insects and invertebrates are great at what they do, but they have limitations. To start, some customers won’t be comfortable with the idea, particularly if they fear it’ll mean more bugs coming into their homes. Also, some predators have narrow feeding habits while others are more general, eating beneficial insects and unwanted bugs alike.
Keep in mind, too, that customers may call about an insect that’s already performing predatory pest control. A few house centipede or spider sightings could mean the insects are snacking on roaches or silverfish somewhere in the house.
Parasitoids and Parasitic Nematodes
Only around 10% of insects are parasitoids, many of them flies and wasps. But they play a big role in the natural world. Whereas a parasite must find a host to which to attach, parasitoids begin life attached to another insect, usually as eggs deposited in the host’s body.
Parasitic nematodes work similarly and offer more as a biological pest control method. Nematodes are microscopic worms found in the soil. Some species are helpful, others harmful. Helpful varieties, such as the roach-eating nematode Steinernema carpocapsae, feed by injecting their prey with a toxic bacteria that breaks insects down into a meal.
Because they’re microscopic, nematodes can be sprayed by the millions. You can cover a lot of ground quickly to target fleas, grubs, gnats, and more. Just be sure you’re applying the right species, as the wrong species of nematode can be destructive.
Note nematodes are living organisms. They don’t have a long shelf life, and they have to be applied in the right conditions. Soil should be moist and aerated, and spray should be applied in the evening or morning when temperatures are cooler and sunlight is lower. Also note that nematodes take time to work and may require repeat applications.
Microbial pest control harnesses microorganisms and pathogens – bacteria, viruses, fungi – as a means to suppress insect populations. The microbe is engineered into a biological pesticide that’s applied to the soil. Insects ingest the pesticide, introducing a microbe that kills from the inside out.
Bacillus thuringiensis, or Bt, is one of the more well-known types of microbial control agents. Found in more than 130 pesticide products, this naturally occurring soil bacteria has been developed into strains that target specific insects such as beetles, flies, and mosquitoes.
Microbial pesticides are a smart choice for eco-friendly pest control. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes their advantages, from low toxicity to people and animals to high effectiveness in low doses.
Still, there are some drawbacks. Like with nematodes, microbial control agents are less shelf-stable than conventional pesticides. And though microbial solutions’ narrow host range makes them safer, it may also mean you need a wide variety to be prepared.
Chemical pesticides are powerful against all kinds of common pests – so powerful they must be used responsibly. More and more, that means combining pesticides with other methods as part of an integrated pest control plan. That way, you get maximum effect from a minimal dose of pesticide.
When considering a pesticide, start by reading the label closely. The product should be something you feel safe handling and recommending to customers. Make sure you’re confident following the instructions and application techniques.
Also ask yourself how well the new pesticide would fit into your service routine. By making sure you feel comfortable at all stages of using the pesticide, it’s more likely you’ll keep customers, their children, and pets safe.
7 Pests You Probably Have In Your Garden (And What To Do)
FAQ
How to maintain an Arrowhead Plant?
How to save a dying Arrowhead Plant?
How do you take care of an arrow?
Are coffee grounds good for arrowhead plants?
Do Arrowhead plants need a regular inspection?
In general, for all pest issues, maintaining a regular inspection routine is key to early detection and control. Keeping your Arrowhead Plant healthy with proper care can also make it less susceptible to infestations. Caring for an Arrowhead Plant can be a rewarding experience, bringing a touch of the tropics into your home.
How do I prevent pests in my garden?
One of the easiest ways to prevent pests in your garden is to pick plant varieties that are naturally resistant to common pests in your area. Most seed catalogs or seed packets list if the plant is resistant to any pests or diseases. It’s essential that you select varieties resistant to pests in your regional area.
How do you propagate Arrowhead plants?
Propagating Arrowhead Plants is relatively easy and can be done using stem cuttings. Here’s a quick guide: Cut a healthy stem about 4-6 inches long, ensuring it has at least one node (a small bump on the stem where leaves emerge). Remove the lower leaves to expose the nodes.
How do I attract beneficial insects to my garden?
Here are some ways to attract beneficial insects to your garden. Plant annual flowers in your garden, like calendula and marigolds, that attract insects looking for pollen. Provide habitats for insects to lay their eggs nearby, allowing them to grow and pollinate throughout your garden.