As an avid gardener and artillery plant enthusiast, I understand the frustration of finding those pesky crusader bugs munching away on the leaves of your prized houseplant. Artillery plants, with their quirky finger-like leaves, add a whimsical touch to any indoor space. However, a crusader bug infestation can quickly turn your beautiful plant into an unsightly mess.
In this comprehensive guide I’ll share my proven techniques for getting rid of these stubborn pests while keeping your artillery plant – and the rest of your indoor garden – thriving.
Identifying Crusader Bugs
Before diving into pest control, it’s crucial to positively identify the bugs on your plant. Crusader bugs (aka milkweed bugs) get their name from the distinctive orange crosses on their black bodies. About 1⁄2 inch long when fully grown, these bugs feed by sucking sap from leaves, causing yellow spots, wilting, and distortion.
Check the undersides of leaves and in leaf joints where crusaders like to hide. Look for yellow eggs in clusters and black-and-white molted exoskeletons, also signs of an infestation. Catching it early improves your chances of eliminating them quickly.
Why Chemicals Aren’t the Answer
When faced with a crusader bug problem, many gardeners immediately turn to chemical insecticides. However, chemicals like malathion and carbaryl indiscriminately kill beneficial and harmful insects alike. They also leave toxic residues on plant surfaces that could harm people and pets.
As an organic gardener, I advocate non-toxic methods to control pests whenever possible. Though they take more patience and persistence than chemicals, natural approaches are safer for your plants, family, and the environment.
Eco-Friendly Ways to Get Rid of Crusader Bugs
Manual Removal
One of the simplest and most effective organic remedies is good old manual removal. Inspect plants thoroughly at least twice a week and simply pick off any crusader bugs you find by hand. Drop them into a bucket of soapy water to kill them. Be sure to check the undersides of leaves and down in crevices where the bugs like to hide.
Pruning
If the infestation seems localized to one part of the plant, prune off the heavily infested leaves and stems. Removing the bugs’ food source helps control their spread. Just be careful not to overprune, as this could stress the plant further.
Strong Water Spray
Give plants a strong blast from the garden hose to physically knock off some of the bugs. The forceful spray may also deter them from returning. Avoid doing this during the heat of day as it could scorch delicate foliage.
Insecticidal Soap
Insecticidal soaps made from potassium salts of fatty acids can help manage crusader bug populations without toxic effects. Spray plants targeting the undersides of leaves every 5-7 days. Insecticidal soap kills bugs on contact and washes off easily without leaving residue.
Neem Oil
Extracted from the seeds of the neem tree, neem oil is an effective, natural pesticide. Mix it with water according to package directions and spray plants. The oil coats the bugs, interfering with their feeding and ability to reproduce. Repeat applications are needed to break the reproductive cycle.
Diatomaceous Earth
This powder made from crushed fossils of marine microorganisms is very abrasive to insects’ exoskeletons. Lightly dust the soil around your artillery plants with food-grade diatomaceous earth. As bugs traverse the treated areas, the sharp particles will cut their bodies, causing dehydration and death.
Companion Planting
Certain plants naturally repel or attract predatory insects that can help control pests like crusader bugs. Planting nasturtiums, marigolds, basil, and other companions around your artillery plants interrupts the bugs’ feeding and breeding patterns.
Prevent Recurrence of Crusader Bugs
Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to plant pests. Stop problems before they start by following these tips:
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Quarantine new plants before introducing them to your existing collection
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Remove crop debris and weed overgrowth where bugs may thrive
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Use row covers as physical barriers against infestation
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Avoid over-fertilization, as it encourages growth that attracts bugs
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Maintain optimal growing conditions to keep plants as healthy and resilient as possible
By integrating these organic control methods and prevention habits into your gardening routine, you can get crusader bugs under control and restore the health and beauty of your artillery plants. With persistence and care, you can cultivate an indoor garden that thrives pest-free all year long.
The Importance of the Right Name
When learning about a pest, begin your journey by finding out it’s scientific name. The bug I’m ruminating on today is the Green Vegetable Bug Nezara Viridula, also called green vegetable beetle, stink bug or shield bug. These other names bring you to an array of bugs, not necessarily Nezara V. With the proper name you can’t go wrong. Searching with the scientific name brings you to the best information.
DIY Bug Spray for Plants | creative explained
FAQ
What kills stink bugs instantly on plants?
What scent keeps stink bugs away?
How do you get rid of Milia bugs on plants?
What is the best spray for citrus stink bugs?
How do I get rid of artillery fungus?
Your best shot at effectively suppressing the artillery fungus is learning the primary cause. Most often, the fungus can be traced in fallen tree branches that are decaying or wood mulch. Animal droppings could also lead to the spread of artillery fungus.
Does artillery fungus kill plants?
It forcefully ejects its mature spores high up in the air, leaving pesky stains. The good news is that while artillery fungus is a nuisance because it is unsightly, it is not harmful to humans or pets, it does not kill garden plants, nor does it cause any structural damage to the surfaces it lands on.
Is artillery fungus a nuisance?
The good news is that while artillery fungus is a nuisance because it is unsightly, it is not harmful to humans or pets, it does not kill garden plants, nor does it cause any structural damage to the surfaces it lands on. To get rid of it and prevent it from coming back, it helps to understand what causes artillery fungus as well as its life cycle.
How do you get rid of artillery fungus in mulch?
It is recommended that old mulch is raked to expose the spores to light and dry out the material, or 3 inches (8 cm.) of new mulch added over the old to suffocate the spores of artillery fungus in mulch. There is no recommended artillery fungus treatment.