How to Get Rid of Borers on Water Plant

Water plants can bring a lot of beauty and life into your pond or water garden, but they can also attract unwanted pests like borers. Borers are insects that bore into the stems of water plants, causing damage and potentially killing the plant. If you have noticed signs of borers on your water plants, here are some steps you can take to get rid of them.

Identify the Borers

The first step in getting rid of borers on your water plant is to identify what type of borer it is. There are several different types of borers that can affect water plants, including:

Cane borers: These are long, thin insects that bore into the stems of water lilies and other types of aquatic plants.
Stem borers: These insects bore into the stems of cattails and other types of water plants.
Twig girdlers: These insects cut off twigs and branches from water plants.

Identifying the type of borer you have will help you choose the best treatment method.

Remove Infected Plant Material

Once you have identified the borers on your water plant, it is important to remove any infected plant material. This will help prevent the borers from spreading to other parts of the plant or to other plants in your pond or water garden.

Use a pair of scissors or pruning shears to cut off any stems or branches that show signs of borer damage. Be sure to dispose of the infected plant material away from your pond or water garden.

Spray Insecticide

If removing infected plant material isn’t enough to get rid of the borers, you may need to use an insecticide. There are several insecticides that are effective against borers, including:

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt): This is a natural insecticide that targets the larval stage of borers. It is safe for use in ponds and water gardens.
Pyrethrin: This is a synthetic insecticide that is effective against adult borers. It should be used with caution in ponds and water gardens, as it can harm fish and other aquatic life.

When using insecticides, be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully. Wear gloves and protective clothing, and avoid spraying on windy days.

Introduce Natural Predators

Another way to get rid of borers on your water plants is to introduce natural predators. There are several types of insects and animals that feed on borers, including:

Dragonflies: Dragonfly larvae feed on borer larvae in the water.
Birds: Birds like kingfishers and herons feed on adult borers.
Fish: Certain types of fish, like koi and goldfish, will eat borer larvae.

Introducing these natural predators can help keep borer populations under control.

Prevent Future Infestations

Once you have gotten rid of borers on your water plants, it is important to take steps to prevent future infestations. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Inspect new plants: Before adding new water plants to your pond or water garden, inspect them carefully for signs of borers or other pests.
Remove dead plant material: Dead plant material can attract borers, so be sure to remove it regularly.
Maintain good water quality: Healthy water plants are less likely to attract borers, so make sure your pond or water garden has good water quality.
Use physical barriers: You can use physical barriers like netting or screens to prevent adult borers from laying eggs on your water plants.

By taking these steps, you can help prevent future infestations of borers on your water plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can borers kill my water plants?

A: Yes, if left untreated, borers can cause significant damage to water plants and even kill them.

Q: Are insecticides safe for use in ponds and water gardens?

A: Some insecticides are safe for use in ponds and water gardens, while others can harm fish and other aquatic life. Be sure to read the label carefully and follow the instructions.

Q: How can I prevent borers from infesting my water plants?

A: Inspect new plants, remove dead plant material, maintain good water quality, and use physical barriers to prevent adult borers from laying eggs on your water plants.