If you have a tuberous begonia plant in your garden, you may have noticed tiny bugs crawling on the leaves and stems. These bugs are called crusader bugs, and they are a common pest that can damage your plant if left unchecked. In this article, we will discuss how to get rid of crusader bugs on your tuberous begonia plant.
Crusader bugs, also known as marmorated shield bugs or brown marmorated stink bugs, are a type of insect that feeds on the sap of plants. They are about the size of a pencil eraser and have a distinctive shield-shaped body. Crusader bugs are native to Asia but have become an invasive species in many parts of the world, including North America.
The first sign of a crusader bug infestation is usually the presence of the bugs themselves. They will be visible crawling on the leaves and stems of your tuberous begonia plant. You may also notice wilting or yellowing leaves, distorted growth, and small brown spots on the leaves. If left unchecked, crusader bugs can cause significant damage to your plant.
There are several methods you can use to get rid of crusader bugs on your tuberous begonia plant:
The most straightforward method of getting rid of crusader bugs is to handpick them off your plant. Use gloves or tissue paper to avoid touching them directly. Place the bugs in a container filled with soapy water to drown them.
Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can be effective against crusader bugs. Mix one teaspoon of neem oil with one quart of water and spray it on your plant, making sure to cover both the tops and bottoms of the leaves. Repeat this process every seven days until the bugs are gone.
Insecticidal soap is another natural option for controlling crusader bugs. Mix one tablespoon of liquid dish soap with one quart of water and spray it on your plant, again covering both the tops and bottoms of the leaves. Repeat this process every seven days until the bugs are gone.
Pyrethrin is a chemical insecticide that can be effective against crusader bugs. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product label carefully, as pyrethrin can be harmful to humans and pets if ingested. Spray your plant thoroughly, making sure to cover both the tops and bottoms of the leaves.
Preventing future crusader bug infestations is essential to keep your tuberous begonia plant healthy. Here are a few tips:
A: Yes, crusader bugs can feed on a wide variety of plants, so it’s essential to control their population before they spread to other plants in your garden.
A: While chemical pesticides may be effective against crusader bugs, they can also harm beneficial insects and pollinators. We recommend using natural methods first before resorting to chemical pesticides.
A: No, it’s not safe to eat plants that have been treated with insecticides. Always follow the instructions on the product label carefully and avoid harvesting any produce until it’s safe to do so.