Tuberous begonias are beautiful plants that can add a splash of color to any garden. Unfortunately, they can also attract pests like crusader bugs. These small, brown bugs can cause serious damage to your begonias, eating away at the leaves and causing them to turn yellow and brown. If you’re dealing with a crusader bug infestation, don’t worry – there are several effective ways to get rid of them and protect your plants.
Before you can start treating your begonias for crusader bugs, you need to make sure that’s really what you’re dealing with. These bugs are small and brown, with a distinctive cross-shaped marking on their backs. They’re also very active, moving quickly around the plant and hiding under leaves.
If you’re not sure whether or not you have crusader bugs, examine your plants closely for signs of damage. Look for leaves that are yellowing or browning around the edges, as well as small holes in the leaves. You may also see tiny black specks on the leaves or flying around the plant, which are the bugs themselves.
Once you’ve confirmed that you have a crusader bug infestation, it’s time to take action. There are several different methods you can use to get rid of these pests:
One of the most effective treatments for crusader bugs is insecticidal soap. This is a type of soap that’s specially formulated to kill insects without harming your plants. Simply mix the soap with water according to the instructions on the bottle, then spray it onto your begonias. Make sure to cover all surfaces of the plant, including the undersides of the leaves where the bugs like to hide.
Another effective treatment for crusader bugs is neem oil. This is a natural oil that’s derived from the neem tree and has insecticidal properties. Mix the oil with water according to the instructions on the bottle, then spray it onto your plants. Neem oil is safe to use on most plants, but you should test it on a small area first to make sure it doesn’t cause any damage.
If you don’t want to use chemicals on your plants, you can also try manually removing the bugs. Use a pair of tweezers or a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to pick off the bugs one by one. This can be time-consuming, but it’s a good option if you only have a few bugs on your plants.
Finally, you can try companion planting to repel crusader bugs from your begonias. Some plants, like marigolds and chrysanthemums, are natural insect repellents and can help keep bugs away from your plants. Plant these flowers around your begonias to create a barrier that will keep the bugs at bay.
Once you’ve gotten rid of the crusader bugs on your begonias, it’s important to take steps to prevent future infestations. Here are some tips for keeping your plants bug-free:
By following these steps, you can help keep crusader bugs – and other pests – away from your begonias.
Q. Are crusader bugs harmful to humans?
A. No, crusader bugs are not harmful to humans. They do not bite or sting and are not known to transmit any diseases.
Q. Can I use insecticidal soap on all my plants?
A. Insecticidal soap is safe to use on most plants, but you should always test it on a small area first to make sure it doesn’t cause any damage.
Q. How often should I inspect my plants for pests?
A. It’s a good idea to inspect your plants at least once a week for signs of pest activity. This will allow you to catch any infestations early and take action before they become a major problem.
Q. Can companion planting really repel insects?
A. Yes, some plants are natural insect repellents and can help keep bugs away from your other plants. Marigolds and chrysanthemums are particularly effective at repelling insects.