Wandering Dude, also known as Tradescantia zebrina, is a beautiful plant that is popular among houseplant enthusiasts. It has striking foliage with purple and green stripes, making it an attractive addition to any indoor garden. However, like any other plant, Wandering Dude is prone to pest infestations. One of the most common pests that affect Wandering Dude is the Crusader bug. These bugs can cause significant damage to the plant if not controlled in time. Here’s how to get rid of Crusader bugs on Wandering Dude plants.
Before we dive into how to get rid of Crusader bugs, let’s first understand what they are. Crusader bugs, also known as Murgantia histrionica, are a type of stink bug that feeds on the sap of various plants, including Wandering Dude. They are easily recognizable due to their distinct black and white markings on their wings and body. When disturbed or crushed, they release a foul odor, which is why they are also referred to as stink bugs.
The first step in getting rid of Crusader bugs is to identify whether your Wandering Dude plant is infested or not. Here are some signs to look out for:
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to take action.
There are several natural remedies that you can try to get rid of Crusader bugs on your Wandering Dude plant. Here are some effective ones:
One of the simplest ways to get rid of Crusader bugs is to manually remove them from the plant. Wear gloves and gently pick off the bugs and eggs from the leaves and stems. You can also use a soft-bristled brush to dislodge them. Make sure to dispose of them properly, so they don’t find their way back to your plant.
Neem oil is a natural insecticide that is effective in getting rid of Crusader bugs. Mix two tablespoons of neem oil with one gallon of water and spray the solution on your Wandering Dude plant. Do this once a week until you see an improvement in the infestation.
Insecticidal soap is another natural remedy that can help get rid of Crusader bugs. Mix two tablespoons of insecticidal soap with one gallon of water and spray it on your plant. This solution will suffocate the bugs, killing them in the process.
Garlic has natural insect repellent properties and can help keep Crusader bugs at bay. Crush a few garlic cloves and soak them in water overnight. Strain the solution and add it to a spray bottle. Spray your Wandering Dude plant with this solution once a week.
If natural remedies don’t work, you may need to resort to chemical solutions to get rid of Crusader bugs. Here are some effective ones:
Pyrethrin is a natural insecticide that is derived from chrysanthemum flowers. It’s effective in killing Crusader bugs on contact. Spray your Wandering Dude plant with pyrethrin once a week until you see an improvement in the infestation.
Imidacloprid is a systemic insecticide that is absorbed by the roots of the plant and travels up to the leaves, killing any bugs that feed on it. Mix imidacloprid with water and drench the soil around your Wandering Dude plant. This solution will provide long-term protection against Crusader bugs.
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to prevent Crusader bug infestation on your Wandering Dude plant:
Crusader bugs can cause significant damage to your Wandering Dude plant if not controlled in time. However, with the right remedies and prevention measures, you can keep these pests at bay and keep your plant healthy and beautiful.
A: No, Crusader bugs are not harmful to humans. However, they release a foul odor when disturbed or crushed, which can be unpleasant.
A: While vinegar has insecticidal properties, it’s not effective in getting rid of Crusader bugs. Stick to the natural remedies mentioned in this article for best results.
A: Yes, you can use chemical insecticides on your Wandering Dude plant if natural remedies don’t work. However, make sure to follow the instructions carefully and avoid overusing them as they can harm the plant if used excessively.