Witch hazel is a beautiful plant that produces fragrant flowers in the winter months. Unfortunately, it is also a favorite plant of crusader bugs, which can cause significant damage to the plant if not controlled. If you have noticed crusader bugs on your witch hazel plant, don’t worry. There are several ways you can get rid of them and protect your plant.
Crusader bugs are small, shield-shaped insects that are usually green or brown in color. They are about 1/2 inch long and have a distinctive pattern on their backs. You may notice them on the leaves, stems, and flowers of your witch hazel plant.
Crusader bugs feed on the sap of the plant, which can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. They can also cause deformities in the flowers and stunted growth in the plant.
There are several methods you can use to control crusader bugs on your witch hazel plant.
One of the most effective ways to control crusader bugs is to handpick them off your plant. Wear gloves and simply pick the bugs off the leaves and stems of your witch hazel plant. Drop them into a bucket of soapy water to kill them.
This method is labor-intensive but can be effective for small infestations.
Insecticidal soap is a safe and effective way to control crusader bugs on your witch hazel plant. It works by suffocating the bugs and disrupting their cell membranes.
To use insecticidal soap, mix it with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions and spray it directly onto your witch hazel plant. Make sure to coat all parts of the plant, including the undersides of leaves.
Repeat this process every 7-10 days until the infestation is under control.
Neem oil is another safe and effective way to control crusader bugs on your witch hazel plant. It works by disrupting the insect’s hormonal balance, making it difficult for them to reproduce and feed.
To use neem oil, mix it with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions and spray it directly onto your witch hazel plant. Make sure to coat all parts of the plant, including the undersides of leaves.
Repeat this process every 7-10 days until the infestation is under control.
Introducing beneficial insects such as ladybugs or lacewings can also help control crusader bugs on your witch hazel plant. These insects are predators that feed on crusader bugs and other pests.
To introduce beneficial insects to your garden, you can purchase them from a garden center or online. Release them onto your witch hazel plant and let them do their job.
Preventing crusader bugs from infesting your witch hazel plant is the best way to protect it from damage.
Maintaining proper plant care can go a long way in preventing crusader bugs from infesting your witch hazel plant. Make sure to:
Companion planting can also help prevent crusader bugs from infesting your witch hazel plant. Consider planting companion plants such as:
These plants are known to repel pests and can help keep crusader bugs away from your witch hazel plant.
No, crusader bugs do not harm humans. They are harmless to humans and pets.
Chemical insecticides can be effective in controlling crusader bugs, but they can also harm beneficial insects and pollinators. It is best to use organic methods such as insecticidal soap or neem oil to control crusader bugs.
You may notice yellowing leaves, deformities in flowers, or stunted growth in your witch hazel plant. You may also see crusader bugs on the leaves, stems, and flowers of your plant.
Yes, maintaining proper plant care and companion planting can help prevent crusader bugs from infesting your witch hazel plant.