If you have a zig zag plant in your garden, you may have noticed small, brown bugs crawling around on its leaves. These bugs are called crusader bugs, and while they’re harmless to humans, they can be destructive to your plants. In this article, we’ll cover some effective ways to get rid of crusader bugs so you can keep your zig zag plant healthy and thriving.
Before you can effectively get rid of crusader bugs, it’s important to make sure that’s actually what you’re dealing with. Crusader bugs are small (about 1/4 inch in length), brown bugs with a distinctive shield shape on their backs. They’re often found in groups on the undersides of plant leaves.
If you’re not sure whether the bugs on your zig zag plant are crusader bugs or something else, take a close-up photo and do some research online or consult a gardening expert.
One effective way to control crusader bugs is to introduce natural predators into your garden. Ladybugs and lacewings are two common predators that feed on crusader bugs and other garden pests.
You can purchase ladybugs and lacewings online or at your local garden center. Once you release them into your garden, they’ll begin feeding on the crusader bugs and laying their own eggs, which will hatch into more predators.
Insecticidal soap is a safe and effective way to kill crusader bugs without harming your plants or the environment. Look for a soap that’s specifically labeled for use on garden plants.
To use insecticidal soap, mix it according to the instructions on the label and spray it onto the leaves of your zig zag plant, paying particular attention to the undersides of the leaves where crusader bugs like to congregate. Repeat the process every few days until the bugs are gone.
If your zig zag plant is heavily infested with crusader bugs, you may need to prune off some of the affected leaves. Use a pair of clean, sharp pruners to cut off any leaves that have large numbers of bugs on them.
Be sure to dispose of the infested leaves in a sealed plastic bag or burn them to prevent the bugs from spreading to other plants.
One of the best ways to prevent crusader bugs and other garden pests from taking hold in your garden is to keep it clean and tidy. Remove any fallen leaves or other plant debris from the ground around your plants, as this can provide a breeding ground for pests.
Also, be sure to water your plants regularly and give them plenty of sunlight and nutrients so they stay healthy and strong.
A: No, crusader bugs are harmless to humans. They do not bite or sting.
A: No, insecticidal soap is safe for use on most garden plants when used according to the instructions on the label. However, some delicate or sensitive plants may be more susceptible to damage from the soap, so it’s always a good idea to test a small area first before treating an entire plant.
A: While chemical pesticides can be effective at killing crusader bugs, they can also harm beneficial insects and pollute the environment. It’s always best to try natural methods first before resorting to chemical pesticides.