Tuberous Begonias are beautiful plants that are widely grown in gardens and homes around the world. These plants are known for their colorful flowers, which come in a variety of shades ranging from white to pink, red, orange, and yellow. However, like all plants, Tuberous Begonias can be affected by pests, and one of the most common pests that attack these plants is lerps.
Lerps are tiny insects that suck sap from the leaves of Tuberous Begonias. They are about 1-2 mm in size and have a hard, protective covering that makes them difficult to remove. If left untreated, lerps can cause significant damage to the plant, leading to stunted growth, wilting, and even death. Therefore, it is essential to take steps to get rid of lerps as soon as possible.
In this article, we will discuss some effective ways to get rid of lerps on Tuberous Begonias.
Before we dive into the methods of getting rid of lerps, it is important to know the signs of lerp infestation. The following are some common signs that your Tuberous Begonia plant may be affected by lerps:
If you notice any of these signs, it is likely that your Tuberous Begonia plant is affected by lerps.
One of the most effective ways to get rid of lerps on Tuberous Begonias is to use insecticidal soap. Insecticidal soap is a natural and safe way to kill lerps without harming your plant. To use insecticidal soap, follow these steps:
Repeat this process every 7-10 days until all lerps are gone.
Another effective way to get rid of lerps on Tuberous Begonias is to use neem oil. Neem oil is a natural insecticide that has been used for centuries to control pests. It works by disrupting the feeding and breeding patterns of insects, including lerps. To use neem oil, follow these steps:
Repeat this process every 7-10 days until all lerps are gone.
Horticultural oil is another effective way to get rid of lerps on Tuberous Begonias. Horticultural oil works by suffocating the insects, making it difficult for them to breathe. It is important to note that horticultural oil should not be used during hot weather or when the plant is under stress. To use horticultural oil, follow these steps:
Repeat this process every 7-10 days until all lerps are gone.
A: No, lerps are not harmful to humans. They do not bite or sting and are not known to transmit any diseases.
A: To prevent lerp infestation, make sure to keep your Tuberous Begonia plant healthy by providing it with adequate water and nutrients. Also, regularly inspect your plant for signs of pests and remove any affected leaves immediately.
A: While chemical insecticides can be effective in getting rid of lerps, they can also harm beneficial insects and pollinators. It is recommended to use natural and safe methods, such as insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil, to get rid of lerps on Tuberous Begonias.
Lerps can be a nuisance for Tuberous Begonia plants, but they can be effectively controlled using natural and safe methods. Insecticidal soap, neem oil, and horticultural oil are all effective ways to get rid of lerps. Remember to always follow the instructions on the label when using any pest control product and take steps to prevent lerp infestation in the future.