If you have a white butterfly plant, also known as Asclepias tuberosa, in your garden, you may have noticed small, white, cottony masses on the stems and leaves of the plant. These masses are called lerps, and they are actually the protective coverings of tiny insects that feed on the sap of the plant. While lerps themselves may not harm the plant, they can be unsightly and may indicate an infestation of other pests. Here are some tips on how to get rid of lerps on white butterfly plants.
Before you can effectively treat the problem, you need to make sure that what you are seeing is actually a lerp infestation. Lerps are small, white or yellowish, cottony structures that are about 1/4 inch long. They are often found attached to the stems and leaves of plants, and may be mistaken for a fungal growth or other type of insect infestation. If you see these structures on your white butterfly plant, it is likely that you have a lerp infestation.
One way to get rid of lerps on your white butterfly plant is to simply remove any infested areas. Use a pair of sharp scissors or pruning shears to carefully cut away any stems or leaves that have visible lerps on them. Be sure to dispose of these in a sealed bag or container to prevent any remaining insects from spreading to other plants.
Another method for getting rid of lerps on white butterfly plants is to blast them off with a strong stream of water. This can be done using a hose with a high-pressure nozzle, or by carefully washing the plant with a showerhead attachment. Be sure to thoroughly wet all parts of the plant where lerps are present, as this will help to dislodge the insects.
If the above methods do not work, you may need to use an insecticidal soap to get rid of lerps on your white butterfly plant. Insecticidal soap is a safe and effective way to control many types of garden pests, including those that produce lerps. Simply mix the soap according to the instructions on the label, and apply it to the affected areas of your plant. Be sure to cover all parts of the plant thoroughly, and repeat the application as necessary until the infestation is under control.
Neem oil is another organic option for getting rid of lerps on white butterfly plants. Neem oil is derived from the seeds of the neem tree and has insecticidal properties that can kill pests like those that produce lerps. Mix neem oil with water according to the instructions on the label, and apply it to your plant using a spray bottle or other applicator. Be sure to cover all parts of the plant thoroughly, and repeat the application as necessary until the infestation is under control.
Lerps are small, white or yellowish, cottony structures that are about 1/4 inch long. They are actually protective coverings of tiny insects that feed on the sap of plants.
Lerps themselves may not harm your white butterfly plant, but they can be unsightly and may indicate an infestation of other pests.
Look for small, white or yellowish, cottony masses on the stems and leaves of your white butterfly plant. These are likely lerps.
Yes, blasting them with water and using insecticidal soap or neem oil are all organic methods for getting rid of lerps on your white butterfly plant.