Yarrow plants are lovely additions to any garden, with their beautiful flowers and fern-like foliage. However, sometimes, these plants can attract pests like lerp insects. Lerps are small, sap-sucking insects that feed on the yarrow plant’s sap and excrete a sugary waste that sticks to the foliage. This waste attracts ants and other pests, leading to an infestation that can harm the plant’s health. Let’s look at how to get rid of lerps on yarrow plants.
The first step in getting rid of lerps on yarrow plants is to identify the pest. Lerps are small, brown insects that create a protective shield around themselves by excreting a sugary waste product. These shields look like small bumps on the yarrow plant’s leaves and stems.
If you notice an infestation of lerps on your yarrow plant, you can try some natural remedies to get rid of them. Here are a few:
You can prune off the infested areas of your yarrow plant using sharp, clean pruning shears. Be sure to dispose of the cuttings away from your garden to prevent spreading the infestation.
Using a strong jet of water, you can blast off the lerps from your yarrow plant. Be sure not to use too much pressure as it may damage the plant.
Insecticidal soap is an effective way to get rid of lerps on yarrow plants. Mix one tablespoon of dish soap with one quart of water and spray the solution onto your plant’s leaves and stems. Be sure to cover all areas thoroughly and repeat every two weeks until the infestation has cleared.
Neem oil is another effective natural remedy to get rid of lerps on yarrow plants. Mix one tablespoon of neem oil with one quart of water and spray the solution onto your plant’s leaves and stems. Be sure to cover all areas thoroughly and repeat every two weeks until the infestation has cleared.
If the natural remedies fail to get rid of the lerps on your yarrow plant, you may need to resort to chemical remedies. Here are a few options:
Horticultural oil is a refined petroleum product that is effective in getting rid of lerps on yarrow plants. Mix one tablespoon of horticultural oil with one quart of water and spray the solution onto your plant’s leaves and stems. Be sure to cover all areas thoroughly and repeat every two weeks until the infestation has cleared.
Pyrethrin is a natural insecticide derived from chrysanthemum flowers. It is effective in getting rid of lerps on yarrow plants. Mix one tablespoon of pyrethrin with one quart of water and spray the solution onto your plant’s leaves and stems. Be sure to cover all areas thoroughly and repeat every two weeks until the infestation has cleared.
Once you have successfully gotten rid of the lerps on your yarrow plant, you will want to take measures to prevent future infestations. Here are a few tips:
Yes, lerps are harmful to your yarrow plant as they feed on its sap and excrete a sugary waste that attracts other pests, leading to an infestation that can harm the plant’s health.
Yes, you can use chemical remedies such as horticultural oil and pyrethrin to get rid of lerps on your yarrow plant. However, it is always best to try natural remedies first before resorting to chemicals.
You should repeat the treatment every two weeks until the infestation has cleared. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product label for best results.
To prevent future infestations, keep an eye out for signs of infestation early on, prune off any infested areas immediately, avoid over-fertilizing your yarrow plant, and avoid overwatering your yarrow plant.