Zinnias are beautiful flowering plants that come in a variety of colors and sizes. They are easy to grow and care for, making them a popular choice for gardeners. However, zinnia plants are vulnerable to a pest called “lerps.” These tiny bugs can quickly damage your zinnia plant if not dealt with promptly. In this article, we will discuss what lerps are, how to identify them, and most importantly, how to get rid of them.
Lerps are small insects that attach themselves to the leaves of plants. They create a protective covering over themselves by secreting a sticky substance. This substance is called “lerp,” which is where the name comes from. The lerps protect the insects from predators and harsh weather conditions.
Lerps are common on zinnia plants, but they can also infest other plants such as citrus trees, eucalyptus, and acacia trees.
Lerps are easy to identify once you know what you’re looking for. They appear as small brown or white bumps on the leaves of your zinnia plant. These bumps will typically be arranged in rows or clusters along the leaf veins.
If you look closely at the bumps, you will see that they have a small hole in the center. This hole is where the insect lives and feeds on the sap of the plant.
Now that you know what lerps are and how to identify them let’s talk about how to get rid of them. There are several methods you can use to eliminate these pests from your zinnia plant.
The first method is manual removal. This involves physically removing the lerps from the leaves of your zinnia plant. To do this, simply use a cotton swab or a soft-bristled brush to gently lift the lerps off the leaves.
You can also use a stream of water to wash off the lerps from the leaves. Be sure to spray the underside of the leaves as well since this is where the insects often hide.
Neem oil is a natural pesticide that can be used to eliminate lerps from your zinnia plant. To make a neem oil spray, mix one tablespoon of neem oil with one quart of water and add a few drops of dish soap. Mix well and pour into a spray bottle.
Spray the neem oil mixture onto the leaves of your zinnia plant, focusing on the areas where you see the lerps. The oil will suffocate and kill the insects, but it won’t harm your plant.
Insecticidal soap is another natural pesticide that can be used to get rid of lerps on your zinnia plant. Mix one tablespoon of insecticidal soap with one quart of water and pour into a spray bottle.
Spray the mixture onto the leaves of your zinnia plant, focusing on the areas where you see the lerps. The soap will break down the protective covering of the lerps, causing them to dry out and die.
A: Yes, lerps can harm your zinnia plant if not dealt with promptly. They feed on the sap of the plant, which can cause stunted growth and yellowing leaves.
A: Yes, you can prevent lerps by keeping your zinnia plants healthy and well-watered. Also, avoid over-fertilizing your plants since this can attract insects.
A: Yes, you can use chemical pesticides to eliminate lerps from your zinnia plant. However, we recommend using natural methods since they are safer for your plant and the environment.
A: We recommend checking your zinnia plants regularly for pests. This will help you catch any infestations early before they become a significant problem.
In conclusion, lerps can be a nuisance on your zinnia plant, but they can be eliminated using natural methods. By identifying the pests early and taking steps to remove them, you can keep your zinnia plant healthy and beautiful all season long.