If you have noticed small insects on your verbena plant, don’t panic. It is a common problem for many gardeners. These bugs may not cause any harm to the plant, but they can be a nuisance and attract other pests. In this article, we will discuss the various types of bugs that can infest verbena plants and how to get rid of them.
Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects that come in different colors such as green, yellow, and black. They suck the sap from the leaves and stems of the plant, causing it to wilt and become distorted. You can spot them by observing the leaves of the plant. If you notice sticky honeydew on the leaves or curled leaves, it’s a sign of aphids infestation.
Spider mites are not actually spiders but are arachnids that are too small to see with the naked eye. They spin webs on the underside of leaves and suck the sap from the plant. You can identify spider mites by observing the brown or yellow speckling on the leaves.
Thrips are tiny yellow or black insects that suck the juice out of flowers and buds, resulting in deformed flowers. They are most active in hot weather conditions.
Whiteflies are small white insects that feed on the underside of leaves, causing yellowing and wilting of leaves. They secrete a sticky substance called honeydew that attracts ants and other pests.
There are several natural remedies that you can use to get rid of bugs on verbena plants.
Neem Oil: Neem oil is an effective insecticide that can help control aphids, spider mites, and thrips. Mix neem oil with water and spray it on the plant, focusing on the underside of leaves.
Soap Spray: Mix a few drops of dish soap with water and spray it on the plant. This method can help control aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.
Beneficial Insects: Ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps are natural predators of aphids and other pests. You can attract them to your garden by planting flowers that they like such as dill, cilantro, and marigolds.
If natural remedies don’t work, you can use chemical solutions to get rid of bugs on verbena plants.
Insecticidal Soap: Insecticidal soap is a natural pesticide that can help control aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. You can buy it at any gardening store or make your own by mixing soap with water.
Systemic Insecticides: Systemic insecticides are chemicals that are absorbed by the plant and kill insects when they feed on the plant. They are effective against aphids, spider mites, and thrips but can harm beneficial insects.
A: No, bugs on verbena plants are harmless to humans.
A: Yes, companion plants such as lavender, mint, and rosemary can repel bugs from verbena plants.
A: It depends on the severity of the infestation. If you notice a few bugs, spraying once a week should be enough. If the infestation is severe, you may need to spray every three days until the bugs are gone.
A: No, you should not use chemical solutions on edible verbena plants. Instead, use natural remedies such as neem oil or soap spray.
In conclusion, bugs on verbena plants are a common problem that can be easily controlled. By using natural remedies or chemical solutions, you can get rid of these pests and keep your plant healthy. Remember to follow the instructions carefully when using chemical solutions and avoid harming beneficial insects.