Insect And Animal Pests In Garden

Problem-Leaf hoppers

Leaf hoppers are small, wedge-shaped insects that prey on numerous plant species. They are particularly troublesome to fruit trees and potatoes but eat lots of other vegetables as well as a wide range of ornamental and grasses.

Both adults and nymphs suck plant juices from plant stems and the undersides of leaves. They release a somewhat toxic substance into the plants as they feed and also spread many viral diseases Rather than noticing the leaf hoppers themselves, you might first notice that plant leaves are puckered or mottled.

Solution 1 Spray dormant oil

Adults of many leaf hopper species overwinter on perennial plants, and this is particularly true of the species that attack fruit trees. Fortunately, there is an easy way to control these insects. In late winter, long before the buds finish swelling, spray dormant oil on the tree, covering it well. Not only will it kill leafhoppers, it will control many other insects and diseases on the tree. You can find dormant oil at any garden supply store or mail-order garden company.

Solution 2 Coddle beneficial insects

Many beneficial organisms attack leaf hoppers. In addition to ladybugs, lacewings and parasitic wasps, which prey on many small insects, parasitic flies, damsel bugs, minute pirate bugs, and spiders all prey on leaf hoppers. Plant mixed groups of flowering plants to attract these species. But more than that, avoid using any pesticide sprays, even those that are supposedly fairly benign. A garden without poisons builds larger populations of beneficial organisms than one where they have to fight for survival.