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Sucking
Insects-
Mosquitoes suck our blood; certain insects do the same to plants.
And just as we itch when bitten, plants suffer reactions to being
bitten. Aphids-
Aphids cluster on stems or leaves. Infested areas may turn yellow
and curl up. A few aphids can be knocked right off with a strong
spray of water. Spray heavier infestations with insecticidal soap
or summer oil. Leafhoppers
Adults "hop" when disturbed. Adults and immature
hoppers suck plant juices, causing stunted plants and tip burned
leaves. A few hoppers can be knocked right off with a strong spray
of water. Spray heavier infestations with insecticidal soap.Spider
Mites-
They thrive in dry, dusty gardens. Leaves on infested plants turn
yellow with fine spots, and fine webs can sometimes be found under
leaves. Spray plants with a strong stream of water and mist daily
to discourage the pests. Spray severe infestations with insecticidal
soap or summer oil. Squash
Bugs-
Adults and nymphs suck juice from squash, melon, and cucumber leaves.
Severely bitten leaves wilt and turn black and crisp; plants may
die. Cover seedbeds or young plants with floating row covers to
exclude flying egg- laying bugs. Uncover plants when the first female
flowers open. Handpick the occasional bug, and spray badly infested
uncovered plants with rotenone or sabadilla once or twice a week.
Whiteflies-
They fly in clouds when disturbed. Infested plants turn yellow,
and leaves are covered with black specks. Heavy infestations can
kill plants. Hang yellow sticky traps to catch adults or suck up
flies with your hand held vacuum. Spray severe infestations with
insecticidal soap or summer oil. Slugs
and Snails-
While not insects, these shellfish relatives are often thought of
in the same context. Slugs
and snails are the soft, slimy enemies of many gardeners. They
devour leaves and fruits at night, leaving only shiny trails behind.
Use overturned cabbage leaves or saucers of old beer to attract
slugs. Collect and destroy slugs each morning. Protect succulent
plants by surrounding them with a band of wood ashes or diatomaceous
earth. Renew the bands after a heavy rain. Slug proof an entire
bed by circling it with a 2 inch-wide strip of copper. Stand the
strip on edge and press it into the soil about an inch. Make sure
no plant or mulch droops over the band to provide a slug crossing.
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