Fight fig tree pests effectively

Fight fig tree pests effectively

The most common fig tree pests:

  • Fig leaf moth
  • Spider mites
  • Scale insects
  • Leaf sucker

The fig leaf moth

In 2006 the little fig leaf moth was spotted for the first time at the Kaiserstuhl and has been found on many fig trees in recent years. The yellow-black spotted caterpillars feed on the leaves of the fig and cause damage to the upper surface of individual leaf lobes. For protection and pupation, the larva rolls up the leaf edges of the fig and protects them with a web of silk threads. In addition to feeding spots, the pest causes curvatures and discoloration of the leaves.

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Effective means

With smaller trees you can collect the caterpillars and pupae and destroy them. Specialized retailers have suitable sprays with which you can effectively control the caterpillars on larger trees.

Spider mites

Spider mites are a common problem in dry summers or in dry air in winter quarters. The small arachnids are often invasive and cause massive damage to the fig. Fine white webs are found preferentially on the buds of the leaves, in which you can recognize the tiny mites. The animals feed on the leaf juices, so that the leaf is inhibited in its growth. The infested fig often sheds a lot of leaves.

Combat

The mites die when the humidity is high. You can put a transparent plastic bag over small fig trees for a few days, which creates an artificial greenhouse climate. In many cases this gentle agent is sufficient for light infestations. To prevent massive damage to larger figs, treat them with an appropriate insecticide.

Scale insects

Scale insects often occur when overwintering or overfertilizing is too warm. The small yellow, white or brownish animals are protected by a sturdy chitin shell and suck the leaf juices from the branches and leaves of the fig. They secrete honeydew on which the plant can also colonize harmful fungi.

activities

Isolate the fig from other plants and collect the pests thoroughly. Increase the humidity by regularly spraying the fig. Inject the plant several times with a spirit and soft soap solution. Alternatively, you can use plant protection sticks or a suitable insecticide.

Tips & Tricks

Spirit soft soap solution is an inexpensive and environmentally friendly spray with which you can effectively combat many harmful insects. Mix one tablespoon of liquid soft soap (59.99 € at Amazon *) with one tablespoon of alcohol and pour the mixture into a spray bottle filled with one liter of water. Thoroughly spray all parts of the plant every few days.

SKb