A quick guide to common plant pests and how to identify them
Aphids – also known as Greenfly or Blackfly are small sap sucking insects, they are small soft-bodied insects, usually found on the underside of leaves.
Female aphids give live birth to other female nymphs which may already be pregnant, they can be incredibly destructive, particularly in large numbers and due to their ability to reproduce a-sexually they are difficult to control.
Many pesticides will not be able to control aphids, however, many people have found success with a soapy water mixture.
Mealybugs – commonly found in warm, moist climates such as green houses, are another sap sucking pest and also acting as a pathway for other diseases to occur within the plant.
Female mealy bugs feed off the plant sap and excrete a powdery substance used as a protective barrier whilst they eat, male mealy bugs on the other hand only live to fertilise females and do not feast on the plants.
Many people choose to eradicate mealybugs with cotton wool and rubbing alcohol, direct contact will kill them instantly but be sure to check all crevices and under leaves.
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