As pretty as it is devouring - the mint bear
From a distinctive butterfly with white, black spotted wings goes for everyone Mint species a great danger in spring. It is not so much the adult moths, but rather their brood over the leaves. From May to the end of July, the females lay their eggs on the underside of the leaves.
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The brown-haired, up to 40 mm long caterpillars feed on the foliage until pupation. Since they are easy to spot, they are collected early in the morning from July to September. Otherwise, they will eat the mint bald.
Mint leaf beetle - identify and control
They are 8-10 mm in size and have a metallic blue shimmer. The mint leaf beetles target the essential oils. In summer, the pests eat numerous holes in the foliage or destroy the leaves completely. How to combat it with natural means:
- consistently collect the beetles
- If the infestation pressure is high, cut all shoots back to the ground
- It is essential to capture pests that have fallen to the ground to prevent re-infestation
The classic soapy water has proven itself as an environmentally friendly insecticide in the fight against mint leaf beetles. Add 15 ml of liquid curd soap to 1 liter of water and pour the mixture into one Pressure sprayer. Applied every 2 to 3 days, you will soon have the plague under control.
Here's how to tackle aphids effectively
They expand explosively and suck the life out of the lovingly tended mint. Aphids are considered the ultimate haunted herb garden. How to get rid of the pests:
- rinse the lice with a jet of water that is as hard as possible
- Treat affected mints with nettle broth, tobacco stock or soapy water
If the infestation is far advanced, cut back the plant radically. Vigorous mints sprout again quickly.
Tips & Tricks
In the near-natural garden, beneficial insects like to settle in, which will help you in the fight against diseases and pests on mint. Birdhouses and insect hotels are quickly inhabited by the busy helpers. Mixed hedges and piles of leaves serve as popular retreats. In thanks, birds, hedgehogs, devour Parasitic wasps(€ 69.90 at Amazon *) and ladybird fungal spores and aphids in abundance.
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