These pests attack the deciduous tree

The four evildoers

A well-cared for plane tree is robust, but the occurrence of the following types of pests cannot be avoided with certainty:

• Gall mites
• Leaf miners
• Sycamore net bugs
• Grapevine bugs

Gall mites

Ruffled leaveswhich later turn brown and dry up are the destructive work of Gall mites. The pests themselves are so tiny that they can even be seen from up close eye cannot be recognized. Immediately dispose of all diseased leaves in the residual waste bin. You can also get advice on suitable pesticides in the garden center.

Leaf miners

The caterpillars of the pest leave space mines about 2-3 cm long on the underside of the leaves. They arise when the caterpillars eat their way through the inside of the leaf. We perceive these mines as yellowish-brown spots. Small, rather inconspicuous speckles can be seen on the upper side of the leaf. You should remove and dispose of infected parts of the plant as soon as possible.

Note:
The infestation with leaf miners occasionally occurs at the same time as the Fungal disease Leaf tan on. The similarity of symptoms can lead to a premature, incorrect diagnosis. If you hold a leaf up to the light, you will see the mines clearly.

Sycamore net bugs

Sycamore net bugs can be found in warmer regions of the country and preferentially on plane trees in city centers. They usually occur in moderation and can only be combated with a pesticide. It is all the more important that an infestation is detected early on. These are the signs:

• numerous bright spots close to leaf veins
• later bronze-colored leaves
• black larvae

Grapevine bugs

Vine bugs multiply rapidly and can cause great damage to the plane tree. They suck out their sap, leaving behind a sticky honey film. Fortunately, the comparatively large lice can be easily spotted on closer inspection of the plane tree:

• Lice are several millimeters long
• they are provided with a white coating
• they cavort all over the plane tree

With the targeted settlement of beneficial insects such as lacewings, ladybirds and parasitic wasps, we have a natural, tried and tested means at hand to repel these pests.