Fight lice on currants

Aphids pose a threat to currants in home gardens. The pests suck out the leaves and thereby damage the shoots. In this way, infestation with the voracious insects prevents a good harvest. For successful control, shrubs should be checked regularly for the first signs. Natural home remedies are always preferable in order not to harm your own health or the environment.

Damage image

In the south of Germany, Austria and South Tyrol, currants are also known as currants. The native shrubs are mainly attacked by bladder lice. These pests overwinter directly on the branches of the bushes, so that they hatch together with the first emerging leaves. Then the lice begin their harmful suckling activity, which can lead to the loss of the entire harvest if the infestation is severe. In summer the bladder louse changes host and moves to herbaceous plants. In the autumn months, the voracious insects return to winter egg-laying on the currants.

Bladder lice are green, size is only 2 mm
Pests are often overlooked initially

Affected leaves are bulging
Blow-up blisters form on the underside of the leaves
Lice sit in the blisters
Reddish discoloration occurs in red currants
Yellowish-green tints appear in white and black varieties
Suck the juice from leaves and young shoots
Subsequently, the plant cannot develop enough nutrients

Note: Check currants regularly for infestation from spring to autumn, especially on the underside of the leaves. Lice have often already settled there, although no damage can yet be seen on the currant.

Home remedies for lice

Fight aphids The easiest way to control aphids is by hand picking them up and crushing them. However, this is only possible successfully if the infestation is still small and manageable. However

Many people are disgusted by the pests and do not want to touch them. If the lice have already spread strongly, the infected shoots can be cut off. These parts of the plant must be destroyed in the household waste to prevent renewed infestation. In addition, hosing down the infected areas with a strong jet of water has proven to be helpful. However, the water jet should not hit the berries, as this can damage them. In addition to these mechanical measures, various home remedies against aphids have proven themselves. These agents are harmless to human health and the environment. Various plants and household products are used.

Garlic brew

Aphids on currants can be effectively expelled with garlic. The popular bulb contains essential oils and gives off an extremely pungent odor. The pests feel repelled by this and stay away from the currants. In addition, the brew can be produced quickly and easily, so that control is possible in a timely manner. Since the smell is very strong, the brew should not be applied directly to the berries. Otherwise their fruity taste aroma will be adulterated in an unappetizing way.

Take 50 g of fresh garlic
Crush toes with a knife
Then bring 1.5 liters of water to the boil
Pour it over your toes
Then let it steep slowly for about three hours
Next, strain through a tea towel
Fill the cooled brew into a bottle with a spray cap
Spray the leaves of the affected plants with it
Repeat every 7-10 days as a preventive measure

Liquid manure from nettles

Nettle liquid against lice on currants Our ancestors used liquid manure made from nettles as a biologically harmless home remedy to combat aphids. Both fresh and dry nettle leaves are suitable for production. The extract from nettles has proven to be effective in the context of normal to moderate infestation. The liquid manure should be good after preparation

pull through, but not yet start to ferment. In summer, the fermentation process starts quickly due to the warm temperatures, so the liquid manure should be put in the refrigerator during this time of year. If the approach has started to ferment anyway, this mixture can be used as a fertilizer for the currants. In this way, the immune system of currants is strengthened so that aphid infestation is prevented.

You need 200 grams of fresh nettle leaves
Otherwise use 20 grams of dried leaves
Roughly chop the nettles
Let it steep in 1 liter of water for 2-3 days
Then strain the mixture well and let it cool down
Put undiluted liquid manure in the spray bottle
Spray the affected areas with the mixture
Repeat every few days

Tip: In some cases the liquid manure develops an unpleasant smelling odor note. This process can be weakened by adding a little rock flour.

Neem oil

The neem oil has its origin in Asia and has established itself there in Ayurveda. The potent oil can be bought in health food stores and health food stores. Due to its strong mode of action and the intense smell, the oil should not be used undiluted. In the worst case, this could damage the currants. Since the remedy is strong, the aphids stop their activities a few hours after the first application. If the neem oil is used repeatedly, the pests will run away completely.

Mix 1 teaspoon of neem oil with 1 liter of water
Pour the mixture into the spray bottle
Oil settles, so shake well before each use
Spray affected areas with it once a day
Use several times a day if the infestation is very severe
Then repeat preventively every 7-10 days

Core and soft soap

Protect black currants (Ribes nigrum) from aphids Core and soft soaps have also established themselves in the fight against aphid infestation. There is no excess fat with these soaps, which is why there is no greasy layer on the sensitive berries of the currant after use. Since these natural soaps do not contain any artificial fragrances or dyes, no synthetic thickeners are used in their production. Liquid soap products and perfumed soaps are just as unsuitable as repellants because they contain strong fragrances and synthetic ingredients. Using them would worsen the flavor of the currants enormously.

Organic soaps are ideal
Approximately 25-50 grams are required
Coarsely chop the soap bar
Then dissolve in 0.5-1 liter of lukewarm water
Fill the cooled soapy water into the spray bottle
Spray affected bushes, leave out berries
Soapy water should not drip onto the ground
Wash berries well before eating

Tip: In the event of a rampant aphid infestation, the effect of the soapy water can be reduced by adding alcohol

strengthen.

Sud from tansy

An efficient spray against lice on currants can also be made from the leaves of the tansy. This strong brew works against all kinds of lice and can also be used for the sensitive currants. Since this mixture is extremely rich in potash, it strengthens the shrubs' immune system over the long term. In this way, the plants become more resistant to infestation after application.

100 g fresh tansy leaves
Coarsely chop the fern
Put in a saucepan with 0.5 liters of water and cover
Let the leaves simmer at a low temperature for about 1 hour
Then cool and strain the plant parts through a cloth
Dilute the brew with the same amount of water
Then spray all infected parts of the plant
Leave out the berries, otherwise the taste will be distorted

Baking soda

Soda against lice on currants Soda is a home remedy with a wide range of uses and has also proven itself as an antidote for aphid infestations. The agent is also known as sodium bicarbonate and is not dangerous for people or the environment. Depending on the strength of the infestation, the dosage can be adjusted and increased with additional ingredients.

Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to 1 liter of water
Dissolve by shaking
If the infestation is very severe, add neem oil
Alternatively, enrich with alcohol

Horsetail broth

Horsetail was used by our ancestors to fight aphids. The native herb not only scares away the aphids, it also strengthens the currant's immune system as a preventive measure. In this way, the bushes can better defend themselves against infestation with lice. However, the broth from field horsetail only works with a light infestation. If the aphids have already reproduced heavily, stronger home remedies are needed.

Use 1 kilogram of fresh field horsetail
As an alternative, use 200 grams of dry herbs
Soak in 2 liters of cold water for 1 day
Sprinkle the currants with the broth several times
Then do it every week as a preventative measure

Oregano brew

Oregano against lice on currants Oregano is a common culinary herb and, in addition to being used in cooking, is also suitable as an antidote for lice. Because of the essential oils, the pests are expelled sustainably. Since the herb is used by most households, the home remedy can be made directly.