The larger and riper the fruits become, the more delicious they taste. Apparently not just us, but also pests. Berry bugs love to attack them and ruin our appetite. But do we want to give them the harvest without a fight? Never!
How do I get rid of berry bugs on blackberries?
Blackberry bugs can be controlled with a chemical agent for sucking pests. But for the sake of the environment and the harvest,collectit's better to pick them up piece by piece and thendispose of them. You can also fight a larger infestation with naturalNeem oil.
What do berry bugs look like?
The adult bugs are not beetles, even if they look similar to them:
- Length: 10 to 12 mm
- Basic color:grey-brown to black
- Evector wing: reddish to purple
- Sign: yellowish
- Antenna: black, white ringed
- Abdomen: alternately light and dark patterned on the sides
The bugs can be spotted from April to October. Females lay eggs on leaves from May to June, in packets of 20-25 each.
Can I touch the bugs with my hand while collecting them?
Berry bugs (Dolycoris baccarum), which come from the stink bug family (Pentatomidae), are not poisonous to humans. But they can secrete a very unpleasant-smelling defensive scent when they feel threatened. Therefore, it may make sense toput on thin disposable gloves
Can I eat fruit from infected bushes?
The answer is yes and no at the same time, because it depends on each individual fruit. Berry bugs release saliva when they suck, which stops the ripening process. In addition, their excretions cause theeaten berryto becomeinedible for us humans. Ultimately, these open areas attract more pests and become moldy very easily. Eat only untouched, he althy fruits. This also applies to raspberries, currants and other types of berries that are also attacked by bugs.
How do I use neem oil against bedbugs?
Dilute the neem oil according to the recommendation on the packaging. Wait for an overcast day andspray your blackberry plants with itThe bugs stop feeding and eventually die. If necessary, you may have to repeat the spraying. If you use neem oil in spring, you can prevent egg laying.
How can I prevent berry bugs on blackberries?
Berry bugs are also beneficial insects that destroy other pests of raspberries and blackberries, including aphids. It is therefore important to carefully consider when control is necessary. Set up nesting sites forsongbirds. They arenatural enemiesof the berry bug and can help keep their population down. Amphibians, frogs and toads also eat berry bugs. In the spring, search the foliage foregg depositsandremove them before the larvae can hatch.
Tip
Attention: leather bugs also love blackberries
Leather bugs (Coreus marginatus) are shaped like berry bugs, but larger and boring brown. They also like to eat berries and must also be fought.
