Aphids are every gardener's terror. Pear trees in particular can suffer so much from the infestation that you cannot harvest any pears. You should therefore take precautions in good time so that the pests do not appear in large numbers.
How can I fight lice on pear trees?
To combat pear tree lice, check the tree for lice infestation before flowering, use plant broth made from rhubarb leaves or nettle broth and remove affected parts of the plant. Also prevent ant settlements near the tree.
Aphid species commonly found on pear trees
Three species of aphids are particularly troublesome for the gardener because they like to attack the leaves, flowers and fruits of the pear tree. These include:
- Mealy pear aphid
- Brown peargrass louse
- Green apple aphid
Signs of aphid infestation
At the latest when the leaves of the pear tree curl or form bubbles, it is time for a thorough check. These harmful images are caused by lice.
If the aphids are not controlled, the leaves first turn yellow and then black before they fall from the tree.
The young fruits look stunted. They are often covered with a honey-like sticky layer.
Fighting pests
The symptoms of a lice infestation usually only become noticeable in May or June. It will then be too late to fight it.
Check the pear tree regularly before it flowers to see whether lice have settled. You especially need to take action on small or very young pear trees. Large, he althy trees cope with infestations more easily.
Sometimes spraying with plant broth made from rhubarb leaves and especially nettle broth helps. Cutting off and disposing of affected plant parts is also useful.
Prevention is better than cure
Regular inspection is part of pear tree care and is better than later control. Spraying with chemical agents is prohibited because it damages fruits and beneficial insects.
Watch out for ant trails that are on the trunk of the pear tree. Ants use lice as a food source and bring them to the leaves themselves. Take appropriate measures to prevent ants from settling near the tree.
Tips & Tricks
Take control of the aphids with tobacco broth. Collect tobacco from butts or get cheap cigarette tobacco. The tobacco is boiled with water until the water is completely brown. After cooling, the decoction is diluted and sprayed several times on all affected parts of the plant.
