If the fig feels comfortable in its location, it is rarely attacked by pests and proves to be extremely robust. For potted plants, the most effective prevention is to move the plant outdoors after the first frosts. Only move the plant to winter storage in autumn when the temperatures permanently drop below zero.
What pests attack fig trees and how can you combat them?
Common pests on the fig tree are the fig leaf moth, spider mites, scale insects and leaf suckers. To combat it, we recommend collecting pests, increasing the humidity and spraying with insecticides or an alcohol soft soap solution.
The most common fig tree pests:
- Fig leaf moth
- Spider mites
- Scale insects
- leaf suckers
The fig leaf moth
In 2006, the small fig leaf moth was spotted on the Kaiserstuhl for the first time and has been found on many fig trees in recent years. The yellow-black spotted caterpillars feed on the leaves of the fig and cause damage to the upper side of individual leaf lobes. For protection and pupation, the larva rolls up the edges of the fig leaves and protects them with a web of silk threads. In addition to feeding, the harmful insect causes warping and discoloration of the foliage.
Effective remedies
In smaller trees you can collect the butterfly caterpillars and pupae and destroy them. Specialist retailers stock suitable sprays with which you can effectively combat caterpillars on larger trees.
Spider mites
Spider mites are a common problem in dry summers or when the air is dry in the winter quarters. The small arachnids often appear in an invasive manner and cause massive damage to the fig. There are fine white webs in which you can see the tiny mites, especially on the buds of the leaves. The animals feed on the leaf juices, so that the leaf's growth is inhibited. The infected fig often drops many leaves.
Combat
The mites die when the humidity is high. You can place a transparent plastic bag over small fig trees for a few days to create an artificial greenhouse climate. In the case of minor infestations, this gentle remedy is sufficient in many cases. To prevent massive damage to larger figs, you should treat them with a suitable insecticide.
Scale insects
Scale insects often appear when the winter is too warm or when there is over-fertilization. The small yellow, white or brownish animals are protected by a sturdy chitin shell and suck the leaf juices from the branches and leaves of the fig. They excrete honeydew, on which fungi that damage the plant can also settle.
Measures
Isolate the fig from other plants and collect the pests thoroughly. Increase humidity by misting the fig regularly. Spray the plant several times with an alcohol-soft soap solution. Alternatively, you can use plant protection sticks or a suitable insecticide.
Tips & Tricks
Spirit soft soap solution is a cheap and environmentally friendly spray that you can use to effectively combat many pest insects. Mix one tablespoon of liquid soft soap with one tablespoon of spirit and pour the mixture into a spray bottle filled with one liter of water. Spray all parts of the plant thoroughly every few days.
