Their thorny coat may keep predators at bay. However, cacti are not protected against various pests. Read here which pests commonly occur. Benefit from our tips for environmentally friendly control.
What pests occur on cacti and how can you combat them?
Common pests on cacti are spider mites, mealybugs, blackworm weevils and aphids. To combat this in an environmentally friendly way, lukewarm water, alcohol, neem oil, beneficial insects such as the Australian ladybird or soft soap solutions can be used.
Identify and get rid of spider mites
Spider mites owe their name to the delicate webs that they create between the shoots and tendrils. Mottled skin also indicates an infestation of these pests. This is how you fight pests in harmony with nature:
- Wrap the root ball in a bag to shower the cactus thoroughly with lukewarm water
- Then pack the leaf cacti in an airtight, transparent plastic bag for 3-4 days
- Treat desert cacti with an ecological product using neem oil from specialist retailers
During treatment, the infected cacti should be isolated from other plants to prevent further spread.
Fighting mealybugs effectively – tips & tricks
Mealybugs protect themselves with waxy shells that are reminiscent of white cotton balls. Under high infestation pressure, a woolly, white coating is created. In order for the pest control to be successful, the shell must dissolve. The plan can succeed with alcohol or spirits. Simply dab individual mealybugs with a cotton swab. If larger areas have already formed, spray them with alcohol or lemon balm spirit.
If your cacti are in a greenhouse, winter garden or hothouse, entrust the control of beneficial insects. Above all, the Australian ladybird (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri) loves to eat mealybugs.
Full-mouthed weevils add to outdoor cacti
Hardy cacti planted in beds are often attacked by large, black beetles. Black-mouthed weevils and their larvae feed on roots and shoots alike. A clear symptom of the epidermis is the typical bay corrosion. Nematodes have proven to be an effective control agent. The microscopically small nematodes are used with irrigation water or in the form of bait traps for adult weevils.
Tip
Thanks to their hard skin, desert cacti are usually spared from aphids. However, this does not apply to leaf cacti, whose fleshy leaves are a popular source of food for lice. As soon as you notice the green, black or white pests, they should be combated with the classic soft soap solution. The home remedy is so successful that it is now also available ready-made in specialist shops.