Butterfly lilac is known as a robust subshrub. But even this flowering shrub can be attacked by pests. Eaten leaves are an unmistakable sign of this. Before your buddleia suffers serious damage, you should combat the pests.
What causes eroded leaves on butterfly lilac and how do you combat them?
If butterfly lilac leaves are eaten, black weevils, earwigs or leaf bugs can be the culprits. Pests can be controlled through collection and natural methods such as neem press cake and vinegar, while prevention and care reduce the risk.
Who eats the leaves of the butterfly lilac?
There arethree types of insects that eat the leaves of the butterfly lilac. These are:
- Bigmouth Weevil
- Earworm
- Sheet bugs
The pests each show characteristic biting behavior, which makes them distinguishable. The black weevil eats bays in the leaves from the outside. You can recognize the earwig by leaves that have frayed holes inside the leaf. Leaf bugs, on the other hand, leave round holes of different sizes on the leaves that are irregularly distributed. The black weevil is particularly dangerous for your buddleia because its larvae eat the roots.
How can I combat leaf-eating pests on butterfly lilac??
Regardless of which of the three pests has attacked your buddleia,Collecting is a good measure against the harmful insects. Black-mouthed weevils and earwigs are active at night and can only be collected at dusk at the earliest. Leaf bugs, on the other hand, are better for you. You can create a trap for the pests using mulch or straw in an upside down flower pot. Neem press cake (€14.00 on Amazon) is particularly helpful against the stubborn black-mouthed weevils. Earwigs, on the other hand, are beneficial insects and should only be driven away with vinegar.
How can I prevent leaf-eating pests on buddleia?
You can prevent pests when you buy. Do not buysick plants with yellow or eaten leaves or stunted flowers. Plant your buddleia in a suitable location, as sunny and protected from the wind as possible. Care for the plant properly and strengthen it with manure and mulch. Attract birds to your garden. In this way you create an ecological balance between pests and beneficial insects so that pests do not get out of hand.
Tip
How do I get rid of black weevils from my buddleia?
Black weevils are considered particularly stubborn pests. You can use nematodes to control these insects in your garden. Nematodes are applied twice a year and attack the larvae and pupae of the black weevil. However, this measure must be carried out several years in a row, as the beetles can live up to three years.
