To us humans they look incredibly beautiful. But what does it look like in the world of pests and especially lice? Do they like to attack dahlias and how can you stop them?
How do I protect dahlias from lice?
Aphids like dahlias and can endanger them by sucking plant sap and secreting honeydew. To combat aphids, natural sprays, beneficial insects such as ladybirds or lacewing larvae can be used and mixed cultures with defensive herbs can be planted. He althy plant care prevents infestation.
Do aphids like dahlias?
It often happens that dahlias are attacked by aphids, because these parasiteslike the sap of these beautiful late summer bloomers. They prefer to be on the leaves and flower buds of the dahlias and are there in large numbers to get their fill. In most cases, the black representatives of the aphids appear (bean aphids).
Does eating lice endanger the dahlias?
An entire colony of aphids, which has already multiplied happily and is cared for by ants, can let a dahliago in.
The aphids suck the sap from the dahlias and within a few weeks the leaves change color. They can also curl and eventually fall off.
In addition to this evil, the sticky secretion of the aphids, the so-called honeydew, is dangerous for the dahlias. It favors sooty fungi.
However, a few aphids will not cause much harm to a dahlia.
How can you combat lice on dahlias?
To combat aphids, you can make aspray. You can get this, for example, by mixing soap, dishwashing liquid or neem oil with water. The mixture is placed in a spray bottle and sprayed directly onto the affected areas. You should preferably spray the dahlias in the evening hours. Don't worry: the spray doesn't harm the dahlias, only the pests.
Do beneficial insects help to destroy aphids on dahlias?
You can also leave the fight against aphids to beneficial insectsand thereby even do something good for the environment. Release lacewing or ladybird larvae. They like to eat aphids. The hoverfly is also an effective beneficial insect in the fight against lice.
Does mixed culture work against lice on dahlias?
A mixed culture helps to keep aphids away from dahliasBut not all plants are effective. Aphids are most deterred by herbs such as lavender, thyme, savory, rosemary, sage and hyssop. Individual garlic plants or marigolds between the dahlias can often keep aphids away.
How can you additionally prevent aphids on dahlias?
He althy dahlias are rarely attacked by aphids, which is why the best prevention is appropriatecare of the plants. Be careful not to stress the dahlias. Water them regularly and provide them with fertilizer!
In addition, you can take precautions when planting at the location by not planting the dahlias too close together. A good supply of air is important so that the dahlias can dry well after rain and that excessive humidity does not form between them.
Tip
Protecting dahlias from moisture
When watering the dahlias, be careful not to wet the leaves of the plants with water. This weakens the dahlias and increases the risk of aphid infestation.
