Discover holes and other damage to your azaleas that may have been caused by the green caterpillars of the azalea leaf miner. Find out everything about this pest here and how you can effectively combat and prevent it using natural means.
What helps against green caterpillars on azaleas and how can you prevent them?
Green caterpillars on azaleas are azalea leaf miners that cause holes and damage to the leaves. To combat them naturally, use vinegar, oil and dish soap, tobacco ash, soapy water or collect them manually. As a preventative measure, you should encourage natural predators and use glue rings if necessary.
What are the green caterpillars on azaleas?
Green caterpillars on azaleas indicate theAzalea leaf miner. The wingspan of the golden-yellow butterflies with reddish spots is up to 1.3 centimeters. They reproduce in four generations per year from May to October, with eggs being laid on the undersides of the azalea leaves, which turn brownish. The caterpillars pull together a leaf with spider threads in order to eat it. Caterpillars in the last instar look for a fresh, uneaten leaf and roll themselves up in it to pupate.
How do I recognize an infestation of green caterpillars on the azalea?
You can tell whether your azalea is infested with caterpillarsby the damage they cause. Thecaterpillars are rather inconspicuousbecause they have adapted perfectly to their environment. Depending on how many caterpillars infest your plant, they are more pronounced and, in severe cases, can cause massive damage to the plant. You can recognize a caterpillar infestation by the following features:
- holey and eaten leaves, some rolled up with spider threads
- often only the leaf veins remain
- Caterpillars and small black balls (caterpillar droppings) are on the underside of the leaves
Which home remedies help against the green caterpillar on azaleas?
The following home remedies can help you combat caterpillars:
- Vinegar, oil and dishwashing liquid (Mix two spoonfuls of rapeseed oil, three spoonfuls of vinegar and two drops of dishwashing liquid with water and spray the plant.)
- Tobacco ash (Sprinkle tobacco or ash on the affected parts of the plant, the smell will drive away the caterpillars.)
- Soapy water (Spray the affected parts of the plant with a natural water-soap mixture.)
- Collect caterpillars (In case of light infestation. Check the plant regularly.)
- Water (Rinse the caterpillars with water and remove them carefully.)
How can you prevent green caterpillars on azaleas?
Before you resort to chemicals, you shouldprevent caterpillars naturally. This is especially true if there are children or pets in the garden or if you run a kitchen garden. Caterpillars can be prevented with the following natural remedies:
- Birds and wasps are the caterpillars' natural predators and ensure a low caterpillar population. The more the better.
- You can attach glue rings to the lower branches of potentially endangered plants. The caterpillars stick to the adhesive surfaces and do not reach the leaves.
Tip
How you can also protect your azalea from the green creatures
Always keep your azalea he althy and care for it appropriately. Because when your plant is he althy, it is also more resistant to pests. This includes the right location (partly shaded without direct sun), regular watering, no standing water and regular fertilization in summer to cover the nutrient requirements. Check your plant weekly.
