What's buzzing around your hydrangeas? It is rare for hydrangeas to be attacked by flying pests. Here's what it can be and what you can do to protect your hydrangeas.
What do little flies mean on my hydrangeas?
If small insects are buzzing around your hydrangeas, it may indicate a whitefly infestation. Under the right conditions, the flying lice can multiply quickly on ornamental shrubs and cause long-term damage. You can treat the infestation with beneficial insects, yellow plates and natural pesticides.
What are those flies on my hydrangeas?
If you discover small flies on your hydrangeas, then they are probably so-calledWhiteflies Strictly speaking, these pests are not flies, but flying lice, which also damage your hydrangeas like other pests such as spider mites or beetles. They occur primarily on plants in greenhouses, but in the hot summer months they can also attack outdoor hydrangeas. They lay their eggs on the undersides of the hydrangeas' leaves and can multiply rapidly within a very short period of time.
How can whiteflies harm hydrangeas?
Whiteflies pose a danger to hydrangeas mainly because of theirhoneydew. They spread this on the leaves of the plant, which makes them more vulnerable to fungal diseases. As a result, the leaves curl up and slowly die.
How do I get rid of flies?
First take a look at the underside of the leaves of your hydrangeas: If you don't see any white spots here, these are probably fly eggs. You can wash these off with a jet of water to fight. If you cannot avoid usingplant protection products, you should use the most natural products possible, such as neem oil.
Tip
Tips to prevent whitefly infestation
Ladybirds, parasitic wasps and spiders are natural predators of whiteflies because they eat their larvae. Welcoming these beneficial insects into your garden and creating a natural environment for them will help prevent whiteflies.
