5 EVERYDAY CULPRITS
APHIDS
There are more than 500 species of these sap-sucking bugs in the UK. You’ll be able to spot them around buds and fresh growth – they often leave a sticky dark residue on leaves and can spread viruses. Catch them early and you can kill them by hand or prune off the affected area. Ladybirds are a natural predator of aphids and you can attract them by growing plants with flat flowers that are yellow or white, such as cosmos, yarrow, fennel and marigolds.
BOX CATERPILLARS
Box caterpillars (left) are becoming increasingly problematic for those in the Southeast. You’ll recognise an infestation by the fairly rapid defoliation of the plant, and caterpillars emerging from white cocoons in spring. Try to contain an infestation by removing as many caterpillars as you can by hand, spraying with pesticide, then keeping the plant well-watered and fed with the fertiliser Topbuxus. If that fails, you’ll need to dig up and destroy the infected plant.
ROSEMARY BEETLES
Named after the plant they were first associated with, rosemary beetles also attack lavender, sage and other aromatic plants. Once you spot one of these rather pretty blue and green metallic beetles, you’ll know it. They feed on leaves and flowers, and can cause real damage. Restrict an infestation by picking them off and squishing them.
SLUGS AND SNAILS
It’s a matter of damage limitation here – while snails are munching away above ground, slugs can be devouring roots. Combine the following methods to tackle them: Use nematodes (microscopic worms), which you water around the roots of your plants, as they pass on a fatal infection to slugs. Slugs and snails dislike copper (it gives them an electric shock), so wrap copper tape around containers or use rings around plants.
Mulch around plants using sharp materials, such as gravel, or try beer traps: pots buried with the opening at soil level, part-filled with beer, into which the pests will fall.
VINE WEEVILS
These are, in fact, beetles that attack a wide range of container plants – indoors and out. The adults eat the edges of leaves during spring and summer, while the white grubs tuck into the base of the plant during autumn and winter. An infestation is rarely fatal to outdoor plants, but always inspect any you intend to buy at a garden centre to check for grubs or weevils. If your plant gets attacked, remove adults by hand.