You may have to click on this photo to get a better image, but the four-lined plant bugs are back. Probably earlier than usual. Curses! Really this is a cosmetic problem, but they really like members of the mint family and that includes a litany of herbs not just mint. Here is a post I did in 2010 called
Guest Blogging for The Herb Companion Magazine. Gives you a little better look at the damage on oregano (one of its favorites) and other herbs it likes. Because of the mild winter and warm to hot spring, they are out a little bit earlier than usual and may last a bit longer as well. I leave a lot of lemon balm for them to attack on the perimeter of the garden. They do not fly when they are in the nymph stage, but do fly when they are adults. Again, mostly cosmetic damage that can be trimmed back once they are done. They can last into July! Just one generation, but it can seem like forever.
Hope you had a great day. We got our big containers out. I warned The Herbal Husband that the 40's were still possible. He has faith that it will only be in the 50's. Hope he is right or we will be moving plants back into the garage! Oh the pain of gardening!:-} Talk to you later.
Diatomaceous earth will take care of them nasties and if you use food grade you can easily eat your herbs without concern and perhaps even treat some parasites of your own.
ReplyDeleteHave never of diatomaceous earth working on four-lined plant bugs. Will have to look into it. Thanks for the info.
ReplyDeleteJust did a quick Google search for diatomaceous earth as a remedy for four-lined plant bug. I didn't find diatomaceous earth as a solution, but did see that insecticidal soap for the nymphs and horticultural oil. Anonymous it may have worked for you, but I will stick to hand smashing them and a bit of insecticidal soap when necessary. This damage is basically cosmetic more than plant ending.
ReplyDeletei have a horrible case and at least last year, they did so much damage it affected the flowering of some plants. (veronica, geranium). do you have a homemade soap recipe? how safe is insecticidal soap? thanks!
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