Unfortunately, at least in some areas, the snowball bush is quite frequently attacked by aphids and these are then difficult to combat. The best thing is good prevention so that your snowball doesn't have to suffer from this problem in the first place.
Lice should be fought as soon as possible
Because an infestation with aphids often means that the snowball bush does not bloom at all. To prevent this, you can water your snowball bush in spring with a broth made from field horsetail. The targeted support of beneficial insects that have aphids on their menu may also prevent the uncontrolled spread of aphids.
Well-tended and healthy plants are less likely to suffer from pests and diseases than ailing shrubs, so make sure you take good care of them. Nevertheless, you should check the plants regularly in order to be able to intervene quickly in the event of diseases or the appearance of pests.
What can I do if I have lice?
If lice can already be seen on your snowball bush or if it has stunted leaves that could indicate a lice infestation, then you should react quickly. Because lice can multiply rapidly. As a first measure, spray the infested plants with a strong jet of water. That will destroy a large part of the annoying little animals
In the case of a heavy infestation, mix soft soap (€44.90) and possibly some spirit into the spray water. Spraying the plants with nettle broth also helps against aphids. In the interest of the environment, it is better to avoid chemical agents or only use them if the “home remedies” are not effective enough.
Beneficial insects against aphids
If you have not yet settled any beneficial insects, then think about it at the latest when you have a lice infestation. If you create a suitable habitat for the animals, they will come into your garden all by themselves. Hang clay flower pots filled with wood shavings or straw near the infested viburnum bushes. They are an excellent shelter for earwigs & Co.
The most important measures against lice:
- Prevention with horsetail broth
- spray infected plants with water
- Nettle broth or soft soap
- Control with beneficial insects
- use of chemicals as little as possible
tips
In the interest of the environment, try to fight the aphids with beneficial insects such as ladybirds, earwigs or lacewings before resorting to chemical agents.