If the leaves of the ivy turn brown or yellow, dry up or fall off, care mistakes are usually responsible. Occasionally, however, pests also cause problems for the climbing plant. How to identify pests and what to do about them.

Engraved grubs like to nibble on ivy

Pests that can trouble ivy

The most common bugs include:

  • Mealybugs or Mealybugs
  • Red spider mites
  • Vine weevil larvae
  • grubs

Pests of indoor ivy

Lice and spider mites in particular occur with ivy that is cared for in the room. These are usually clearly visible to the naked eye.

In addition to feeding marks that cause holes in the leaves, mealybugs or mealybugs leave a sticky coating on the leaves. Red spider mites show sucking marks on the upper and lower sides of the leaves.

Pests appear in the room especially when the humidity is too low. It is worth spraying the ivy regularly with water from a spray bottle, especially during the winter months. In principle, ivy should not be placed near heat sources or in direct sunlight.

Control pests in the room

Rinse the ivy well in the shower and don't forget the pot. If the infestation is severe, simply cut off the affected shoots.

Treat the plant with a mixture of dish soap and water. Commercially available insecticides can also be used to control the pests.

Beetle larvae and grubs in the field

Beetle larvae in particular lurk on the ivy outdoors. They are underground and can only be seen if you dig up the ground. The larvae of the vine weevil are particularly dangerous. On the other hand, grubs, the larvae of the cockchafer, only bother the ivy every few years.

To control bugs in the soil, you can use nematodes, beneficial roundworms that eat the larvae, leaving only the shells.

In the interests of garden health, however, you should avoid using chemical agents.

tips

If the leaves of the ivy turn red with falling temperatures, this is not due to vermin. Some varieties develop red leaves in autumn. Even in strong sunlight, the leaves turn red.

Category:

Indoor plants