The most careful care is in vain when sage is infested with pests. If lice and the like arrive in droves, there is an immediate need for action. Here you can find out how to fight the culprits with natural means.

Recognize and eliminate cicadas on sage - this is how it works

Cicadas are considered the biggest nuisance on sage. With their sucking activity, they cause more damage to the herb than the ubiquitous aphids. Since the pests also transmit diseases with their suction proboscis, consistent control is essential. You can recognize an infestation by these symptoms:

  • Bright sucking spots can be seen on the leaves
  • In warm weather, the cicadas flutter and jump around on the sage
  • As the leaves progress, they turn brown and fall off

In the early stages, the beasts can be caught with a landing net or sticky yellow boards. In biological control, the preparation Neem Azal T/S has achieved good results.

Effectively prevent cicadas

So that your sage does not get into trouble in the first place, you can prevent an infestation from the start of the planting. Protect the herb plant with a close-meshed insect net. If cicadas have appeared in the garden in previous years, a location as far away as possible should be chosen. Powdering with rock powder (14.13€) in spring and autumn also keeps the parasites at bay.

Counteract spider mites with natural remedies

If the summer is dry and warm, spider mites attack the velvety sage leaves. The tiny pests themselves are only visible to the naked eye at a late stage. So keep an eye out for the delicate webs in the leaf axils. With these home remedies you can take lasting action against the brood:

  • Dissolve 15 ml of potash soap in 500 ml of water and spray on the affected leaves
  • Leave the sage leaves moistened for at least 15 minutes

Apply this treatment every 1-2 days until no more spider mites are found.

tips and tricks

Pests don't know the difference between crops and weeds. Combating caterpillars, lice and other parasites should therefore always go hand in hand with consistent removal of weeds from the entire garden. This also includes not leaving any leaves on the ground in autumn as mulch. (€239.00) Withered leaves serve as welcome winter quarters for both pests and fungal spores.

GTH

Category:

Herbs