- Aphid species commonly found on pear trees
- Signs of aphid infestation
- Fighting the pests
- Prevention is better than cure
- tips and tricks
Aphids are every gardener's terror. Pear trees in particular can suffer so much from the infestation that they do not harvest any pears. You should therefore take precautions in good time so that the pests do not appear in large numbers in the first place.
Aphid species commonly found on pear trees
Three types of aphids are particularly difficult for the gardener because they like to attack the leaves, blossoms and fruits of the pear tree. This includes:
- Mealy pear aphid
- Brown pear grass aphid
- Green apple aphid
Signs of aphid infestation
At the latest when the leaves of the pear tree curl up or blisters form, it is time for a thorough check. These harmful images are caused by lice.
If the aphids are not controlled, the leaves will first turn yellow and then black before falling from the tree.
The young fruits look stunted. They are often coated with a honey-like sticky layer.
Fighting the pests
The symptoms of a lice infestation usually only become noticeable in May or June. It is then too late to fight.
Regularly check the pear tree for lice before it blooms. You have to take action especially with small or very young pear trees. Large, healthy trees deal more easily with the infestation.
Sometimes spraying with a vegetable decoction made from rhubarb leaves and, above all, nettle broth helps. It also makes sense to cut off and dispose of affected parts of the plant.
Prevention is better than cure
A regular check is part of the care of the pear tree and is better than fighting it later. Spraying with chemical agents is forbidden because it damages fruits and beneficial insects.
Watch out for ant trails located on the trunk of the pear tree. Ants use lice as a source of food and bring them to the leaves themselves. Take appropriate measures to prevent ants from settling near the tree.
tips and tricks
Get rid of the aphids with tobacco brew. Collect the tobacco from butts or get some cheap cigarette tobacco. The tobacco is boiled with water until the water is completely brown. After cooling, the brew is diluted and sprayed several times on all affected parts of the plant.