Box trees are actually quite robust when it comes to diseases. Actually, because the boxwood cannot do anything against the whitefly. However, you can support him as a gardener. On this page you will learn how to combat the pest biologically without damaging your boxwood.
The whitefly is easy to see with the naked eye
conditions for an infestation
Whiteflies love warm climates. Infestation is most common in late summer or early fall. In unusually warm weather conditions, however, the occurrence can shift to spring.
symptoms
- honeydew on the leaves
- small white flies on the undersides of the leaves
- ring-shaped oviposition
- later white or greenish-yellow larvae that move slowly
- later immobile, pock-like larvae
- Flight when touching the boxwood
- Sooty mold as a secondary disease
measures
- Spray on rapeseed oil
- predators
- yellow boards
Spray on rapeseed oil
An effective home remedy for whiteflies is rapeseed oil. Mix this with water, fill it in a spray bottle and apply the product to the underside of the leaves in the early morning or late evening hours. You may have to repeat the application several times. If you would like more detailed information about treatment with rapeseed oil, you will find all the important information under this link.
predators
The parasitic wasp is an extremely useful insect in your garden. It feeds on the whitefly, but does not pose a threat to your plants. You can get an initial stock from specialist retailers. However, you can only use the parasitic wasp at a limited time of the year.
yellow boards
Not pretty but useful, yellow flags are yellow pennants with a sticky coating. Hang these up near your box trees. Because white flies are attracted to the yellow color, they get stuck on the boards.
Note: If the household remedies mentioned do not help, you should inquire about biological agents in specialist shops. These are always preferable to chemical fungicides.