When the temperatures rise in spring, many a gardener looks forward to the strawberry bed with anticipation. Only a few more months and the sweet berries will be ripe. It is all the more annoying when he discovers white flies. The pests also love the fruit plant. However, they value the fruit less than the stems of the plant. However, this can greatly reduce the yield and, in the worst case, lead to the plant dying. These home remedies drive the whitefly away.
Strawberries don't just taste good to us humans
Organic home remedies
- yellow boards
- predators
- reduce humidity
- herbal sprays
With a light infestation, it is often sufficient to spray the leaves with a gentle shower. Focus the jet on the undersides of the leaves. This is where the white flies gather in the foreground.
yellow boards
Yellow objects attract white flies more. Take advantage of this by hanging yellow boards in the garden. These are covered with a sticky film to which the whiteflies stick on contact. Change the banners regularly.
predators
If you want to fight whiteflies in a completely natural way, the best thing to do is to lure predators into the garden. These include:
- parasitic wasps
- ladybug
- or spiders
Offer the animals food sources in the form of wild herbs and nesting aids.
reduce humidity
If your strawberries are in the greenhouse, a planting error may be the cause of the infestation. Check whether you have kept sufficient planting distance when planting the strawberries. High humidity and warm temperatures encourage whitefly reproduction. Occasional airing helps contain the population.
Biological sprays
While chemicals are out of the question, you should only use ready-made preparations from the trade in an emergency. A self-made plant brew, on the other hand, is harmless and inexpensive. The following ingredients are suitable for this:
- basil
- garlic
- soft soap
- rapeseed oil
- nettles
Mix the substances with water and spray the solution on the affected plant.