Various vermin often settle in potting soil. An infestation is often recognized too late, so that the cultivated plants have already been damaged and massive action must be taken to combat the pests.
Fungus gnats are often found in flower pots
Which vermin can occur in the potting soil?
Brought in by infested potting soil, vermin can usually multiply over a long period of time. The infestation is discovered by accident. The most common types of vermin in potting soil include:
- fungus gnats
- lily chicken
- springtails
- root mites
fungus gnats
Small black flies lay their eggs in the potting soil, where after a while the whitish larvae develop and cause damage to the plants.
lily chicken
Small, fiery red beetles buzz around the plant and lay their eggs in the potting soil. White larvae develop, which cause great damage to the leaves and stems of the flowers.
springtails
If small animals jump around on the potting soil, they are springtails, which breed profusely but cause little damage.
root mites
The mites sit on the stem of the plant and in the soil. They damage the roots, bulbs or tubers of the plants.
Various damage images
Fungus gnat larvae damage the plant roots, resulting in the death of the plant.
The voracious larvae of the lily beetle suck all the juice from the leaves, which dry up and fall off. If there are no more leaves, the stalk is sucked up.
Normally, springtails feed on dead plant matter and do not harm the plant. If there is a lack of food, they eat young plant greens, but cause only minor damage.
Root mites damage plants when they appear en masse. Flowers and leaves of the plant droop, leaves turn yellow and fall off. Gradually all parts of the plant dry up.
countermeasures
Home remedies should always be used first. An insecticide destroys the vermin quickly, but other plants, animals and even humans are also affected by the poison.
Non-toxic but effective pesticides are:
- Yellow boards, they attract the animals, they stick and die.
- Tobacco incorporated into the soil helps against fungus gnats.
- Nematodes, the threadworms, feed on the larvae of all vermin.
- Add soft soap (€44.90) and 2 teaspoons of spirit to water, spray plants with it until dripping wet, helps against lily beetles.
- A dip for the plant will drive away springtails.
- Watering with wormwood tea helps against root mites.