Sacrifice rosemary for trapping spider mites and beetles.
Many herbs repel insect pests but, unfortunately, some insects find herbs irresistible. Most gardens require a variety of plants to attract beneficial insects while detracting harmful ones. It is a give and take situation when it comes to any garden. Sacrificing some plants for overall benefit is to be expected. Natural remedies safely keep insect pests under control as well. Does this Spark an idea?
Aphids
Aphids love to feed on young herb plants by sucking the juice from leaves and stems. Aphids are tiny green insects that blend in with the plant, making them difficult to detect. The sweet, sticky residue left behind by the sucking attracts ants so if ants are present on your herbs, you surely have an aphid problem. Aphids are often born pregnant so infestation occurs quickly. Soap and pepper based sprays safely remove aphid infestations from herbal plants.
Two-Spotted Spider Mites
Not technically insects, spider mites lethally damage herbs by removing the chlorophyll. This process turn leaves yellow and they fall off the plant. Two-spotted spider mites reproduce quickly and become mature adults in 7 to 21 days. Outbreaks occur during hot and dry conditions. Spider mites travel from plant to plant with the slightest breeze. Predatory mites, thrips and ladybugs help keep two-spotted spider mites to a minimum.
Whiteflies
Adult whiteflies as well as their eggs and scales live on the undersides of leaves. They leave behind a black sooty mold on the upper surface of infested leaves. Whiteflies transmit plant viruses to other plants. This pest survives cold winters by living on coriander and parsley. Disturbing plants during warm weather results in flies migrating to other plants for renewed infestation. Save your herbs by planting tobacco, which is more attractive to whiteflies than herbs.
Beneficial Pests on Herbs
Planting sacrificial herbs, such as thyme, rosemary and most mints, attract insects that damage other plants and thus provide a trap for spider mites and beetles. Lacewings consume caterpillars, beetle grubs and aphids. Planting ferns evergreens and nectar-rich flowers attract lacewings to your garden to protect your herbs. Predatory wasps and flies prey on leafhoppers, grubs and grasshoppers. Carrot, mustard and mint plants attract them.
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