Lace bugs are pesky pests that can wreak havoc on your plants and gardens. It’s important to find the right insecticide to deal with them quickly and effectively.
Fortunately, there are three of the best insecticides for lace bugs that you can use to get rid of these unwanted critters once and for all! From homemade insecticidal soap to Neem oil, and Sevin Insect Killer – read on for the best way to battle lace bugs in your garden. Here are more plants that attract beneficial insects.
Listed below are the 3 best insecticides for lace bugs:
Homemade insecticidal soap
Homemade insecticidal soap is an effective and inexpensive way to get rid of lace bugs. It works by smothering the insects on contact without damaging your plants. To make it, mix one tablespoon of mild liquid dish soap with one quart of water, and shake it well to mix. Spray the mixture onto both the upper and lower leaf surfaces as well as any other areas that are infested with lace bugs. Be sure to spray all sides of the leaves so you can get the best coverage possible.
This should be done in the evening when temperatures are cooler and direct sunlight isn’t present. Reapply every few days until you’ve seen results, or until lace bug populations have been reduced. Insecticidal soap can be a safe, organic solution to control pests on plants. It is effective against scale, mealybugs, and soft-bodied insects, but should be diluted and used carefully as it could have low toxicity on plants and may impact beneficial insects.
When used properly, the soap will eliminate unwanted insects without harming the plant. Regular use of soap can keep your garden free from pests.
Lace bugs are a common occurrence in South Carolina gardens. These pests consume the sap from flowering plant leaves. They are hard to remove and cause visible damage; yellow or white stippling, cast-off egg scabs, and falling leaves can be seen on the lower side of the leaves. There are diverse types of lace bugs.
Neem oil
Neem oil is a natural insecticide derived from the seeds of the neem tree. It’s known for its ability to control a wide variety of pests, including lace bugs.
Neem oil works by disrupting the life cycle of lace bug eggs and nymphs. Preventing them from hatching effectively reduces lace bug populations. Additionally, neem oil acts as a repellent that keeps adult female lace bugs from laying eggs on your plants. To use neem oil, mix 2-3 teaspoons per quart of water and apply it to both the upper and lower leaf surfaces of susceptible plants.
Be sure to spray under the leaves as well since this is where most larvae develop. Reapply every 7-10 days until you’ve seen results or until lace bug populations have been reduced. Neem oil can be an effective, but temporary solution to lace bugs in your garden. Apply the oil within one week of noticing the pests to achieve results.
When using neem oil, strictly adhere to avoiding the plant’s leaves, as going against this step can cause additional damage. If you are unsuccessful with this approach, discard it and be aware that lace bugs may return. Insecticidal soap is effective against acephate-resistant lace bugs, though further research is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of shorter-term usage of an alternative, such as that of the lower rate of kill through the use of the oil from a certain type of tree. Lee Hellman and John Davidson provided helpful comments.
Results can be found in the Journal of the American Rhododendron Society. It is important to recognize that it does not provide generalized protection against other insects. Pyrethroids are a better choice for broad insecticide control, but may have adverse effects on native pollinators; therefore users should pay attention to labels before using any insecticides with an emphasis on following instructions and precautions.
Sevin Insect Killer
Sevin Insect Killer is a widely used, broad-spectrum insecticide that’s designed to control a wide range of common garden pests, including lace bugs. It works by disrupting the nervous system of the insects it comes into contact with, killing them quickly and efficiently.
Sevin can be applied directly to the upper leaf surfaces and underside of leaves where lace bug eggs and nymphs are found. Additionally, it can be sprayed on spider mites and other beneficial insects to reduce their populations as well. To use Sevin Insect Killer, mix two tablespoons per gallon of water and apply it with a foliar sprayer or hose-end applicator. Be sure to wear protective clothing when applying this product as it may cause skin irritation in some people. Reapply every 7-10 days for best results or until you start seeing fewer lace bug adults on your plants.
Strong water from a garden hose can control lace bug infestations. Alternatively, a broad-spectrum insecticide may be used to eradicate the entire colony but this could have negative effects on other fauna in the garden and potentially result in spider mite issues. general insecticide designed specifically for lace bugs can help prevent eggs from being laid, larvae from hatching, and adults without wings from surviving. It’s recommended to talk to an extension agent for advice on the best option for treating lace bugs.
Summary
Lace bugs are a common garden pest that can cause significant damage to plants. The best way to get rid of them is by using an insecticidal soap or a systemic insecticide like Sevin Insect Killer.
Insecticidal soaps work by smothering the lace bug eggs and nymphs as well as disrupting their nervous systems.
Systemic insecticides like Sevin are more effective for controlling adult lace bugs and can be applied directly to the upper leaf surfaces and underside of leaves where lace bug eggs and nymphs are found.
Be sure to wear protective clothing when applying these products as they may cause skin irritation in some people. Additionally, it’s important to remember that beneficial insects can help keep lace bug populations down, so try not to eliminate them with your control efforts.
