On the Nursery we use an integrated biological control system for all the various bugs and beasts that like to eat our plants. Whilst this is successful on our scale, in the greenhouse or conservatory it can be more difficult.

Chemical control is unfriendly to us all, especially if you plan to eat the fruits of your labours. It can also make an awful mess of carpets and furniture if you do not spray carefully.

Soft soap can work for some pests if you keep it up regularly. Rapeseed oil is a more effective alternative.

There is a chemical control which you can water into the pot, available at most garden centres. It will kill most pests over a short period of time but please do not use it if you plan to eat any part of the plant i.e.fruit!

The best method is to pay careful attention to your plants, as part of the daily routine. For example when you check for watering, look all over the plant, at the leaves and stems, watch for 'sticky spots' - the tell tale sign that someone else may be hidden there. Whatever the pest, if you can catch it early, the problem is easily solved.

Click on the quick links below or scroll down for more information.

GREENFLY - WHITEFLY - RED SPIDER MITES - MEALY BUG - SCALE INSECT - VINE WEEVIL

GREENFLY

Generally congregate on the soft tips of young shoots and leaves and are easily visible. They can be simply squashed with the fingers.

WHITEFLY

Whitefly will fly around when the plant is touched - some people Hoover them off! (don't laugh it actually works - just be careful the leaves don't go up the hoover). Also check the undersides of the leaves for the 'scales' of young about to hatch - these can be rubbed off.

RED SPIDER MITES

Problem - these are very small and when you see the cobweb it is usually too late. These chaps are not red but a beige colour with two black spots on their back. Humidity is the best deterrent as they hate getting wet. Spray with tepid water under the leaves, or move the plant outside and hose it down. Affected plants can be left outside in summer. Predator control works well for this pest. the mite phytoseiulus persimilis' if introduced early can really combat the problem. 

MEALY BUG

This has to be the worst of the lot, a small powdery white, oval beast that hides in a cotton wool-like fluff under labels or in nooks and crannies. Keep a close eye out for this pest as if it gets a hold it can be very difficult to get rid of. Severe pruning is the answer, or the tedious method of using methylated spirit and a small paintbrush to wash them off. Predator control using 'cryptolaemus' beetles will work if they have enough to eat, release them at night to prevent them flying out of the window.

SCALE INSECT

Vigilance is the only cure - wash them off with a toothbrush again and again. Try rape seed oil.

VINE WEEVIL

If you see the adult beetles or their tell-tale notching on the leaves, use either a chemical control or the nematode system a.s.a.p