White podura: photo of an insect and protection of indoor plants from them
Sometimes in a flower pot you can see small white insects. Mustachioed parasites are able not only to crawl, but also to bounce. Large populations can damage the plant. Therefore, it is necessary to get rid of fools.
Content
Podura: photo
Description of the pest
Name: real fools
Latin:PoduridaeClass: Collembola
Squad: Springtails - Poduromorpha
 | Habitats: | indoor plants, garden and vegetable garden |
 | Dangerous for: | colors |
 | Means of destruction: | Fufanol, chemicals, decoctions |
Podura: photo.
Podurs are similar to small caterpillars. The color is white or cream. Very rarely they are greenish or silvery. Body length about 2 mm. Sometimes the length reaches 1 cm. The body has an oval shape.
Thanks to a special fork, they jump perfectly, pushing off with its help. This is what distinguishes the insect from the mealybug. At rest, the organ is hidden under the belly.
Eggs are round. The color is greenish-yellow with a sheen. After laying within 18 - 20 days, larvae appear that are identical to adults. Larvae pose the same danger to flowers as adults.
Very often, podurs are confused with springtails that live in indoor plants. In order not to be confused, we will continue to consider insects, pests of indoor plants.
Common types
The population of parasites depends on the level of humidity. High humidity promotes active reproduction. Among the most common varieties, it is worth highlighting a few main ones.
Reasons for the appearance of podura
A small number of insects are always present in the soil of indoor plants, greenhouses, and even more so in open areas. They do harm in large numbers. The appearance of parasites on ornamental plants is associated with:
- high humidity due to a violation of the irrigation system - you can not abuse it with watering;
- an increased level of humidity in the room - a damp microclimate contributes to the invasion of insects;
- the development of putrefactive processes - this refers to black tea leaves, which rots, and to moisture stagnation. They must be removed;
- non-compliance with certain temperatures;
- weakened immunity in a calm state;
- the presence of moss in the container;
- violation in care - fallen leaves rot and attract fungi and parasites.
Signs of the appearance of podur on plants
Obvious signs of an insect invasion are:
- whitish coating;
- jumping individuals;
- yellowing and wilting of flowers;
- lag in development and growth.
Methods of dealing with podura
Depending on the scale of distribution, the following methods of struggle are chosen: folk methods, chemicals, biological agents.
At an early stage, they use folk recipes, in advanced cases - chemical preparations.
Folk methods
From folk remedies, it is appropriate to use potato bait. To do this, the tuber is cut into 2 identical parts and laid on the ground with a cut. After 3 hours check the trap. If the parasites have overlaid the bait, then the tuber is removed, covering it with a plastic bag in advance. Care must be taken as springtails are very active.
Another effective remedy is wood ash. Ash can cope with podura even at a depth of 1 cm in the soil. In addition to the destruction of the number of parasites, the acidity of the soil decreases. In this regard, some plants are not treated with ash.
You can also use infusions from plants. They are less effective, but safe for plants. Apply funds with chamomile, calendula, dandelion, yarrow. For effectiveness, you need to repeat the procedure every week.
Biological agents
From biological agents it is worth highlighting Fitoverm. It is classified as a natural pesticide. The poison destroys sexually mature individuals and larvae. Eggs do not lose viability. In this regard, repeat spraying after a week.
Fitoverm must not be mixed with other fungicides.
Chemicals
It should be understood that indoor chemicals should be used with caution. They can be in the form of a spray, powder or in ampoules. Choose according to your taste.
preventive measures
To prevent the invasion of parasites, follow some recommendations:
- the frequency and volume of irrigation should be moderate;
- planting and transplanting occurs only with drainage. It can be small gravel, pebbles, expanded clay;
- coffee grounds or tea leaves are used once a week;
- with an increase in acidity, the top layer is changed, removing up to 2 cm of earth;
- after processing, they are transplanted into a new flowerpot with fresh soil.
Conclusion
The appearance of podura on ornamental plants is a common occurrence. Timely prevention will get rid of this problem. However, if parasites are found, folk or chemicals are used. This will help preserve the flowers.
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