Who eats aphids: 15 allies in the fight against the pest
Many plants are attacked by aphids. Insects feed on plant sap, slow down growth, infect with various viruses. Insecticides, folk and biological preparations successfully cope with insects. However, aphids have natural enemies among birds and insects.
Content
Symptoms of plant damage
Aphids on plants.
External signs of damage to aphids are:
- the presence of larvae or adults on the leaves;
- diseased leaves. They turn yellow, elasticity is lost, death occurs;
- weak inflorescences with no ovaries;
- viscous and sticky surface.
The reverse side of the leaves and flowers are favorite habitats. The appearance of the larva occurs up to 14 days. The life cycle is up to 30 days. The larva actively feeds on juice, which contains many nutrients.
You can get acquainted with aphids in article link.
Assistants in the fight against aphids
Involving animals in the fight against a pest is a reliable way to arm yourself with comrades-in-arms.
ladybug
This is the most dangerous enemy of aphids. Destroys a huge number of pests. A ladybug can eat 50 pieces per day. It feeds on both eggs and adults. Ladybug larvae also need nutrients. Each of them has from 80 to 100 eggs or aphids.
Gold-eyed
The flying thin-winged insect eats eggs and adults. The number can reach 150. Lacewing larvae feed on aphids and some other insects from birth.
sand wasp
It is a bright yellow insect. A wasp sting paralyzes aphids. Destroys from 100 to 150 insects. However, there are not so many of them in Russia. The typical habitat is the tropics.
Other insects
Other aphid killers:
- cicadas;
- crickets;
- ground beetles;
- earwigs - about 100 individuals are destroyed per night;
- riders - parasites lay eggs in aphids, and then a small larva kills an insect;
- flies - hoverflies - 50% of the larvae eat aphids;
- spiders - eat individuals that have fallen into their web.
These insects densely populate all regions of the Russian Federation.
Aphid eating birds
Birds can quickly destroy aphid colonies. They are attracted by feeders, you can even scatter cereals between the rows. Bird species that prey on aphids are:
- sparrows;
- warblers;
- goldfinches;
- orioles;
- tits;
- flycatchers;
- redstarts;
- gray warblers;
- bluethroat;
- wrens;
- robins;
- hemp.
There is another safe method to protect the site from aphids - plant.
Conclusion
Insects and birds will help in the fight against aphids. Drinkers and feeders are used to lure birds. Be sure to take into account that the use of chemicals is prohibited in such areas.
