How do you control eggplant pests?
Strategies for Insect Management in Eggplant Mechanical control includes handpicking insects. This is an easy strategy for larger, slow-moving insects, such as hornworms and Colorado potato beetles. Pick the insect off the plant and squish it or drop it in a bottle of soapy water.
What eats holes in eggplant leaves?
A: That’s the work of flea beetles, the bane of eggplants. Flea beetles are tiny black bugs that chew holes in leaves like someone peppered them with miniature buckshot. They’ll attack mustard, radishes and sometimes cole crops, but eggplant is their favorite.
What do you spray on eggplant leaves?
As a last resort, or for heavy infestations of flea beetles, you can use a liquid rotenone/pyrethrin spray that is quite effective for getting rid of flea beetles on eggplant. Although these sprays are organic in nature, they are still a pesticide and can affect the good insects if used in an irresponsible manner.
What pests eat eggplant leaves?
Thrips, flea beetles, cutworms, armyworms, aphids, and white flies can also find food in maturing eggplant plants. The treatment for such insects is usually very simple and can be cured in reasonable time. Following standard organic guides for the elimination of these pests will work effectively.
Can we eat eggplant leaves?
According to the United States Department of Agriculture, eggplant leaves are toxic and narcotic, like many members of the nightshade family, so they are inedible . The alkaline known as solanine is the toxic part of the eggplant leaves and flowers.
How do I get rid of ants on my eggplant plants?
How to Control Ants in Your Garden
- Get rid of aphids and other sap-sucking pests.
- Distribute artificial sweetener near the ants.
- Sprinkle ground cinnamon or cayenne pepper around your plants.
- Place food-grade diatomaceous earth by trails and nests.
- Set a borax (or boric acid) and sugar poison trap.
How do you make ants go away naturally?
Mix a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray it directly on the ants to kill them, then wipe up the ants using a damp paper towel and discard them. You can also use vinegar and water as a deterrent; spray it around your windowsills, doorways and other places where you see ants coming inside.
Why does vinegar kill ants?
Unlike sweets and proteins, ants cannot stand vinegar, meaning that using this substance is a great way to kick ants out of your home for good. The reason that ants are turned away by vinegar is that they cannot deal with strong smells. Ants leave a trail of pheromones so that other ants can find food sources.
Do coffee grounds keep ants away?
Repel ants Ants are extremely susceptible to caffeine. This safe material confuses the worker ants because they lose their scent trails. Leave coffee grounds where the ants are and they will carry it home and eat it.
What spice keeps ants away?
Sprinkle cinnamon, mint, chili pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves or garlic in the area where you’ve seen the ants. Then, treat your home’s foundation in the same manner. Placing bay leaves in cabinets, drawers, and containers can also help to deter ants.