Lantana is the most popular perennial ornamental plant, which you would find in the landscapes of Texas. You should know this plant is known for its cold hardiness, drought tolerance, and colorful flowers that usually grow from March to the end of October.
Due to its amazing attributes, lantana has become the most popular plant you would find in commercial and residential xeriscapes and landscapes. The best part about this beautiful plant is that they love being in full sunlight and bloom in many colors. In addition, Lantana is a problem-free perennial that you can water and grow until it is fully grown.
However, you should know that some mite pests and insects are likely to attack the lantana, and in most cases, their damage is unnoticeable. But when the infestation grows, it can cause serious problems that most of us don’t even know. So, if you suspect an infestation in your lantana plant and don’t know what to do? Well, here you will find every answer to your questions.
What Is Eating Holes In Your Lantana?
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The eating holes in your lantana plant indicate that bugs infest it. As several pests can damage the lantana plant, you have to get rid of them as soon as possible to prevent further damage. But first, you need to identify the pest that has been feeding on your lantana.
You should know that several species of pests like aphids, lace bugs, whiteflies, spider mites, etc., can feed on lantana. Once you have identified the type of the bug, you can take preventative measures, which would be more effective and least harmful to the atmosphere.
Signs Of Bug Damage
The bugs are so tiny that their infestation goes unnoticed, which means unless the infestation is significant, you can’t see them. Once the infestation grows, the leaves of this plant will have dark spots that one can notice quickly. You should know that the leaf would have yellow, brown, or white specks at the top, which are caused by the pests feeding underneath.
The common signs of a heavily infested plant are that the leaves would turn yellow and eventually die from the root and fall off. So, when you suspect an infestation, it would be better to take preventive measures immediately.
Common Types Of Bugs That Eat Your Lantana
There are some common species of pests and insects that can affect the overall health of lantana when an infestation has grown considerably. These pests usually suck up the plant tissue, which causes leaves to turn yellow or, in some cases, white.
As a result, they can affect the plant so seriously because it reduces the amount of vigor and quality of blooms.
So, before you take any preventive measures, you have to identify the types of bugs and then take effective steps to get rid of the infestation. Here are some common bug types that you can find on lantana plants.
- Aphids
- Lacebugs
- Mealybugs
- Whiteflies
- Spider Mites
These are the most common pests that you are likely to find on lantana plants. After identifying their species, you can take several measures to reduce the pests’ population naturally.
How To Eliminate Bugs On Lantana Naturally
Usually, lantana can survive the damage of most insects, but you may have to intervene in case the infestation has grown significantly. This will help in managing the injury and stimulating the plant to grow on a regular basis.
You should know that there are several home remedies that you can take to get rid of these pesky insects naturally using household products.
So, whether these are whiteflies or lace bugs, you can get rid of them without pesticides or chemicals. And the most common remedies include products that are found at home.
Measures To Get Rid Of Bugs On Lantana
- You can mix a few drops of dish soap with two glasses of water and spray it all over the plant. The solution will dehydrate spider mites and aphids, which would help in eliminating most of the bugs.
- Make a DIY solution made from neem oil. First, you should know that the oil is extracted from the neem trees, which are mostly found in India. Neem is a natural anti-fungicide and insecticide that helps in repelling scale, mites, aphids, and other tiny insects.
- Another DIY measure that you can make at your home is pyrethrum spray. It is the most effective and natural insecticide obtained from dried chrysanthemum flowers. All you need to do is mix two tablespoons of powder with a few drops of dish soap and water to create a spray. You should know that the pyrethrum spray can paralyze the flying pests on direct contact.
- Apart from these measures, you can also use beer to create a trap and keep these minor bugs from marching over the roots and leaves. You should know that orange rinds, grapefruit, or grape juice also make a good trap.
Also Read: How To Get Rid Of Bugs In Pineapples Naturally
How To Prevent Bugs On Lantana
When dealing with these tiny bugs on lantana, you can take several measures to prevent further infestation on the plant. There are some healthy practices that you consider while taking care of your lantana plant.
Preventive Measure That You Need To Take
- You do not overwater the lantana plant because it can result in producing algae, which can attract more pests to your plant. Instead, it would be better for you to have gaps between the watering routine.
- You should pick and remove the dried leaves of the plant as it can attract more pests and provide them a good reason to stay. So, it would be better for you to cut down any dried or yellowish leaf to prevent further infestation.
Final Words
Now you know how to eliminate these tiny bugs on the lantana plant and deal with heavy infestation. Don’t forget to take the necessary measures to protect your lantana plant from future infestation.
