Begonias are beautiful plants, but they are often infested by pests, including long-bodied worms. Long-term damage from these worms can slow down the growth of begonias and even lead to the death of the plant. This article will introduce how to effectively control long-bodied worms on begonias.
I. Understanding Begonia Long-bodied Worms
Begonia long-bodied worms are small, aphid-like pests. They prefer to parasitize on the new leaves and buds of begonias, sucking the plant's sap. Long-term infestation by these worms can lead to withered, dry leaves and deformed buds.
II. Observing for Begonia Infestation
To detect if begonias are infested with long-bodied worms, we need to frequently observe their growth condition. If you notice the leaves of the begonia gradually turning yellow, drying out, or showing abnormal shapes, you should further inspect for the presence of these worms.
III. Removing Long-bodied Worms from Begonias
If you find long-bodied worms on your begonias, you need to remove them promptly. You can use a cotton swab dipped in soapy water to gently wipe the leaves and buds, which can effectively remove the worms. You can also use pesticides for spraying, but be mindful of the concentration and application method to avoid harming the plant.
IV. Avoiding Over-fertilization of Begonias
Over-fertilizing can cause begonias to grow too lushly, which can attract more long-bodied worms to parasitize. We need to fertilize reasonably and avoid excessive fertilization.
V. Maintaining a Clean Environment Around Begonias
Keep the area around the begonias clean and tidy, clearing away grass and weeds. This can reduce the breeding and reproduction of long-bodied worms and other pests.
VI. Spraying Geranium Oil on Begonias
Geranium oil can enhance the plant's disease resistance and also effectively prevent infestations by long-bodied worms. We can use an appropriate amount of geranium oil for spraying, and it needs to be reapplied periodically.
VII. Maintaining Good Air Circulation for Begonias
Maintaining good air circulation for begonias is also important. This can be achieved by appropriately pruning leaves and buds to keep the canopy well-ventilated.
VIII. Using Yellow Sticky Traps
Yellow sticky traps can effectively attract and capture long-bodied worms, which can reduce their number and thus effectively control the infestation.
IX. Regularly Inspecting Begonias
To detect in time whether begonias are infested with long-bodied worms, we need to regularly check their growth condition. If any abnormalities are found, timely measures must be taken.
X. Paying Attention to the Growing Environment of Begonias
Begonias prefer to grow in warm and humid environments. If the environment is too dry or the temperature is too high, it is easy to cause an infestation of long-bodied worms. We need to pay attention to the growing environment of begonias and maintain suitable temperature and humidity.
XI. Strengthening the Nutrient Supply for Begonias
Strengthening the nutrient supply for begonias can also enhance their disease resistance, thereby effectively preventing infestations by long-bodied worms. You can apply an appropriate amount of fertilizer and choose some that contain multiple trace elements.
XII. Using Insecticidal Lamps
Insecticidal lamps can effectively attract and capture long-bodied worms, thereby reducing their numbers. We can place an appropriate number of insecticidal lamps near the begonias and replace the sticky fly paper periodically.
XIII. Cultivating Natural Predators
Cultivating natural predators is a relatively safe and environmentally friendly method for controlling long-bodied worms. You can introduce natural predators such as ladybugs to effectively control the population of the worms.
XIV. Preventing Recurrence of Long-bodied Worms
Preventing the recurrence of long-bodied worms is also important. We need to frequently observe the growth condition of begonias, promptly remove pests from the plants, and pay attention to keeping the surrounding environment clean.
XV.
Begonias are a common ornamental plant, but they are often infested by long-bodied worms. To effectively control them, we can take multiple measures such as removing the worms, applying fertilizer reasonably, keeping the plant's surroundings clean, using yellow sticky traps, and cultivating natural predators. Through the comprehensive application of these methods, we can effectively protect begonias and help them grow strong and healthy.