If you've recently made the decision to plant some citrus trees in your yard, you naturally want your trees to thrive — after all, few things are better than fresh citrus fruit right from the tree. Insect pests, however, can stand between you and your enjoyment of tasty citrus goodness. Following are three common citrus tree pests and how you can help control them.
Citrus Leafminer
The citrus leafminer is a small moth that lays its eggs on the leaves of citrus trees. When the eggs hatch, the larvae (tiny worms) burrow into the leaves, creating winding mines as they feed. The mines can cause the leaves to become blotchy and distorted and can weaken the tree over time.
You can help control citrus leafminers using the following methods:
- Remove and destroy infested leaves. This will help to reduce the overall population of citrus leafminers on your tree.
- Use a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to kill the larvae.
- Introduce natural predators into your garden. There are several species of wasps that are known to feed on citrus leafminer larvae.
- Use a sticky trap to capture adult citrus leafminer moths. These traps can be purchased at a garden center or made at home using a yellow card and a sticky substance such as honey or petroleum jelly.
Citrus Thrips
Citrus thrips are small, slender insects that feed on the foliage and fruit of citrus trees. They can cause scarring and distortion of the fruit, and can also transmit viral diseases. Citrus thrips are most active in spring and early summer.
To control citrus thrips, you can try the following methods:
- Remove and destroy infested foliage and fruit. This will help to reduce the overall population of citrus thrips on your tree.
- Use a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to kill the thrips.
- Introduce natural predators into your garden. There are several species of predatory insects that feed on citrus thrips, such as lacewings and pirate bugs.
Citrus Psyllids
Citrus psyllids are small insects that feed on the sap of citrus trees. They can cause new growth to become distorted and can transmit diseases from one plant to another. Citrus psyllids are most active in spring and early summer.
Use the following methods to control citrus psyllids:
- Remove and destroy infested foliage.
- Use a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to kill the psyllids.
- Introduce natural predators into your garden. There are several species of predatory insects that feed on citrus psyllids, such as lacewings and pirate bugs.
- Use yellow sticky traps to capture adult citrus psyllids.
By regularly inspecting your trees and taking steps to control any pests that you find, you can help keep your citrus trees healthy and productive.
For more information about landscape citrus trees, contact a local professional.
