The African mallow shrub (Malva parviflora) is a beautiful ornamental plant known for its lush green foliage and cheerful pink or white blooms. However, these hardy shrubs can fall victim to infestations of crusader bugs a sap-sucking pest that can quickly damage the plant. Getting rid of these persistent bugs takes some effort, but is possible with consistent monitoring and integrated pest management. Here’s a comprehensive guide to controlling crusader bugs on African mallow shrubs.
Identifying Crusader Bugs
The first step is learning to identify crusader bugs. These small, slender insects measure 5-7 mm in length. They have an oblong, narrow body and are typically bright green in color, sometimes with yellowish or white spots. You’ll often find them clustered on the undersides of leaves or around tender stems.
Check for signs of their damage, like yellow or white stippling on leaves where they’ve inserted their piercing mouthparts to feed on sap. Left uncontrolled, crusader bug feeding can cause leaves to turn yellow, wilt, or become distorted. Heavy infestations can even kill young African mallow shrubs.
Encouraging Natural Predators
One of the safest, most sustainable ways to control crusader bugs is by attracting beneficial predatory insects Lady beetles, green lacewings, and tiny parasitic wasps all feed on crusader bugs Support these natural pest controllers by
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Planting nectar-producing flowers like cosmos, yarrow, and Black-eyed Susan to provide food sources
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Avoiding broad-spectrum insecticides that kill off beneficials
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Providing water sources like fountains, ponds, or bird baths
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Leaving some pests to serve as “prey” for hungry beneficials
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Installing habitats like bird or bat boxes to bring in more predators
Manual Removal
For light infestations, manually removing and destroying the bugs can help reduce their numbers. Check plants frequently and simply squash, knock off into soapy water, or prune away heavily infested leaves and stems. Just be sure to keep checking routinely, as crusader bugs reproduce quickly.
Using Organic Pesticide Sprays
When crusader bug populations grow out of control, treatments with organic pesticides are warranted. Neem oil and insecticidal soap sprays are two safe, effective options:
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Neem oil – Mix 1-2 Tbsp neem oil + 1 quart water + a few drops of dish soap. Spray leaves, especially the undersides.
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Insecticidal soap – Mix 1-2 tsp mild liquid soap + 1 quart water. Spray leaves, stems, and undersides.
Cover the plant thoroughly and repeat applications may be needed. Always follow label directions. Neither will harm beneficial insects.
Smart Cultural Controls
Good garden sanitation and plant care practices also help deter crusader bugs, such as:
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Removing and destroying any damaged leaves or stems
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Disposing of fallen leaves and debris around plants
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Watering at the base vs. overhead to decrease humidity on foliage
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Avoiding excess nitrogen fertilization that produces succulent, pest-vulnerable growth
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Pruning for open air circulation and light penetration
When to Call in the Pros
If crusader bug infestations persist despite your best organic efforts, contacting a professional pest control company may be warranted. They have access to stronger synthetic insecticides that could knock down a heavy crusader bug infestation. Just be aware these chemicals may also kill off beneficial insects. Seek their guidance on less-toxic solutions first.
Preventing Future Infestations
Once you knock down a crusader bug problem, take steps to prevent a repeat:
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Cover young shrubs with floating row cover fabric for a physical barrier
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Use reflective mulch early on to deter the bugs from colonizing plants
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Limit stressors like inadequate water that make plants more vulnerable
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Select less susceptible African mallow varieties like ‘Angel Wings’
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Grow companion plants like garlic or chives that may repel pests
Be Persistent for Pest-Free African Mallows
Getting rid of pesky crusader bugs takes diligence, but is definitely possible even without harsh chemicals. Combining manual removal, attracting beneficials, using organic sprays, and smart cultural practices can keep these sap-feeding pests from destroying your beautiful African mallows. With quick attention at first signs of infestation and good preventive care going forward, you can enjoy a lush, crusader-free African mallow shrub.
The Importance of the Right Name
When learning about a pest, begin your journey by finding out it’s scientific name. The bug I’m ruminating on today is the Green Vegetable Bug Nezara Viridula, also called green vegetable beetle, stink bug or shield bug. These other names bring you to an array of bugs, not necessarily Nezara V. With the proper name you can’t go wrong. Searching with the scientific name brings you to the best information.
How to Get Rid of Stink Bugs – The Grumpy Gardener
FAQ
How do you get rid of assassin bugs on plants?
What kills stink bugs instantly on plants?
What can you spray on plants to keep bugs off?
How do I get rid of bugs eating my plant leaves?
How do you control a mallow plant?
Controlling mallow can definitely be a frustrating task at best. Pulling, hoeing, or weeding works well when plants are very young and you must keep a constant eye to keep up on them.
How do I get rid of Mallow weed?
Getting rid of this persistent plant is not an easy chore either. Mature mallow seems to be incredibly resistant to most common herbicides. One of the best ways to control this weed in lawns is to make sure your turf is thick and healthy. A healthy turf will choke out the weed and not allow the seeds to spread.
Can you eat a mallow plant sprayed with a herbicide?
Herbicides work best, like weeding, when the plants are young and in their vegetative state. Do not allow pets or children on a sprayed lawn area immediately after spraying. Never eat a mallow plant that has been sprayed with an herbicide.
What is mallow weed control?
Frequently found in open areas, cultivated lands, gardens, landscapes, and even new lawns, mallow weed control is a popular topic of conversation amongst gardeners. Mallow weeds are particularly troublesome in new lawns where they can produce a tremendous number of seeds long before a homeowner may even know that there is a weed control problem.