More than 200 species of stink bugs call North America home, and you may very well think most of them have taken up residence in your garden.
These shield-shaped munchers are known for the odor they produce when disturbed or squished, which is said to be similar to skunk, powerful cilantro, or coriander.
Personally, I don’t find coriander to be stinky at all, but I suppose that’s a to-each-her-own kind of thing.
Anyway, these greedy critters eat through a wide variety of homegrown fruits and vegetables, including cucumbers, berries, squash, tomatoes, apples, and peaches.
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How do you protect your crops from these voracious vermin? Let’s look at some tried and true techniques.
As a gardener few things are more frustrating than walking outside to see those vibrant African marigold flowers damaged and wilting. And upon closer inspection, you notice the culprits – tiny crusader bugs sucking the life out of your plants. While these sap-sucking insects are common pests for many garden plants they can be particularly problematic for delicate blooms like marigolds. Luckily, there are effective organic methods to rid your African marigolds of these bothersome bugs without resorting to harsh chemical pesticides.
Identifying Crusader Bugs
The first step in managing any garden pest is proper identification Crusader bugs (sometimes called soldier bugs) are members of the insect family Pentatomidae They get their common name from the stark black and red coloring on their oval-shaped bodies, which resembles the armor of medieval crusaders. These true bugs have piercing-sucking mouthparts they use to feed on plant fluids.
When feeding on African marigolds crusader bugs use their sharp “beaks” to pierce stems, leaves and flower buds to suck out sap. This can cause wilted, curled, or yellowing foliage, stunted growth, and damage to blossoms. Look for their egg clusters on the undersides of leaves and stems as well. Catching infestations early is key to saving your marigolds.
Organic Crusader Bug Control Methods
Once you confirm crusader bugs are attacking your African marigolds, it’s time to take action. Here are some of the most effective organic methods to get rid of these pests while protecting your flowers:
Insecticidal Soap
Insecticidal soaps disrupt soft-bodied insects like crusader bugs through direct contact. Mix a few teaspoons of mild dish detergent with water and spray liberally over all plant surfaces, especially the undersides of leaves where bugs tend to hide. Reapply every 5-7 days as needed. The soap solution desiccates and kills the pests while safely breaking down after drying.
Neem Oil
Derived from the neem tree, this non-toxic oil coats insects to prevent feeding and egg laying. Mix neem oil concentrate with water per label instructions and spray onto African marigolds. The oil’s residual activity continues working for weeks to deter reinfestation. Neem oil also repels other common marigold pests like spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies.
Diatomaceous Earth
This powder made from fossilized algae damages insects’ exoskeletons and absorbs the waxy outer layer that protects their bodies. Lightly dust diatomaceous earth on and below soil around marigolds. The sharp particles cut crusader bugs on contact. Reapply after rain or watering. Wear a mask when handling to avoid inhaling the dust.
Row Covers
Floating row covers act as a physical barrier to block pests. Cover African marigold beds with the lightweight fabric, securing the edges with stones or garden staples. Remove covers periodically for pollinator access once plants start flowering. Ensure there are no tears where bugs can enter.
Natural Predators
Encourage natural biological control by attracting crusader bug predators like birds, lacewings, ladybugs, praying mantis, and parasitic wasps. Plant a variety of flowers for pollen and nectar. Include herbs like dill to support predator egg/larva development. A balanced ecosystem keeps pest issues in check naturally.
Trap Cropping
Lure crusader bugs away from African marigolds by interplanting with highly attractive trap crops like nasturtiums, mustard greens, and radishes. Concentrating the pests on sacrificial plants lets you control them more easily before they reach your marigolds.
Maintain Vigilance
Be proactive by routinely inspecting for crusader bugs before they build up. Catch infestations early by looking under leaves for eggs and juvenile insects. Squish or prune out isolated colonies. Monitor cleaned areas for reoccurrence and quickly retarget treatment if pests return. Vigilance is key for prevention.
While crusader bugs can be destructive pests for cherished African marigolds, gardeners have many effective organic options for protection. Whether using insecticidal soaps, neem oil, beneficial insects, or trap cropping, you can safely and sustainably get rid of these sap-sucking bugs and enjoy thriving, vigorous marigold plants. Just remember to regularly scout for early signs of infestation – catching problems before they spread is critical. With the right integrated pest management, your African marigolds will remain crusader free and full of blossoms all season long!
Tidy Up the Garden
The first step to control stink bug populations is to keep your gardens clean and free of debris.
These pests like to hide in decomposing logs or under decaying plant matter, so keep areas clear of potential homes and breeding grounds.
Remove dead leaves, weeds, and overgrown plantings.
We know many of you in the Midwest and Northeast suffer each fall from an invasion of brown marmorated stink bugs into your homes, where they seek shelter from chilly weather.
This “gift” from Asia is not native to the United States, but has made itself quite at home here, wreaking havoc on crops and in homes along the way.
This article deals primarily with ridding your garden of any of a wide variety of stink bugs, but some of these techniques will also be applicable to getting rid of the dreaded home invader.
Try repelling these odiferous arthropods by planting – get this – smelly plants. Garlic, catnip, lavender, and thyme are examples.
Radishes, marigolds, and chrysanthemums are also known to repel these pests.
Also consider planting plants that attract enemies of the stink bug.
A study conducted by Lauren G. Hunt, Armando Rosario-Lebron, and Cerruti R. Hooks found that French marigold, buckwheat, and purple tansy were effective at attracting parasitic wasps.
These wasps lay their eggs in stink bug eggs, destroying the developing insect. The wasps are tiny and don’t pose a problem for humans.
Cardinals, bluebirds, and wrens are partial to a stink bug snack, so work to attract these birds to your garden.
Some gardeners will plant a sacrificial “trap plant” such as tomato or sunflower away from the main gardens, and hope the pests settle on that plant, leaving the main crops alone.
When the bait plant is covered in the insects, pull it up, bugs and all, and carefully contain it in a plastic bag. Leave it in the sun to kill the insects, and then dispose of the whole mess.
You can also try trapping the little pests by rigging up a battery-powered light over a pan filled with soapy water. At night they’ll be attracted to the light, fall into the water, and… game over.
Commercially available pheromone traps emit a scent that the creepy crawlers supposedly find irresistible, but many gardeners seem to find the effectiveness of these negligible at best.
Organic Pesticides and Repellents
Going back to our stinky-beats-stinky theory, you might want to try a garlic spray. Here’s how to make your own at home:
Chop five or six garlic cloves finely and boil in a gallon of water. Let it cool, then strain the mixture and spray it on susceptible plants. Simple, right?
Neem oil is often effective against these smelly invaders, and it’s available on Amazon.
Insecticidal soap tends to work better against soft-bodied insects, but some gardeners report success using it against the stinkies.
You can purchase commercial insecticidal soaps, such as this one available on Amazon.
Or, make your own by combining five tablespoons of liquid soap with one gallon of water.
Pyrethrin is another organic insecticide that can be effective against stink bugs. Find it at Amazon.
Some gardeners have found wood ash to be a good stink bug repellent, while others say it works better against slugs and snails.
If you want to give it a try, simply spread a thin layer around your vulnerable plants after a rain.
When all else fails, you can try a chemical-based product such as Sevin.
Sevin is quite effective against stink bugs, but keep in mind that it is toxic to humans and classified as a likely human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, so you’ll want to thoroughly wash food treated with this product.
Also note that this chemical will also kill beneficial insects such as bees and ladybugs.
How to Control Pests & Disease for Marigolds : Grow Guru
FAQ
How do I keep bugs from eating my marigolds?
How do you get rid of marigold mites?
What pesticide to use on marigold?
Can you spray neem oil on marigolds?
How do you get rid of bugs on Marigolds?
This helps to dry out the insect and kill it. You can also use things like insecticidal soap, though this can harm beneficial insects as well. Additionally, if your Marigolds are full-sized and strong, take water that has fairly high pressure and shoot the underside of the leaves.
What pests eat marigolds?
The most common pests for marigolds are insects. Though they can act as a natural insect repellent, they can also attract certain insects and pests. The most common are slugs and snails. They tend to enjoy eating both the flowers and the leaves. They are very attracted to Marigolds and will readily pick them over most other plants in the area.
How do you treat root rot on African marigolds?
Treatment: To prevent root rot, ensure that your African marigolds are planted in well-draining soil. Avoid overwatering and water at the base of the plants to keep the foliage dry. If root rot is detected, remove the affected plants and replant in fresh soil.
Do marigolds repel bugs?
Many gardeners plant marigolds in their veggie patches to repel bugs and other types of pests. But let me tell you – marigolds offer so much more than pretty pest control. Tagetes erecta, or African marigolds, belong to the same genus as other marigolds, and they share many similar features and care requirements.