Uninvited visitors like lice tend to infest Baobabs – particularly when they are kept outdoors. There are several ways to cope with these little “pests”. I have not yet tested some of the methods listed below – but to me they sound worthwhile to be shared.
A very simple way to ward off lice is to treat the affected Baobab with a targeted jet of water. If repeated several times it may help to get rid of the lice.
“Useful” insects can be exposed at or near the Baobabs. Among the useful insects are, for example, earwigs, ladybugs and lacewings. In order to convince earwigs to stay next to the Baobabs put some wood-wool in a flower pot and position it near the infested plant.
Or place the afflicted Baobab between plants with a high percentage of essential oils such as lavender. With the strong smell of the essential oils pests are held at bay. Savory is also said to be very helpful.
Another natural method used is nettle extract. Take one kilogram of nettle leaves and soak them for one day in 10 liters of water. The nettles release their toxins into the water. Take the mixture and spray – undiluted – onto the Baobab leaves. The manure left from the nettles can be used as fertilizer for the Baobabs or other plants (please keep in mind that Baobabs do not really need huge amounts of fertilizer…). The manure strengthens the plants and prevents further infestation by pests. After a week of applying the nettle extract the lice should be gone. I have not tried the nettle method myself yet.
Soft soap (without perfume) is another agent helpful in fighting lice on Baobabs. Dissolve one tablespoon of soap in one liter of water and apply to the affected plants. Instead of soap you could use dish-washing soap. In order to enhance the effect – add one tablespoon of alcohol. However, this mixture could leave brown spots on the leaves. I have not tested this method myself so far.
And one could apply the usual chemical agents found at hardware stores or chemists or nurseries on the affected baobabs. Most are poisons that act in a “systemic” way. The plants absorb the applied toxin and spread it through their system. Lice sitting on the leaves and stems feeding on the plants automatically absorb the toxines, too.
The methods listed above are best applied as soon as lice are spotted on Baobabs in order to prevent the spreading of them. Spraying Baobabs is done best early in the mornings or in the evenings and if possible under stable weather conditions without wind.
The baobab tree, native to Africa, Australia, and the Middle East, is an iconic part of the landscape in those regions. With its massive trunk and far-reaching branches, the baobab provides shade and food for both humans and animals. However, these majestic trees can fall victim to tiny sap-sucking insects called leafhoppers, which damage leaves and stunt growth. If you’ve noticed signs of leafhoppers on your baobab, taking action to control them is key to protecting the health and beauty of this beloved tree.
Identifying Leafhoppers on Baobab Trees
Before taking any control measures it’s important to properly identify leafhoppers on your baobab. Adult leafhoppers are wedge-shaped, green or brown insects about 1/4 inch long. Nymphs are smaller and more oval-shaped. Check the undersides of leaves for leafhoppers, which use piercing mouthparts to suck sap. Signs of infestation include yellow stippling or white dots on leaves. Leafhoppers are very mobile and will hop or fly away if disturbed.
Impacts of Leafhopper Damage
While not usually fatal to established trees, leafhoppers can significantly impact baobab health and growth. As they feed, leafhoppers remove vital plant fluids. This leads to leaf discoloration, curling, stunted growth, and early leaf drop. High populations can reduce the tree’s photosynthetic capacity. Leafhoppers also produce sticky honeydew that attracts black sooty mold. Severe infestations year after year can greatly weaken the tree over time.
7 Ways to Control Leafhoppers on Baobab Trees
1. Remove Heavily Infested Leaves and Branches
Pruning away badly damaged leaves and stems can eliminate many leafhoppers. It also prevents them from spreading to healthier tissue. Sterilize pruning tools to avoid transmitting diseases Dispose of infested trimmings promptly
2. Apply Horticultural Oils
Horticultural oils smother leafhopper nymphs and eggs when applied to bark and leaves. They are less harmful to beneficials than insecticides. However, avoid applying oils during hot weather or when the baobab is stressed.
3. Use Neem Oil
Neem oil deter leafhoppers and disrupts their life cycle. Mix according to label rates and spray on infested foliage. Reapply after rain. Neem oil must contact leafhoppers to be effective but leaves no residues.
4. Release Biological Controls
Natural predators like ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory mites feed on leafhoppers. Attract them by planting small flowered plants. You can also purchase them from garden centers. Apply when leafhopper populations are low.
5. Set Out Sticky Traps
Yellow and blue sticky traps lure adult leafhoppers in for capture. Place traps near infested leaves but avoid contact. Check traps frequently and replace as they fill up. Sticky traps also catch beneficial insects.
6. Apply Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth (DE) abrades the waxy coating on leafhoppers, causing dehydration and death. DE is non-toxic when applied dry. Reapply after rain or irrigation. Avoid breathing in DE dust when applying.
7. Use Insecticidal Soap
Insecticidal soaps containing potassium salts of fatty acids disrupt leafhopper membranes on contact. Treat nymphs early before populations build. Completely coat undersides of leaves for best results. Soaps work rapidly but only kill insects they hit directly.
Preventing Leafhoppers in the Future
Once leafhoppers are under control, take steps to prevent future infestations:
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Remove weeds and debris from around the baobab tree.
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Use reflective mulch to deter leafhoppers.
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Water in early morning to avoid wet foliage at night.
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Monitor weekly and treat young nymphs early.
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Promote diversity by interplanting with flowering herbs and vegetables.
With persistence and integrated tactics, leafhoppers can be successfully controlled in baobab trees. The key is vigilance in monitoring and prompt action when pests are first detected. By combining selective pruning, oils, soaps, traps, and beneficials you can protect your baobab’s health without harming its ecosystem. Your efforts will be rewarded with seasons of vibrant growth and the iconic beauty of a thriving baobab tree.
Video: “Baobabs – why they look the way they do…”
A short video with an attempt to explain why they look the way they do… To watch click on the photo, please.
Video: Grow Baobabs from seeds
To listen klick on photograph and follow the menu 🙂
Leafhoppers
FAQ
How do you get rid of a leafhopper infestation?
What is the best pesticide for leafhoppers?
Is neem oil effective against leafhoppers?
Does soapy water kill leafhoppers?
How to keep leafhoppers away from plants?
One of the best natural methods to keep away leafhoppers and other insects is to use floating row covers. It gives plenty of protection from insect attacks. However, the type of material used for this allows light and water to reach the growing plants.
How do I get rid of potato leafhoppers?
Leafhopper insects feed on a variety of plants. These include shrubs like rosemary, fruit trees, flowers, vegetable plants, and even weeds. Therefore, keeping the garden clear of weeds will help control potato leafhoppers. 9. Molt-X This product is an organic knock-down spray that you can use to get rid of leafhoppers organically.
How do I get rid of leafhoppers in my garden?
However, if you’ve noticed a lot of leafhoppers in your garden, you’ll want to act quickly to protect your plants. Spraying your plants with an organic insecticidal soap or neem oil spray can be an effective way to eliminate both adult leafhoppers and nymphs.
Do leafhoppers damage plants?
Leafhoppers can do some serious damage to your plants. Leafhoppers may look kind of cute (for a bug), and some types even sport bright colors and striking patterns. But these insects can feed on a lot of different garden plants and even spread diseases to your crops.