What Are The Little Bugs On My African Marigold Flower?

African marigolds (Tagetes erecta) are beloved for their bright cheerful blooms that come in shades of yellow, orange, and red. However these otherwise hardy annuals can fall victim to some troublesome little bugs. If you notice small insects lurking on your marigold plants, identifying them quickly is key to protecting your flowers. In this article, we’ll cover some of the most common little bugs found on African marigolds and how to get rid of them.

Aphids

One of the most prolific pests that attack marigolds are aphids. These tiny soft-bodied insects come in colors like green yellow, black, red or white. They tend to cluster on the undersides of leaves and flower buds where they pierce the plant tissues and suck out the sap.

Signs of an aphid infestation include:

• Curled, wrinkled or yellowing leaves
• Sticky honeydew on leaves and flowers
• Presence of cottony white masses on stems and leaves
• Stunted plant growth

To control aphids, start by spraying the plants thoroughly with a strong stream of water to knock them off. For heavy infestations, insecticidal soap or neem oil can help get rid of aphids. Ladybugs also feed on aphids and can be used for natural control.

Whiteflies

Whiteflies are tiny, white winged insects that flutter up in a cloud when disturbed. Like aphids, they feed on the undersides of leaves, sucking plant juices. Their feeding causes yellow spots, distorted growth, and sticky honeydew deposits.

Check the undersides of leaves closely to spot whiteflies in their early stages. Use yellow sticky traps near plants to monitor for whiteflies. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap consistently to control an infestation. You can also use horticultural oils to smother eggs and larvae.

Mealybugs

Mealybugs are the bane of African Marigold enthusiasts. Look for the telltale white, cottony masses on the undersides of leaves and stems. These pests suck the life out of your plants, leaving behind yellowed foliage and stunted growth.

To control mealybugs, prune off heavily infested parts of the plant. Use a soft brush or cotton swab dipped in alcohol to rub them off of leaves. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays every 5-7 days until mealybugs are gone. Natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings will also feed on them.

Thrips

Thrips are tiny, slender insects only a couple millimeters long. They feed on flowers, buds, leaves, and stems. Damaged tissues take on a silver or bronze color. Leaves may appear puckered or distorted. Thrips also spread viral diseases.

Check for thrips by shaking a marigold blossom over a white piece of paper. Tiny dark specks that move around are thrips. Using reflective mulch can deter them from reaching plants. Apply beneficial nematodes or predatory mites to control serious infestations.

Spider Mites

Spider mites are tiny pests closely related to spiders. Their feeding causes a stippling of light dots on foliage and leaves to turn yellow and dry out. Hot, dry conditions encourage spider mites to multiply rapidly.

Check for fine webbing on plants which is a sign of spider mites. Knock them off with jets of water and apply insecticidal soap weekly. Introduction of predatory mites can help reduce pest mite populations.

Fungus Gnats

Fungus gnats are tiny flying insects that look a bit like mosquitoes. They thrive in damp potting soil and their larvae feed on plant roots causing stunted growth.

Allow potting mix to dry out between waterings to discourage fungus gnats. Use yellow sticky traps to monitor adult populations. Sprinkle a thin layer of sand over soil to deter egg-laying. Beneficial nematodes added to soil will prey on larvae.

Cucumber Beetles

Spotted and striped cucumber beetles are common pests of both vegetables and ornamentals like marigolds. They chew holes in flower petals, leaves, and stems. These beetles spread bacterial wilt disease as they feed.

Handpick any beetles found on plants. Use floating row covers early in season to exclude beetles. Apply kaolin clay sprays which deter feeding. Plant marigold flowers around vegetable gardens as traps for cucumber beetles.

Slugs & Snails

Slugs and snails can gnaw on marigold seedlings, flowers, and leaves, leaving behind ragged holes. These nocturnal pests thrive in damp conditions.

Remove mulch and debris around plants that offer shelter to slugs and snails. Surround plants with abrasive materials like sand or diatomaceous earth that deter them. Shallow dishes of beer sunk into soil attract and drown slugs.

Earwigs

Earwigs are creepy-looking insects with pincer-like appendages on their tail end. They damage marigold flowers and foliage by chewing irregular holes in them, usually at night.

Trap earwigs in upside down pots stuffed with straw placed near plants. Wrap stems with horticultural oil or aluminum foil to block earwigs. Apply beneficial nematodes to soil to parasitize and kill earwig larvae.

By carefully inspecting plants, identifying any pests found, and taking prompt control measures, you can keep your African marigolds lush and blooming despite the bugs. Combine cultural practices like cleaning up debris with organic treatments such as insecticidal soap, horticultural oils, and beneficial insects to control little bugs in an earth-friendly way. Your diligence will pay off in vibrant, healthy marigold plants that remain pest-free all season long.