LEAFHOPPER CONTROL
ABOUT LEAFHOPPERS
Leafhoppers are small, wedge-shaped insects that can be highly destructive to plants. They can be identified by their small, triangular bodies, which are often green, brown, or brightly colored. As they feed on plant sap, leafhoppers cause leaves to turn yellow, curl, and develop tiny white or yellow spots. Their feeding can weaken plants, stunt growth, and even lead to disease transmission in certain crops. Some of the most common species include grape leafhoppers, potato leafhoppers, and rose leafhoppers.
IDENTIFICATION OF LEAFHOPPER INFESTATION
Leafhoppers are often found on the undersides of leaves, where they feed and lay eggs. Signs of an infestation include stippling or yellowing on leaves, wilting, and leaf curling. Because leafhoppers are quick to jump or fly when disturbed, identifying them early is crucial to managing their impact.
CULTURAL STRATEGIES
Cultural strategies focus on creating an environment that is favorable for plants and less hospitable to pests. Cultivation practices such as maintaining healthy soil, crop rotation, mulching, and companion planting help to create unfavorable conditions for pests. Garlic and basil act as natural deterrents to leafhoppers.
PHYSICAL / MECHANICAL CONTROL STRATEGIES
Physical or mechanical control strategies involve the use of physical barriers, tools, or methods to prevent, monitor, or control pests. We offer several products to help with physical/mechanical control, such as:
- Yellow Sticky Traps to monitor and detect infestations early.
- Beneficial Insect Netting to keep the good bugs in and the bad bugs out.
- Diatomaceous Earth to create unfavorable conditions for soft-bodied pest insects.
BIOLOGICAL STRATEGIES
One of the most natural and effective ways to control pest insects is by introducing beneficial insects to your garden. Releasing beneficials creates a self-sustaining solution, where natural predators keep pest populations in check. This approach not only protects your plants but also supports biodiversity, making it an ideal choice for eco-friendly pest control.
Unlike harsh chemicals, natural predators take time to establish a population. This is why we recommend releasing the good bugs before pest infestations are heavy.
GENERAL PREDATORS
- Ladybugs control aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies, leafhoppers, mites, thrips, & more.
- Green Lacewing Larvae control aphids, small caterpillars, mealybugs, leafhoppers, whiteflies, mites, scale, thrips, & more.
- Orius insidiosus (Minute Pirate Bug) controls all life stages of thrips, mites, moth eggs, aphids, & more.
SOFT CHEMICAL CONTROL METHODS
If infestations have gotten too heavy, we also offer soft chemical treatments such as neem oil and insecticidal soap.
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