Organic Pest Control for Citrus Pests

Citrus trees are naturally resistant to pests.

Organic methods control citrus pests effectively. Understanding pest behavior, encouraging populations of beneficial insects and using horticultural oils help to repel or kill harmful insects naturally.

Behavior of Pests

Aphids work in tandem with ants.

Interrupting insects' natural behavior reduces or eliminates them from citrus trees. Aphids work symbiotically with ants, for example. Discouraging ants by disturbing the soil reduces aphid populations, too. Snails prefer to climb smooth surfaces and can be deterred with physical barriers such as copper wire.

Beneficial Insects

Spider webs capture whiteflies.

Beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, lacewings and predatory midges, provide vigilant pest control even while the gardener sleeps. Beneficial insect populations increase in response to infestations. For example, spiders often build webs in citrus trees when whiteflies are present.

Horticultural Oils

Organic horticultural oils are effective against such pests as snails, mites, ants and whiteflies. These plant-based oils are not harmful to bees and most other beneficial insects.

References

• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Your Florida Dooryard Citrus Guide--Common Pests, Diseases and Disorders of Dooryard Citrus
• "Container Gardening for Health;" Barbara Barker; 2009

Resources

• Texas Agricultural Extension Service: Concepts of Pest Management