Bug Spray for Tomato Plants
Although tomato plants are easy to grow even for beginning gardeners, you should recognize the signs of insect infestation before your crop is destroyed. Numerous commercial and homemade organic bug sprays, called insecticides, are effective in controlling insect pests. Does this Spark an idea?
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Signs of Insect Infestation
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It is essential that gardeners recognize the signs of an insect infestation so that tomato plants can be treated with an appropriate insecticide. For example, varieties of tomato worms and leafminers bore into tomato fruit and mine the plant leaves, as evidenced by telltale serpentine patterns on leaves, and beetles and hornworms are chewing pests that create holes in leaves.
Homemade Organic and Commercial Options
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Several organic bug sprays can be made at home using common household ingredients, such as water mixed with garlic, hot chili peppers, canola or olive oil and biodegradable liquid soap. If using a commercial insecticide, such as abamectin or spinosad, follow directions carefully, particularly information related to personal and environmental safety.
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Application Tips
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When applying insecticide to tomato plants, be sure to spray the undersides of leaves, which is where many insects hide and lay their eggs. Bug sprays will need to be reapplied after rain. If using a homemade garlic or chili spray, remember to wash tomatoes thoroughly before using in food preparation.
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References
- University of California, Davis: UC Pest Management Guidelines---Tomato
- CSU/Denver Extension Master Gardener 2010: Tomato Insect Pests
- Tomato Casual: Organic Tomato Pest Control 101
- Alabama Cooperative Extension System: Tomato Insect Management Guide for Alabama
- Bachman's Garden Care: Tomato Problems: Insects & Diseases
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
