How to Kill Elderberry Bugs
The sweet nectar in elderberry plants attracts a variety of insects, including beetles of all types. The sap beetle is commonly attracted to the nectar. Elderberry plants play host to mites of all varieties as well, including eriophyid and spider mites. Elderberry insect extermination does not require a pest control specialist. You can do it yourself with a nontoxic insecticide safe for use on fruit trees and plants. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Gardening gloves
- Spray bottle
- Nontoxic orchard spray containing eugenol, such as Bonide
Instructions
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1
Put on your gardening gloves.
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2
Closely inspect your elderberry plant for rotting leaves, stems and fruits. Remove and throw away any rotten fruit and stems you find; fermented fruit attracts the bugs.
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3
Pour 6 oz. of orchard spray into an empty, clean bottle with a spray nozzle. Bonide is available at home and garden centers and home improvement stores.
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4
From a distance of 6 to 8 inches, spray directly onto the elderberry plant. Orchard sprays such as Bonide are nontoxic insecticides that kill any bugs but leave the fruit and plants unharmed.
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5
Continue to inspect the plant and spray as often as necessary, even weekly. Do not rinse the insecticide off the plant after you spray; the scent of the spray naturally repels insects from your elderberries.
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6
Continue to prune and remove any rotting leaves or fruit to keep insects from returning to your elderberry plant.
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