Here’s how to treat your bug-infested trees, without hurting the surrounding environment!
No matter how much you love the greenery in your backyard, a bug infestation is likely to disrupt the tranquility of your outdoor oasis. In addition to being creepy and annoying, they can also destroy your trees, sometimes to the point where it’s impossible for them to recover. However, before using an insecticide, keep in mind that there are eco-friendly ways to get rid of bothersome bugs and pests. Here’s how to treat your bug-infested trees, without hurting the surrounding environment!
METHODS OF PREVENTION
Most trees have some degree of natural resistance to pests, and the healthier they are, the better able they are to defend themselves. To encourage your trees to thrive, it’s a good idea to get your trees pruned regularly. This allows light and air to circulate through the foliage and thereby encourages growth.
REMEDIES AND CURES
Here are some simple, eco-friendly recipes that can help you rid your trees of insects.
1. Vegetable oil spray. Combine one cup of water with a tablespoon of vegetable oil a tablespoon of liquid dish soap. Mix thoroughly and spray the solution on the affected leaves. This mixture suffocates aphids and mites. 2. Soap spray. Add one tablespoon of liquid dish soap to one cup of water. Spray your trees in the early morning or evening. After three hours, rinse off the mixture with a hose. If left on too long, soap spray can burn the leaves of fruit trees. 3. Neem oil. Neem oil is available at garden centres and is a top choice among organic gardeners. It naturally deters insects and prevents the development of fungi and moulds. Mix neem oil with water and spray the affected leaves of the tree. Once mixed, use the concoction immediately as the properties within neem oil will start to break down after eight hours. 4. Chili peppers or garlic. Purée either two bulbs of garlic or several fresh chili peppers. Cover the mixture with water and let it sit overnight. The next day, strain the liquid into a spray bottle and add one cup of water. Spray this on the leaves of your tree, making sure to not get any in your eyes. 5. Peppermint oil. Mix two tablespoons of pure peppermint oil with four cups of water. Spray the concoction on your tree. This will help ward off ants and other hard-bodied insects.
TREE CARE IN EDMONTON
If your insect infestation gets out of control and home remedies don’t do the trick, it’s best to call in a tree service expert like All Season Tree Service. Contact our professional arborists for assistance across Edmonton and the surrounding area.