Leafhoppers: Tiny Pests with a Big Impact
Leafhoppers are tiny insects that can cause significant damage to plants in your garden or lawn. They have an insatiable appetite for plant sap, and their feeding can lead to a variety of problems, including stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and even death.
Identifying Leafhoppers
Leafhoppers are typically 3 to 15 mm in size and have wings that are positioned like a roof over their backs. They also have small spines on both hind legs. Leafhoppers can be green, brownish, or yellow in color, and they are often found on the underside of leaves.
Common Host Plants
Leafhoppers feed on a wide variety of plants, including maple, apple, cottonwood, dogwood, oak, poplar, willow, and ornamental plants. They are particularly fond of young, succulent leaves.
Damage Caused by Leafhoppers
Leafhoppers damage plants by sucking the sap from their leaves. This can cause the leaves to turn white or stippled, and it can also lead to stunted growth. In severe cases, leafhoppers can even kill plants.
Bacterial Transport
Some leafhoppers can also carry bacteria from plant to plant. This can lead to a variety of diseases, including leaf scorch, which can cause the leaves to turn brown and die.
Controlling Leafhoppers
There are a number of ways to control leafhoppers in your garden or lawn. These include:
- Removing damaged plants: If you see any plants that are showing signs of leafhopper damage, remove them from your garden immediately to prevent the spread of bacteria.
- Insecticidal soaps: Insecticidal soaps can be used to kill leafhoppers on contact. They are most effective when the leafhoppers are young.
- Systemic sprays: Systemic sprays are absorbed by the plant and then distributed throughout its tissues. This makes them effective against leafhoppers that are hiding on the underside of leaves.
- Chemical treatments: Chemical treatments can also be used to control leafhoppers. However, it is important to use these products carefully, as they can be harmful to beneficial insects.
Monitoring and Prevention
The best way to control leafhoppers is to monitor your plants regularly for signs of damage. If you see any leafhoppers, take steps to remove them immediately. You can also help to prevent leafhopper infestations by:
- Avoiding over-fertilizing your plants: Over-fertilizing can make your plants more attractive to leafhoppers.
- Keeping your garden clean: Remove any dead leaves or other debris from your garden, as this can provide a hiding place for leafhoppers.
- Using companion planting: Planting certain plants together can help to deter leafhoppers. For example, planting garlic or onions near your tomatoes can help to keep leafhoppers away.
By following these tips, you can help to protect your plants from leafhoppers and keep your garden looking its best.
