Lexi Webster
Geraniums are a popular choice for gardens and potted plants in Australia, but they are susceptible to a variety of pests that can cause damage to the plant. Some of the most common pests include caterpillars, grasshoppers, slugs, snails, and even small animals like mice and rats. These pests can eat the leaves, stems, and flowers of geraniums, leaving behind unsightly holes and damage. To control these pests, gardeners may use natural or synthetic insecticides, or manually remove the pests from the plants.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Pest | Caterpillars, Loopers, Whiteflies, Thrips, Mealybugs, Slugs, Snails, Budworm, Small Worms, Mice, Rats, Possums, Rabbits |
| Appearance | Small, Green, Same Colour as Leaf |
| Damage | Holes in Leaves, Branches Eaten, Leaves and Flowers Torn, Brown Spots on Underside of Leaves, Blemishes on Top, Leaves Half-Eaten, Brown Areas, Browning and Distortion of Flower Buds, Silver or White Leaf Discolouration, Leaves Turning Yellow and Wilting |
| Treatment | Monitor and Pick Off Caterpillars, Eco Oil, Insecticides, Neem Oil, Insecticidal Soap, Bacillus Thuringiensis (Bt), Spinosad, Captain Jacks, Malathion, Pruning, Netting, Removal of Mushrooms |
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What You'll Learn
Geranium budworm
If you choose to use insecticides, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is somewhat effective if applied when eggs or damage are first noticed. However, Bt must be consumed by young, actively feeding larvae and will not work if the larvae are feeding within buds. It is important to read and follow all label directions when using any insecticide.
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Caterpillars
Geraniums are prone to caterpillar infestations, which can be hard to spot due to their small size and green colour, which camouflages them among the leaves. These caterpillars are nocturnal and tend to hide during the day, making them even more difficult to detect. They can cause significant damage to the plant by drilling into the buds and eating the leaves, leaving behind obvious signs of destruction.
To control caterpillar infestations, manual removal is an option. You can physically remove the caterpillars from the plant by hand or by using tools like gloves to minimise direct contact. Squishing them or dropping them into a container of soapy water are effective ways to dispose of them. Monitoring your geraniums regularly, especially at dusk or after dark when the caterpillars are more active, can help you catch them.
Additionally, there are several insecticides available to manage caterpillar infestations. Natural or organic options include Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), which is often sold as "Bt Worm Killer" or "Caterpillar Killer". While Bt is effective on some plants, it may not work as well on geraniums because caterpillars do not always consume enough of the treated plant material. Another natural alternative is Spinosad, commonly known as Captain Jacks, which some gardeners find more effective on geraniums than Caterpillar Killer.
If you prefer synthetic insecticides, Malathion is a reliable option that will swiftly address the problem. However, it is essential to follow the instructions on application frequency and safety precautions when using any insecticide.
To prevent future caterpillar infestations, you can use a product like Eco oil, applying it twice a week, especially under the leaves. This will help deter caterpillars and other pests from targeting your geraniums.
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Mice and rats
To prevent mice and rats from eating your geraniums, you can try sealing up any entrances into sheds or outbuildings with wood or metal, as mice can squeeze through holes as small as the size of a dime. You can also create a fence using quarter-inch hardware cloth, burying the edge 18 inches below the soil and angling it outward several inches underground and away from your garden. This will prevent rodents from digging under the soil and into your garden.
If you suspect that mice or rats are already infesting your garden, you can check for droppings, which will look like black grains of rice, or signs of digging under your garden shed. You can also purchase traps from a hardware store to catch and release the rodents in a faraway location.
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Slugs and snails
To prevent slug and snail damage, you can take several measures. Firstly, create an unfavourable environment for slugs and snails by ensuring your geraniums are not overwatered. Slugs and snails are attracted to damp environments, so maintaining well-drained soil can help deter them. Additionally, avoid watering your plants at night, as this can create moist conditions that these pests favour. Instead, water your geraniums in the morning to give the foliage time to dry before evening.
Another way to protect your geraniums is by creating a physical barrier. You can surround your plants with a layer of diatomaceous earth, crushed eggshells, or copper tape. These substances act as irritants or barriers, deterring slugs and snails from crawling over them and reaching your plants.
Regular inspection and removal of slugs and snails is also essential. Conduct nightly patrols with a flashlight to spot and remove any slugs or snails you find. You can also set beer traps or use commercial slug and snail baits to capture and eliminate them.
Finally, you can introduce natural predators to your garden, such as frogs, toads, and certain bird species, which will help control the slug and snail population.
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Whiteflies
To control whiteflies, you can try using insecticidal soap or neem oil, which are safe and effective ways to manage these pests. Castile soap, a vegetable-based and chemical-free option, has been found to be effective against whiteflies in Australia. It is important to repeat the application of these treatments as whiteflies may return.
To prevent whitefly infestations, it is recommended to inspect plants before bringing them home, especially if they are from a greenhouse. In warmer regions, whiteflies can reproduce outdoors throughout the year, while in USDA Zone 7 and colder, they cannot survive the winter outdoors.
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Frequently asked questions
Geraniums can be eaten by a variety of pests, including caterpillars, grasshoppers, katydids, mice, rats, possums, rabbits, whiteflies, thrips, mealybugs, slugs, snails, and geranium budworms.
Caterpillars are very small and can be green, making them hard to spot. They tend to hide during the day, so you are more likely to find them at night. They can drill into the buds of geraniums and eat the leaves, leaving behind visible entrance holes or small specks of frass.
You can physically remove caterpillars from your geraniums by picking them off and dropping them into a container of soapy water. You can also use natural or organic insecticides like Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), Spinosad (Captain Jacks), or synthetic insecticides like Malathion.
