Garden pests: techniques for combating underground menaces
Larvae known as Engerlingen are the early stages of specific beetles, such as the May beetle. These critters feast on plant roots, resulting in considerable harm. Here's how to tackle this vexing issue.
Engerlingen: More than just a backyard menace
Engerlingen are not just a minor inconvenience in your garden. Developing from the eggs of various beetle species, like the May beetle, they can seriously affect your lawn, flowers, and vegetable plants. Thankfully, there are reliable methods to combat them.
Stopping the invaders: Strategies for Engerlingen control
Tackling Engerlingen requires a well-planned approach, from mechanical options including drowning and protective nets to biological approaches with nematodes. By utilizing plant varieties that naturally repel them, you can successfully defend your garden and manage the infestation.
Unraveling the enigma of Engerlingen
Engerlingen represent the larvae stage of certain beetle species, like the May beetle. They predominantly feed on the roots of plants, which can cause significant damage. You might discover them underneath a lawn or within the soil of flower pots and raised beds, usually when the plants start to show signs of damage or wilt.
Engerlingen: Confronting the foe in pots and raised beds
In flower pots, Engerlingen can be quite problematic, as they directly feast on the roots. An effective solution is repotting: The plant is removed, the soil is sieved, and the roots are closely examined before fresh, clean soil is used. A net at the base of the pot can also stop beetles from laying eggs again.
In raised beds, either a complete soil exchange or the use of nematodes, a natural, eco-friendly option, is advised. These microscopic worms infiltrate the Engerlingen and kill them internally by releasing toxic bacteria.
Nematodes: The natural pest control champions
Nematodes are champions in biological pest control and are perfect for controlling Engerlingen in a garden. They are effortless to employ - just integrate them into your irrigation water. This method is especially convenient for lawns and beds, where soil exchange is challenging. You can conveniently buy them at garden centers or online at an affordable rate.
Plants that shun Engerlingen
Certain plants, like geraniums, garlic, and knight's spur, are disliked by Engerlingen. You can prevent these pests from overrunning your garden by incorporating these varieties on a regular basis. Meanwhile, a similar approach can also be used to combat an ant invasion.
Discerning between mealworms and rose chafer larvae
While it's crucial to distinguish mealworm larvae from rose chafer larvae, as the latter are legally protected. Mealworm larvae are larger with a strongly hardened dark head shield and distinctive hair tufts on the final segment of their body. They are typically found in large numbers and cause significant damage. In contrast, rose chafer larvae are smaller, less sturdy, and laudable in compost, where they help with the decomposition of organic materials.
Myths and Reality: Coffee grounds as a home remedy
Although it's widely believed that coffee grounds repel slugs, this method shouldn't be relied upon entirely for a severe infestation. Coffee grounds can deter slugs and also function as mulch, but for more substantial issues, additional measures are necessary.
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Source: www.ntv.de
