Common Bugs That Eat Ginger
Insects can be beneficial in the garden, but those that we call pests are the bane of the gardener’s existence. These are the bugs that target certain plants and aim to conquer and destroy. Ginger, both edible and ornamental types, are no exception and there are plenty of pests of ginger that will take every opportunity to eat your plants. Some of the many pests that like to go after ginger are:
Aphids Ants Soft scales Mealybugs Chinese rose beetle Cardamom thrips Fijian ginger weevil Red spider mites Armyworms Cutworms Fungus gnats Yellow woolly bear caterpillar
Although they are not insects, slugs and snails will also be interested in eating your ginger plants.
How to Manage Ginger Pests
Reading that list, ginger pest problems may seem insurmountable but they’re not; there are some easy ways to manage them. One strategy is to use insecticides, although these may also kill the beneficial bugs in your garden. If you want to try an insecticide, visit your local nursery to find out which type will kill the particular pests that are harassing your ginger plants. Some of the pests can be controlled without harsh chemicals. You can order ladybugs to release in your garden to eat aphids, for instance. If snails and slugs are eating your plants, try using diatomaceous earth. Sprinkling this around your ginger plants will cause the soft-bodied pests to dry out and die. Not all pest control options will completely eliminate the problem. The best way to stay on top of it is to monitor your ginger plants regularly. As soon as you see a problem with pests, take steps to eliminate them. Remove and clean up any dead leaves or rotting plant matter that may attract pests of ginger to the garden. If you can stay on top of an infestation that is just beginning, you can probably get it under control and save your ginger harvest or flowers.
