Catnip And Insects – How To Fight Catnip Pests In The Garden
Catnip is famous for its effect on cats, but this common herb has been used medicinally by generations as a treatment for maladies ranging from hives and nervous conditions to upset stomachs and morning sickness. The plants are generally trouble-free, and when it comes to catnip, pest problems generally aren’t much of a problem. Read on for information on a few common catnip plant pests, along with some helpful tips on catnip as a pest repellent.
Catnip and Insects
Common pests of catnip are few but do include the following: Spider mites are difficult to spot, but if you look closely, you may notice telltale webbing and tiny, black spots moving around the leaves. Leaves infested by spider mites are dry and take on a stippled, yellow appearance. Flea beetles are small beetles that jump when disturbed. The pests, which may be brown, black, or bronze, damage catnip by chewing holes in the leaves. Thrips, which may be black, brown, or gold, are tiny, narrow insects that suck the sweet juices from catnip plant leaves. As they feed, they leave silvery specks or streaks, and can significantly weaken a plant if left untreated. Whiteflies are tiny, sucking insects, generally found in huge numbers on the undersides of leaves. When disturbed, these catnip plant pests fly out in a cloud. Like aphids, whiteflies suck the juices from the plant and leave honeydew, a sticky substance that may attract black mold.
Controlling Catnip Pest Problems
Hoe or pull weeds when they’re small; weeds are a host for many catnip plant pests. If allowed to grow unchecked, the bed becomes overcrowded and stagnant. Fertilize carefully; catnip plants don’t need much fertilizer. As a general rule, they benefit from a light feeding when the plants are small. Thereafter, don’t bother unless the plant isn’t growing like it should. Overfeeding leads to spindly growth and unhealthy plants that are more susceptible to aphids and other pests. Insecticidal soap spray is effective against most catnip pest problems, and if used correctly, the spray poses a very low risk for bees, ladybugs, and other beneficial insects. Don’t spray if you notice friendly insects on the leaves. Don’t spray on hot days or when the sun is directly on the foliage. Neem oil is a plant-based substance that kills many pests and may also work as a repellent. Like insecticidal soap, the oils shouldn’t be used when beneficial insects are present.
Catnip as Pest Repellent
Researchers have discovered that catnip is a powerful pest repellent, especially when it comes to pesky mosquitoes. In fact, it may be 10 times more effective than products containing DEET.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
A Credentialed Garden Writer, Mary H. Dyer was with Gardening Know How in the very beginning, publishing articles as early as 2007.
-
8 Flower Seeds To Sow In October For A Spectacular Garden Next Year
Sow the seeds of spring and summer flowers in fall, and enjoy months of beautiful vibrant blooms.
By Melanie Griffiths
-
Caring For A Majesty Palm: Expert Guide To Ravenea Rivularis
If you live in a warm climate, caring for a majesty palm outdoors is easy. If your region is cooler, this palm makes a gorgeous houseplant.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Catnip Winter Care – Is Catnip Winter Hardy
Even if you don’t have cats, catnip is a perennial herb that is easy to grow and attracts bees and other pollinators. You can even make a tasty and stomach-soothing tea from it. Depending on where you live, winter can be a little harsh on your catnip, so learn how to protect it here.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Cutting Back Catnip: Should I Prune Catnip Plants
Catnip is a no-fuss, easy-to-grow member of the mint family that requires little maintenance. What about pruning catnip plants though? Is cutting back catnip necessary? Click here to find out about pruning catnip plants and, if need be, how to prune catnip.
By Amy Grant
-
Planting Catnip For Cats: How To Grow Catnip For Cat Use
If you have cats, then you are more than likely to have given them catnip or have toys for them that contain catnip. As much as your cat appreciates this, he/she would love you even more if you provided them with fresh catnip. Learn about planting catnip for cats here.
By Amy Grant
-
Treating Catnip Diseases – How To Manage Problems With Catnip
There are few issues that will seriously affect the plant's health. They take quite a lot of abuse from overly interested neighborhood felines. However, if your plant looks sick, fungal issues are probably the most common diseases of catnip. Learn more here.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Catnip Propagation Methods – Tips For Growing New Catnip Herb Plants
Does kitty love her catnip toys? Well then, perhaps you should grow your own catnip herb plants. Don’t know how to propagate catnip? Growing new catnip plants is easy. Click on the following article to find out about catnip propagation.
By Amy Grant
-
What Is Catnip For: Learn About Various Uses For Catnip
The name says it all, or almost all. Catnip is a common herb that you can cultivate in the garden but that also grows wild. Knowing how to use catnip means you can put this plentiful herb to good use for both you and your feline friends. Learn more in this article.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Catnip Plant Varieties: Growing Different Species Of Nepeta
Catnip is a member of the mint family. There are several types of catnip, each easy to grow, vigorous and attractive. Learn more about the various types of catnip plants that you can add to your garden here in this article.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Dogs And Catnip – Is Catnip Bad For Dogs
Cats and dogs are opposite in so many ways that it is no surprise that they react differently to catnip. While cats delight in the herb, rolling in it and becoming almost giddy, dogs do not. So is catnip bad for dogs? Can dogs eat catnip? Find out in this article.
By Teo Spengler