Leafhoppers are one of the largest families of plant-feeding insects. There are more species of this pest, than all species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians combined.
Leafhoppers feed by sucking the sap of vascular plants, and are found almost anywhere such plants occur. Many leafhopper species are important agricultural pests. many have their particular crop niche, some infest many crops.
Identifying Leafhoppers
The most common colors of varying leafhoppers are greens and browns which serves as a natural camouflage, many tropical and subtropical varieties come in a spectrum of lively colors.
Leafhoppers have wings, which do not lie flat when retracted but fold tightly against the body. Leaf-hoppers are small insects, the largest being approximately 13 mm in length.
Most species are no more a few millimeters long. They have short, thin bristle-like antennae, and a double row of spines running along their hind legs. Not that you could see this without a microscope or magnifier.
Conventional Controls For Leafhoppers
The key aspect of managing leafhopper infestations is to detect them before it becomes too difficult to deal with. Plant inspection is one detection method. Another method is to use Yellow Sticky Traps
Pyrethrins, derived from the flower of Chrysanthemums are effective against leafhopers as well as many other garden pests . Pyrethrins are eco-friendly, however they need to be frequently re-applied as they degrade approximately 24 hours after being applied
Biological Organic Leaf Hopper Control
Not all predatory insects will attack all varieties of leafhoppers, as they are not truly a single species, but rather a “Category” The Praying Mantis and Lady Bugs probably attack the widest array.
Ladybug Lures Keeps trapped ladybugs alive in the trap for release in the garden. Pheromone based Lures will attract lady bugs from the surrounding area to your garden.
Common Sense Methods of Pest Suppression
- Control weeds to avoid breeding grounds, and wintering space.
- Follow Crop rotation guidelines
- For indoor plants and seedlings avoid putting susceptible plants close to windows, vents or doors, Bugs don’t knock before they enter, if they did you probably wouldn’t hear it anyway.
- Destroy and discard infected plant material