How to Get Rid of Lerps on Gold Dust Plant

Gold dust plants (Aucuba japonica) are a popular choice for garden enthusiasts because of their attractive foliage and ease of care. However, these plants are not immune to pests, and one of the most common pests that affect them is the lerp insect. The lerp insect is a small, flat, and oval-shaped bug that feeds on the sap of the plant, causing damage to the leaves and stunting growth. In this article, we will discuss how to get rid of lerps on a gold dust plant.

Identifying Lerps

Lerps are small, flat, oval-shaped insects that feed on the sap of a plant. They can be found on the upper surface of leaves and can appear translucent or brownish in color. Lerps also produce a protective covering made of honeydew, which looks like small bumps or blisters on the leaves. These bumps or blisters are known as “lerp shells” and provide protection for the insect from predators and environmental factors.

Prevention

Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to pest control. Here are some preventive measures you can take to keep lerps away from your gold dust plant.

• Keep your plants healthy: Lerps tend to target plants that are already weak or stressed. Ensure your gold dust plant is healthy by providing adequate water, fertilization, and sunlight.
• Prune infected leaves: If you notice any infected leaves, prune them immediately to prevent the spread of lerps.
• Remove debris: Clean up any fallen leaves or debris around the plant as they can attract pests.

Natural Remedies

If you have noticed lerps on your gold dust plant, there are several natural remedies you can use to get rid of them.

• Neem oil: Neem oil is an effective natural remedy for pest control. Mix neem oil with water and spray it on the infected areas of your gold dust plant. Repeat this process every 10-14 days until the lerps have disappeared.
• Insecticidal soap: Insecticidal soap is a natural remedy that can be used to get rid of lerps. Mix insecticidal soap with water and spray it on the infected areas of your plant. Repeat this process every 7-10 days until the lerps have disappeared.
• Ladybugs: Ladybugs are natural predators of lerps. Release ladybugs near your gold dust plant, and they will eat the lerps.

Chemical Remedies

If natural remedies do not work, you may need to use chemical remedies to get rid of lerps on your gold dust plant. Here are some chemical remedies you can use.

• Systemic insecticides: Systemic insecticides are chemicals that are absorbed by the plant and provide long-lasting protection against pests. Apply systemic insecticides according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Contact insecticides: Contact insecticides are chemicals that kill pests on contact. Spray contact insecticides directly on the infected areas of your gold dust plant.

FAQ

Are lerps harmful to humans?

No, lerps are not harmful to humans.

Can I eat fruit from a gold dust plant that has been treated with insecticides?

It is not recommended to eat fruit from a gold dust plant that has been treated with insecticides. Always read the label before using any chemical remedy on your plants.

Can I prevent lerps from coming back?

Yes, you can prevent lerps from coming back by keeping your plants healthy, pruning infected leaves, and removing debris around the plant.