What Are The Little Bugs on My Green Onion Plant

Are you noticing little bugs crawling around on your green onion plant? If so, it’s important to identify the type of insect to determine if they are harmful or not. In this article, we will discuss the types of bugs that commonly infest green onion plants and how to get rid of them.

Types of Bugs That Infest Green Onion Plants

Thrips

Thrips are tiny insects that are usually less than 1/20 inch long. They are slender and have wings that are fringed with long hairs. Thrips feed on the sap of plants and can cause leaves to turn yellow, brown or silver. They can also cause distorted growth and can spread viruses from plant to plant.

Onion Maggots

Onion maggots are the larvae of a fly called the onion maggot fly. They are white, legless maggots that are about ¼ inch long. They tunnel into the stems and bulbs of onion plants, causing them to wilt and die. Adult flies lay their eggs in the soil near the base of onion plants.

Aphids

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants. They come in a variety of colors including green, yellow, brown and black. They can cluster on leaves and stems and cause them to curl or become distorted. Aphids can also transmit viruses from plant to plant.

Cutworms

Cutworms are caterpillars that live in the soil and feed on the stems of young plants. They are usually gray or brown and can be up to 2 inches long. Cutworms can cut off seedlings at ground level, causing them to die.

How to Get Rid of Bugs on Green Onion Plants

Natural Methods

• Insecticidal Soap: Insecticidal soap is a natural solution made from fatty acids that can be sprayed directly onto insects. It works by dissolving the outer layer of the insect’s body, causing it to dehydrate and die.
• Neem Oil: Neem oil is a natural insecticide made from the seeds of the neem tree. It can be sprayed onto plants to repel insects and prevent them from feeding.
• Beneficial Insects: Beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings and parasitic wasps can help control pest populations. They feed on insects like aphids and thrips and can be attracted to your garden with plants like dill, fennel and yarrow.

Chemical Methods

• Insecticides: Chemical insecticides can be used to control pest populations. However, they can also harm beneficial insects and other wildlife in your garden. If you choose to use an insecticide, make sure to follow the instructions carefully and apply it only when necessary.
• Systemic Insecticides: Systemic insecticides are chemicals that are taken up by the plant’s roots and distributed throughout the plant. They can provide long-lasting protection against pests, but can also harm beneficial insects.

FAQ

Can I eat my green onions if they have bugs on them?

It depends on the type of bug. Thrips, aphids and cutworms are not harmful to humans if ingested, but onion maggots can be harmful. It’s best to discard any onions that have been infested with onion maggots.

Will companion planting help keep bugs away from my green onions?

Yes, companion planting can help keep bugs away from your green onions. Plants like chives, garlic and marigolds can repel pests and attract beneficial insects.

How often should I apply insecticide to my green onion plants?

It depends on the type of insecticide you are using. Follow the instructions on the label for application frequency.

Can I use natural methods and chemical methods together?

It’s not recommended to use natural and chemical methods together as they can harm beneficial insects and other wildlife in your garden. Choose one method or the other and follow the instructions carefully.

In conclusion, it’s important to identify the type of bug that is infesting your green onion plants to determine the best method for control. Natural methods are usually preferred, but chemical methods can also be effective when used carefully. Remember to always follow the instructions carefully when using any pest control method in your garden.