What Are The Little Bugs on My Kiwi Plant

If you are a proud owner of a kiwi plant, you may have noticed some tiny bugs crawling around on its leaves or stems. These little pests can be quite concerning, as they have the potential to damage your beloved plant. In this article, we will explore the common types of bugs that infest kiwi plants and discuss how to deal with them effectively.

Aphids

Aphids are one of the most common insects found on kiwi plants. These small, soft-bodied bugs can be green, yellow, black, or brown in color. They usually gather in large numbers on the undersides of leaves and suck the sap out of the plant. As a result, the leaves may become distorted, curled, or yellowed.

To control aphids on your kiwi plant, you can use several methods. One option is to introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings into your garden. These insects feed on aphids and can help keep their population in check. Alternatively, you can spray a mixture of soapy water onto the affected areas of your plant. The soap will suffocate the aphids and prevent them from causing further damage.

Spider Mites

Spider mites are another common pest that can infest kiwi plants. These tiny arachnids are not actual insects but rather members of the arachnid family. They are so small that they often go unnoticed until their infestation has become severe. Spider mites feed on the plant’s sap and leave behind tiny webs on the leaves.

To get rid of spider mites, you can try spraying your kiwi plant with a strong stream of water. This will dislodge the mites and wash away their webs. Additionally, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their population. It is essential to treat spider mite infestations early on, as they can quickly spread and cause significant damage to your kiwi plant.

Scale Insects

Scale insects are another type of pest that can infest kiwi plants. These small, oval-shaped bugs attach themselves to the stems or leaves of the plant and feed on its sap. Scale insects can be either hard or soft-bodied, depending on the species. They often appear as small bumps or shells on the plant’s surface.

Controlling scale insects can be a bit challenging, as they have a protective waxy covering that shields them from insecticides. However, you can try using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove them manually. Alternatively, you can use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to suffocate and kill the scale insects. Regularly inspecting your kiwi plant and taking prompt action when you spot scale insects is crucial to prevent their population from spreading.

Thrips

Thrips are tiny, slender bugs that feed on the leaves and flowers of kiwi plants. These pests are usually brown or yellowish in color and have fringed wings. Thrips pierce the plant’s cells and suck out their contents, causing the leaves to become discolored or distorted. They also leave behind black excrement spots on the plant’s surface.

To control thrips on your kiwi plant, you can use sticky traps or yellow sticky cards. These traps will attract and capture thrips, helping to reduce their population. Additionally, you can spray your plant with an insecticidal soap or neem oil to kill the thrips. Regularly removing any weeds or debris from around your kiwi plant will also discourage thrips from infesting it.

Conclusion

While it can be concerning to find little bugs crawling on your kiwi plant, it is essential to take swift action to protect your beloved plant from further damage. By identifying the type of insect infestation and employing the appropriate control methods, you can effectively manage and eliminate these pests. Remember to regularly inspect your kiwi plant, practice good garden hygiene, and consider using natural predators or organic insecticides to maintain a healthy and thriving kiwi plant.