What Crops Attract Blister Bugs?
Gardens are a great way to liven up your outdoor space. Unfortunately, they are a hotbed for many pests, including blister bugs. These tiny pests come in a variety of colors, from brown and brown striped to pure black. Some blister bugs are gray while others sport a black and yellow bumblebee pattern.
But there's one thing these buggy creatures have in common: their bite can cause severe blisters. This is due to a chemical called cantharidin, which causes painful blisters to form when secreted. But blisters aren't the only problem with these pests. They can multiply and wreak havoc on your garden. You can ward off an infestation by learning about the types of crops that can attract blister bugs.
Which plants attract blister bugs?
Having an awareness of what attracts blister bugs is the first step towards elimination. Blister bugs are attracted to the following:
Alfalfa
Ironweed
Pigweed
Ragweed
The leaves of some of these plants are a major food source for blister bugs. However, there are other plant properties that can draw them to your garden, such as nectar, blossoms, and flowers. These provide pollination and are also another major food source.
How do infestations start?
Blister bug infestations are serious, so it's important to catch them early. There are a few opportunities for them to gather and reproduce. One of the most common places is where there's hay, which is where the blister bugs can cause the most damage. The cantharidin that causes blisters in humans may pose a risk for certain livestock that consume hay. Horses are especially impacted, and in some cases may become fatally ill.
Most blister bug infestations occur around hay, where they can reproduce in numbers. Blister bugs conceal easily in giant bundles of hay, making it harder to spot them. The hay itself could become heavily contaminated with the cantharidin, and, if consumed, may cause urinary tract infections in horses. Stomach issues are also a concern and may warrant emergency medical treatment.
How can you prevent an infestation?
Bug infestations are certainly no fun in any setting. But blister bug infestations can wreak havoc on your flowers and crops if left unchecked. It's vital to stay on top of the situation and keep vigil over your garden.
Signs of an infestation include seeing swarms hovering around blooms and crops. Other red flags include holes in leaves and plants and seeing live bugs feeding off of leaves and blossoms. There are a couple of ways to prevent the presence of these loathsome pests. You can try keeping your garden trimmed on a regular basis.
Plants that thrive in a sunroom stand a better chance of immunity against blister bug infestations. They can get plenty of sunlight indoors without the hassle of blister bugs. Patio Enclosures offers services in sunroom construction for your needs.
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