Gall midge is a small mosquito that attacks raspberry and currant bushes. These insects are able to penetrate into different parts of the plant, gradually eating and destroying it. It is difficult to deal with it, so it is better to avoid infection by carrying out timely prevention.
Gall midge manifests itself in a change in the appearance of the leaves and trunks of plants. This is the first sign of infection. If a harmful insect has settled on one of the plantings, it is necessary to urgently begin to destroy it, otherwise it can quickly spread to other bushes, thereby destroying the entire site.
Gall midge looks like a small mosquito
There are several ways to combat harmful insects.
- If the larvae are found on the stem of the bush in the form of an outgrowth, it is recommended to cut off part of the bark along with the eggs and burn it. Cover the place of damage with any horticultural product for damaged bark.
- If a pest is found on shoots or flowers, spraying is indispensable. They are produced using specialized chemicals, which are presented in a wide range in gardening stores.
Spraying from the pest is carried out in dry, calm weather, in compliance with all safety measures. Solutions are prepared with strict adherence to dosages in accordance with the attached instructions for use. Do not exceed the specified dosage of chemicals, as this can adversely affect the plants.
The processing is carried out in several stages, since it is not always possible to destroy the insect the first time.
The fight against gall midge involves more than just the use of chemicals and poisons. Timely preventive measures can keep the plant safe from infection, or help the grower find the pest at an early stage.
For prevention purposes, it is recommended to do the following:
- Choose plant varieties for growing that are immune to harmful insects and diseases.
- Plant between raspberry and currant bushes plants that repel the pest. These include perennial onions and garlic.
- In the evening, when insects become active, good protection for the whole night can be done by treating shrubs with infusions of wormwood, mullein, tobacco, nettle or bird cherry.
- In the spring and autumn, you need to carefully examine the shrubs, cut off any unhealthy and weak branches. Then burn them at some distance from the site.
- The soil under the plants must be periodically loosened to a depth of at least 10-15 cm. This must be done carefully so as not to damage the root system.
- The surface of the land under the bushes is covered with a 10 cm layer of peat. It not only has a beneficial effect on the plant, but also prevents mosquitoes from flying away.
If there is a plot with raspberries or currants in the neighborhood, then for more effective preventive measures, it is recommended to perform all actions, in coordination with a neighboring gardener.
It is possible to completely destroy an insect on currant or raspberry bushes, for this there are a lot of modern means. But it is better to try to prevent it from appearing on your site, observing simple preventive measures. The main condition for a healthy vegetable garden is its timely cleaning and proper care.