What do bed bugs look like on raspberries and how to deal with them?

Bedbugs are real lovers of berry bushes. Because of them, the berries acquire an unpleasant taste and smell, and the shrubs themselves may die. How to find out about the defeat of the plant by bedbugs and how to deal with these parasites, we will tell below.

A raspberry bug is most often understood as a stink bug, since it is this type that is most often found on raspberry bushes. This bug looks like a shield in shape, which is why the people call it nothing more than a "shield bug". This is a small oval-shaped insect, the body of which is covered with small and thin hairs and is protected by a strong shell. The size of this parasite usually reaches 15 millimeters, no more. As for its color, it changes depending on the season, while its mustache and wings are constantly painted in a yellowish color. So, in the period of spring, it is painted in a bright green color, and closer to autumn it changes color to brown. This color change allows the bug to camouflage and protect itself from birds, but many of the birds are not very fond of them. In addition, these harmful insects have a characteristic odor, which is due to the presence of special odorous glands. Especially it can be felt if you eat a berry without noticing that this bug is sitting on it. The presence of an unpleasant odor is one of the properties of the bug, which it needs for protection and reproduction, since it is this "aroma" that allows females to be attracted to males.

If we talk about the nutrition of parasites, then their diet is quite diverse. Most often, they prefer to feast on raspberry bushes and their juices, but they also do not disdain currants, cherries, gooseberries, cherries, honeysuckle and other berry plantings. And some of the bugs are able to eat the foliage of tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, as well as cereals. These parasitic insects cause a lot of damage to the plant. After them, an unpleasant odor remains on the berries, but the bush itself begins to gradually weaken, since the bug feeds on its nutrients. Because of its bites, the plant runs the risk of catching a fungal disease, since pathogens can easily penetrate into the wounds.

One of the reasons for the appearance of bedbugs is the remains of old plants. These harmful insects live long enough, up to 2 years. Of course, they need a place where they can survive the winter. Old foliage is just right for this. When it gets warmer outside and the temperature reaches +15 degrees, the parasites begin to leave their homes and look for a source of food.

Another reason is the smell of plants. It is from him that harmful insects most often learn about the ripening of berries and quickly flock to them in order to feast on them. After a while after feeding them, parasite eggs can be found on the back of the leaves of the bush, which are located closer to the base of the stems. Further, the larvae begin to develop and destroy the foliage and berries of the plantings several times more actively.

When parasites feast on berry bushes, the fruits begin to deteriorate soon, and this can be noticed in separate dried parts. An unpleasant taste and smell of berries will also indicate the appearance of harmful bugs.

The foliage of a bush that has been hit by a bug is likely to have bitten edges or holes. Soon, you will notice that the damaged leaves begin to turn yellow, and then dry and die off. If the bugs are allowed to breed and not removed in time, this can lead to the death of trees and shrubs.

Such funds are distinguished by their effectiveness, but they must be used only if it is simply not possible to get rid of bed bugs in other ways. Preparations of this kind are highly toxic, and therefore can harm not only bedbugs, but humans and cultivated plants. Most often, gardeners use a chemical such as Actellic. It is able not only to fight insects by scaring them away, but also to exterminate them. This remedy in a short time has an effect on the body of the parasite, which leads to their death. The effect of the drug lasts about 2 weeks, after which it is necessary to re-spray.

Note that parasites develop immunity, due to which the drug may lose its effectiveness, and therefore it must be used together with other means, constantly alternating them. As a second tool, you can take "Karbofos", which is also highly effective. It is sold in different forms: in the form of powder, in liquid form, as well as in the form of capsules and pills. In addition, you can use and such chemicals as, for example, "Fufanon" and "Phosphamide". They are as effective as the aforementioned agents.

Note that spraying is best done at a temperature of 23-25 ​​degrees, while the weather should not be rainy, otherwise the treatment will be pointless and the procedure will have to be repeated. When using chemicals, it is recommended to pay attention to the expiration date of the drug, as well as strictly follow the instructions, observe safety precautions and use protective equipment during processing, including rubber gloves and a mask.

Most often, such measures are aimed at preventing the appearance of harmful insects, rather than fighting them. So, in order to avoid the appearance of parasites, it is necessary to get rid of the remnants of old plants in a timely manner - it is desirable to burn them all.

Biological preparations differ from chemical ones in that they are completely harmless to humans and pets, and to the berry bushes themselves, along with their fruits. They are able to eliminate many parasites, among which there are stink bugs.

Biological preparations include a remedy such as Boverin. A preparation was made on the basis of spores of the Bover fungus, which, when a harmful insect enters the body, begin to actively develop and produce toxins. In the near future, the parasites begin to die quickly. Note that, although Boverin is a biological and safe drug, it is still capable of causing allergies in a person, and therefore it is recommended to use it in personal protective equipment.

Another biological agent that can effectively fight harmful parasites is Bitoxibacillin. It is made using bacteria that are a pathogen for parasites. However, it acts a little slower - 2-3 days after use and, in addition, has a not very pleasant aroma.

The use of folk remedies can hardly be called effective in the fight against harmful insects. However, they are able to scare off parasites with the help of a specific smell, but for a long-term effect, you will have to process berry bushes with these agents on a regular basis.

So, a mustard-based solution can be used to combat bed bugs. The bugs do not tolerate mustard, and therefore it will be able to scare them away for a certain period of time. It is not difficult to make a solution, for this you need pre-heated water and dry mustard powder. All this must be stirred, after which the solution must cool. Further, you can carry out the processing of shrubs, while attention must be paid to both the front and rear of the leaves. If we talk about proportions, then they depend solely on how critical the situation is. If there are not very many bugs, then 100 grams of mustard will be enough for 10 liters of water. In advanced cases, the dosage of mustard powder will need to be increased.

You can also make onion peel based bed bug solution. You will need any container, half of which you need to fill with the main component, and fill the remaining space with cold water. The mixture should be infused for 5 days, after which it must be diluted with water in a ratio of 1 to 4 and used for regular spraying of the bushes. You can store such a solution for about 2 months in a dark and cool place.

Besides, you can resort to planting a branched cimicifuga, which is also called a racemose black cohosh. Larkspur, raven, wrestler and hellebore are also suitable. These plants must be planted between the bushes and looked after in a timely manner. They, in turn, will help you by scaring away harmful insects from raspberries.

Preventive measures will help prevent the appearance and spread of these insects in your area.

• First, you need to regularly inspect the bushes for the presence of parasites. This will help you notice them in the initial stages, which will allow you not to resort to the use of chemicals.
• Last year's dry shoots and foliage should be removed and destroyed in a fire, but it is recommended to dig up the soil before winter. So the bugs that could hibernate in the ground will be on top and die from the frost.
• Weeds need to be disposed of in a timely manner, as parasites can hide on them.
• If you notice a bug on the plant, then do not be too lazy to destroy it with your hands and inspect the entire bush.