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SEPTEMBER 22 2022 / PEST AND TERMITE
There aren’t many things better than a fresh tomato atop a homemade burger or tossed in a summer salad. In fact, whether they’re stuffed, sliced, sauced, or the key ingredient in a delicious salsa, you really can’t go wrong with this vine-ripened masterpiece.
However, you aren’t the only one interested in these tasty tomatoes. Tomato-loving critters abound. Here, though, are the top three tomato-hungry bugs to watch out for this summer, and tips for how you can keep your tomatoes happy and healthy from plant to plate.
Stink bugs are armed and ready for battle with their shield-like backs and long mouths that suck the juice right out of your tomatoes. As a result, young tomatoes won’t develop, while more mature tomatoes will be covered in scars, depressions, and discolorations. The good news is, these bugs have a few chinks in their armor and can be pretty easy to get rid of just by monitoring your garden. Here are a few suggestions for ridding your tomato plants of these stinkers:
These caterpillar pests are tunnelers. They’ll enter your tomatoes right at the stem, eat their way through the plant, and leave a big mess. You will NOT want to see what they’ve done with the place. Unfortunately, these fruitworms use the tomato as a bunker, so once they’re inside, it becomes an uphill battle. However, we have a few suggestions on how to “hold the line” and prevent these infestations from happening:
Aphids are small, pear-shaped bugs that come in a variety of colors. Like the stinkbug, these pests have a long straw-like mouth to drain the juice from your tomatoes. Afterward, they leave a sticky substance on your fruit and leaves known as “honeydew,” which leads to mold growth. Aphids can also transmit viral diseases that will kill your plants. We have a few suggestions on how to turn this “honeydew” into “honey-don’t:”
We know a thing or two about pests, and we want to make sure your tomatoes survive this summer’s bug attacks. If these pests find strength in numbers, give us a call and we can tag in! Here at Waynes, we want to keep your home and yard free from bugs and mosquitos. Contact us today so you can sit back, relax, and watch your garden bloom.