There are a lot of daylily pests that can cause different damages to the plant. You should definitely be aware of their existence and make sure that you take proper action to eliminate them immediately.
Common Daylily Pests
Some of the most common daylily pests include aphids, spider mites, thrip, slugs and even snails. Each pest has their specific characteristics that most people should properly recognise.
Aphids
The aphids are described to be small soft bodied type of pests. They are usually measuring about one tenth inch and they belong to the family of insects known as the Aphididae. The specific aphid that affects the daylilies is known as the Myzushemerocallis. This specific aphid has a distinct light green shade. They usually attack the daylilies in colonies and feed on different parts of the plant, primarily the leaves. They do not only eat the plant parts but they also suck their nutrients. Once the aphids are attacking the plant, you can see tiny white bugs on daylilies, the white marks on the leaves or white spots on the daylilies can be seen while present on the contour of the leaves. Sticky substances can also be seen and felt, covering the plant. These substances are known as honeydew. Some of these aphids on daylilies are winged while others are not. They grow in different kinds of weather conditions primarily in mild weather and even in warm temperatures. Sometimes ants can bring aphids into your garden so if you can control the ants this will get rid of the aphids.
For you to be able to effectively control this type of pest, you can use insecticidal sprays. You can also choose to use non-toxic and safer remedies that can be found right in your home.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are also considered as some of the most common pests that attack the daylilies. These pests belong to the family of Arachnids and they usually cause some damages to the daylily plant. One of the most common species that you can find is the Tetranychus urticae. The spider mites can be very small with a green or yellowish colour. Because of their size, they may be very difficult to find in a daylily plant. Close inspection is necessary and you have to look into the different parts of the plant just to make sure that it is free from the said type of pest. Just like most type of pests, these spider mites eat up the leaves, specifically their undersurfaces. They also take away the nutrients of the plant making it more prone to damage and eventually, death. Once a plant is infected by the spider mites, webbed patches and speckling may be visible on the surfaces of the leaves. Eggs may also be present in the undersurfaces of the leaves most especially when you use the magnifying lens for a closer look. These spider mites are more evident in hot and dry weather conditions during which they usually replicate rapidly. Some researches reveal that the use of some insecticides can even increase the growth of the mites. It would be best if you simply use water to spray onto the leaves to make sure that proper moisture is kept. This will definitely prevent the further growth of the mites.
Thrips
Thrips are also known to cause significant damages in the daylily plant. Thrips are small in size and are found in the small spaces between the leaves and the flowers of the daylily plant. Some thrips can actually be beneficial for some plants while others can be very damaging. One of the most common types of thrips that are associated with the daylily plant is the Frankliniellahemerocallis or the daylily thrips. These pests are described to have a yellow orange to dark brown colour and are known to have wings especially the adult ones. The thrips are considered to be a lot smaller as compared to other pests because they are just measuring about one eighth of an inch. They damage the leaves of the plant by causing colour changes that appear as light coloured patches on the surface of the leaves. Damages in the flower buds may also become evident. For you to be able to prevent the damages caused by the daylily thrips, you have to make sure that you keep the plant properly hydrated. You should water the plants regularly and you can also try to use insect remedy spray especially for those thrips that are found in the deeper corners of the leaves.
Slugs and Snails
Most people may not be aware of the fact that slugs and snails can also cause certain damages to the daylily plants. These are actually considered as molluscs and are definitely larger in size as compared to most problem pests that affect the daylilies. They are about half an inch to about four inches when it comes to size, depending on the slugs and snails age, they can be easily observed on the daylily plant. Aside from their size, the slime like substance present in their trail through the leaves can also be very observable. The slugs and the snails mainly attack at night while we sleep in other words they are nocturnal animals, they often feed between the veins of the leaves normally on the new growth. This can eventually cause the shredding of the leaves of the daylilies. When the slugs and snails are not feeding they hide in damp spots under items. The slugs and the snails can be more evident during autumn and even in spring. Damp and moist conditions make these species more active especially if you use compost and even animal manure for your soil. You should be able to inspect your plants regularly for the presence of black, grey and sometimes yellowish species on or near the new leaves or almost any part of the plant. As soon as you notice such creatures, you should remove them right away. It would be best if you wear protective gloves before you touch the snails and slugs directly and eventually remove them and put the snails and slugs into salty water this will kill them.
How to Get Rid of
Aphids on Daylilies – ladybugs are good natural predators for aphids, insecticidal soap is an effective organic way used as a spray, by spraying both sides of the leaves, it is best if you rinse off the soap after a few hours after applying it, so the leaves are dry before dark. Companion planting is another smart way of deterring aphids, the best plants to plant are chives, mint and garlic these plants deter aphids.
Spider Mites on Daylilies – these insects like dry conditions so if you keep your plants watered and not let them dry out this will soon get rid of spider mites.
Slugs and Snails on Daylilies – these garden slugs love damp conditions so try watering your garden in the mornings so it dries out by the evening this will reduce the slugs around your daylilies significantly.
Thrips – keep your garden neat by removing old leaves as thrips will spread diseases in your garden, water will get rid of thrips as well, so while you keep your plants well watered this will keep thrips away and keep your daylilies very healthy at the same time.
Daylily Aphid Control – How to Prevent
snails, slugs, thrips, spider mites and aphids on daylilies can be easily controlled with epsom salts, this can be done with a mixture of two dessert spoons of epsom salts dissolved into hot water then mixed into a bucket of cold water by spraying this mixture on to your daylilies and all other plants even lawns will prevent these pests in your garden, this can be done once every six months.
These are some of the most common pests that attack the daylilies and you should definitely be aware of them so that you will know what to do when you see them on your plants. If you take the right actions against these pests, you can truly be sure that you will be able to maintain your daylilies properly.