Pest Control Treatment for Citrus Trees

Citrus trees not only bear fruit but pests that will damage foliage and possibly kill the tree.  Gardeners only hope is to find the most effective pest control technique or product that optimizes controlling the bug population while minimizing the harm to the plant.

Aphids, citrus leafminers, or Asian citrus pysllid are the most common pest to be seen on citrus trees in San Diego and Riverside County. These pests eat the leaves from the trees and stunt the growth rate of the injured leaves, often deforming their shape.

Eventually the bitten leaves will fall from the tree, but while they remain attached they can do plenty of good for your citrus tree. The green tissue in the leaf continues to produce sugar, providing energy for the tree.

In San Diego County, aphids are more prevalent in the spring and feed on newer leaves. The aphids suck the sap from the new leaves and excrete droplets of sugary liquid called honeydew.  High population of citrus leafminers in San Diego and Riverside are seen summer through fall but does not affect the growth or fruit production of mature trees.

To continue harvesting a healthy crop without the damage caused by pests like theses, follow these pest control tips:

• Keep all foliage on trees except for severely deformed leaves that protect the pests.

• Check trees at least once a week when they produce new growth. Inspect for signs of pests (e.g. feeding).

• Spray trees with water at medium-power everyday for a week to reduce the aphid population. Aphid-preying insects, like ladybugs, will not be harmed by the water spray.

• If using chemical spray, use a targeted pesticides so beneficial insect are not harmed by the residue on foliage.

• Avoid chemical treatments when possible. Usually, only young trees need chemical treatment to survive.

Keeping your citrus trees healthy in San Diego is possible by strictly following these pest control guidelines. Pro Pacific Pest Control offers botanical pesticides that are 100% organic to reduce the harm to our environment without compromising the effect of the pest.