Bug Remedy for Zinnias

Aphids

• Aphids are small yellow, green, red, brown or black insects often found in large groups on the petals, leaves or stems of zinnias. Spray aphids off leaves with a hose, or apply insecticidal soaps or neem oil to control aphids. Insecticides such as malathion, permethrin and acephate are effective but should be used sparingly. Lady beetles and lacewings are natural enemies of aphids.

Leafminers

• Leafminers are small, black-and-yellow flies. Their larvae are yellow maggots. They puncture zinnia leaves, making foliage look speckled. Watering zinnias thoroughly and removing any old or infested leaves controls leafminers.

Mites

• Various mites attack zinnias. Cyclamen and broad mites are invisible to the naked eye, but cause zinnias' leaves to curl and grow smaller or thicker than usual. Discolored, brownish flowers and buds are other symptoms. Remove infested zinnias and avoid planting new ones in the vicinity. Spider mites, which look like groups of moving dots, can be sprayed from zinnias with strong blasts of water. Insecticidal soaps or oils also control this pest. Predatory mites, lacewings and six-spotted thrips control these mites.

Thrips

• Adult thrips are small, flying insects with long, fringed wings. They discolor zinnias' petals and leave them misshapen. Remove thrips with strong sprays of water, dispose of any dead blooms and destroy infected zinnias. Placing a layer of reflective mulch over your flowerbeds also deters thrips. Insecticides are unnecessary, as most healthy plants are unharmed by thrips, but azadirachtin, neem oil or pyrethrins mixed with piperonyl butoxide are effective. Lacewings and pirate bugs are natural enemies.

Earwigs

• Earwigs are about 3/4 inch long when fully grown with wings and forcepslike appendages at their rear end. Earwigs thrive on moisture, so eliminating any freestanding water helps deter them. Earwig traps, such as a cat food can with oil in the bottom, are effective. Remove any piles of leaves or ivy from your lawn where earwigs like to hide.

True Bugs

• True bugs are recognized by their sucking mouths and the "X" that forms when they fold their wings on their backs. They suck juice from zinnia tissue, leaving it distorted, but don't cause extreme damage to healthy plants. Remove any damaged foliage and use insecticidal oils or soaps as necessary. General predators, such as green lacewings and damsel bugs, aid in control.

Whiteflies

• Whiteflies are small, white, waxy insects often found on the undersides of leaves. They cause zinnias' leaves to yellow and die. Remove whiteflies by hand or spray zinnias with water. Plastic and reflective mulches are also effective, as are whitefly traps, such as yellow plywood stakes coated in petroleum jelly. Coating zinnias in insecticidal soap or oil kills the nymphs. Lacewings, bigeyed bugs and minute pirate bugs also offer control.