Cockroaches

Description

As unlikely as it may seem, Cockroaches are actually a very common pest of African Violets and cause a lot of damage. They feed on both the foliage and flowers of African Violets, sometimes devouring entire blooms and eating large chunks from the leaves. Because they are quick and feed at night, Cockroaches can be difficult to detect.

Distinguishing Symptoms

• Not flowering. When Cockroaches are at work, it will often appear that your Violet has simply stopped flowering. In fact, the blooms are being eaten. Unlike other flower-eating pests, Cockroaches will devour entire blooms.
• Visible insects. Because Cockroaches are quick and feed at night, they can especially difficult to detect. If you suspect Cockroaches, there is a simple way to verify their presence. After turning out the lights at night, wait half an hour, then turn them on, again. If you have Cockroaches, you will almost certainly see them scurrying away from your Violets.

If your African Violet has these symptoms, it is probably being attacked by Cockroaches.

Other Symptoms

• Leaves are damaged. Damage from Cockroaches is caused by eating the leaves.
• Leaves have holes in them. They appear to have been eaten. When Cockroaches feed on the leaves of African Violets, they eat large, irregular-shaped patches from the leaves.
• Flowers are damaged. They have holes in them.

Treatment

To rid your Violets of Cockroaches, place baited Cockroach traps among your plants, or apply a household Cockroach spray (as directed on the label). Both should be available from your local hardware store or garden center. When using a spray, do not apply directly to your Violets.

Prevention

Keep your growing area clean. Minimize the presence of food sources which may attract Cockroaches to your Violets.

Important Note on the Use of Pesticides

Please note that almost all pesticides are formulated for specific uses and conditions. When applied incorrectly, pesticides can cause ill health or damage to plants. Therefore, when using any kind of pesticide or chemical treatment, always apply as indicated on the product label.

Begin New Diagnosis

Doctor Optimara Main Page | Glossary of Violet Terms | Contact Optimara

Pests, Pathogens and Cultural Problems (Complete List)

Copyright 1999 Optimara/Holtkamp Greenhouses, Inc. Nashville, Tennessee. Doctor Optimara is a trademark of Holtkamp Greenhouses, Inc. Optimara and the Optimara logo are trademarks of International Plant Breeding, A.G., Switzerland.