What Bugs Eat Marigolds? (The Complete Guide)

Marigolds: A Beautiful Flower with a Few Pests

Marigolds are a popular flower for gardens and landscapes, thanks to their bright colors and cheerful blooms. But what many people don’t know is that marigolds also attract a few pests.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the bugs that eat marigolds, and we’ll discuss how to control them. We’ll also provide some tips on how to grow healthy marigolds that are less likely to be damaged by pests.

So if you’re thinking about adding marigolds to your garden, read on to learn more about the pests that you may encounter.

Bug	Damage	Prevention
Aphids	Suck sap from leaves, causing leaves to wilt and turn yellow.	Use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Cabbage loopers	Eat holes in leaves.	Hand-pick loopers or use a floating row cover.
Japanese beetles	Eat leaves, leaving behind skeletonized leaves.	Use a beetle trap or hand-pick beetles.
Thrips	Suck sap from leaves, causing leaves to become stippled or silvery.	Use insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Marigolds are a popular flower that is grown for their bright colors and beautiful blooms. They are also known for their ability to repel pests, but unfortunately, some bugs do eat marigolds.

This article will discuss the different types of bugs that eat marigolds, the signs of damage caused by these bugs, and how to control them.

Types of Bugs That Eat Marigolds

There are many different types of bugs that can eat marigolds, including:

• Aphids
• Spider mites
• Whiteflies
• Beetles
• Slugs
• Earwigs
• Fleas
• Thrips
• Caterpillars
• Other insects

Each type of bug has its own unique feeding habits and can cause different types of damage to marigolds.

Aphids

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants. They can be found in a variety of colors, including green, black, white, and pink. Aphids are one of the most common pests of marigolds and can cause significant damage to the plants.

Aphids feed by inserting their piercing-sucking mouthparts into the leaves and stems of marigolds. This can cause the leaves to wilt, turn yellow, and eventually die. Aphids can also transmit diseases to marigolds.

Spider mites

Spider mites are tiny, eight-legged arachnids that feed on the sap of plants. They are difficult to see with the naked eye, but they can cause significant damage to marigolds.

Spider mites feed by sucking the sap from the leaves of marigolds. This can cause the leaves to turn yellow, brown, or silvery. Spider mites can also cause the leaves to wilt and eventually die.

Whiteflies

Whiteflies are small, flying insects that feed on the sap of plants. They are covered in a white, waxy powder that helps them to camouflage themselves. Whiteflies are one of the most common pests of marigolds and can cause significant damage to the plants.

Whiteflies feed by inserting their piercing-sucking mouthparts into the leaves of marigolds. This can cause the leaves to turn yellow, brown, or silvery. Whiteflies can also cause the leaves to wilt and eventually die.

Beetles

Beetles are a diverse group of insects that include many different species. Some beetles, such as the Colorado potato beetle, feed on marigolds.

Colorado potato beetles are large, black and yellow beetles that are native to North America. They are a major pest of potatoes, but they can also damage marigolds.

Colorado potato beetles feed on the leaves of marigolds. This can cause the leaves to wilt, turn yellow, and eventually die.

Slugs

Slugs are soft-bodied, slimy creatures that feed on a variety of plants, including marigolds. They are nocturnal and hide during the day under rocks, leaves, or other objects.

Slugs feed on the leaves of marigolds, leaving behind ragged holes. They can also cause the leaves to wilt and eventually die.

Earwigs

Earwigs are small, brown insects that have pincers at the end of their abdomens. They are nocturnal and hide during the day under rocks, leaves, or other objects.

Earwigs feed on a variety of plants, including marigolds. They feed on the leaves of marigolds, leaving behind ragged holes. They can also cause the leaves to wilt and eventually die.

Fleas

Fleas are small, wingless insects that feed on the blood of animals. They can also feed on the blood of humans.

Fleas can be a nuisance, but they can also cause damage to marigolds. Fleas feed on the leaves of marigolds, leaving behind small, dark spots. They can also cause the leaves to wilt and eventually die.

Thrips

Thrips are small, slender insects that feed on the sap of plants. They are difficult to see with the naked eye, but they can cause significant damage to marigolds.

Thrips feed on the leaves of marigolds, leaving behind small, silvery streaks. They can also cause the leaves to turn yellow, brown, or silvery. Thrips can also cause the leaves to wilt and eventually die.

Caterpillars

Caterpillars are the larval stage of moths and butterflies. They feed on a variety of plants, including marigolds.

Caterpillars feed on the leaves of marigolds, leaving behind ragged holes. They can also cause the leaves to wilt and eventually die.

Other insects

What Bugs Eat Marigolds?

Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) are a popular garden flower, but they can also be a target for a variety of pests. Some of the most common bugs that eat marigolds include:

• Aphids
• Spider mites
• Whiteflies
• Thrips
• Leafhoppers
• Flea beetles
• Japanese beetles
• Earwigs
• Snails and slugs

These pests can damage marigolds by sucking sap from the leaves, stems, and flowers, or by chewing on the leaves. They can also transmit diseases to marigolds.

How to Control Bugs on Marigolds

There are a number of ways to control bugs on marigolds, including:

• Handpicking
• Natural remedies
• Insecticidal soaps
• Insecticidal oils
• Neem oil
• Insecticidal dusts
• Insecticidal sprays
• Biological controls
• Traps
• Barriers

Handpicking

One of the easiest ways to control bugs on marigolds is to handpick them off the plants. This is a time-consuming method, but it is effective for small infestations. To handpick bugs, simply use your fingers to remove them from the plants. Be sure to check the undersides of the leaves, as this is where many bugs like to hide.

Natural remedies

There are a number of natural remedies that can be used to control bugs on marigolds. Some of the most common include:

• Garlic: Crush a few cloves of garlic and mix them with water. Spray the mixture on the plants to repel bugs.
• Soapy water: Mix a few drops of dish soap with water and spray the mixture on the plants to kill bugs.
• Vinegar: Mix equal parts vinegar and water and spray the mixture on the plants to repel bugs.
• Chamomile tea: Brew a cup of chamomile tea and let it cool. Strain the tea and spray the liquid on the plants to repel bugs.

Insecticidal soaps

Insecticidal soaps are a type of pesticide that is made from natural ingredients. They are effective against a variety of bugs, including aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Insecticidal soaps work by breaking down the bugs’ waxy outer coating, which causes them to dehydrate and die.

Insecticidal oils

Insecticidal oils are a type of pesticide that is made from plant oils. They are effective against a variety of bugs, including aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Insecticidal oils work by smothering the bugs and blocking their breathing holes.

Neem oil

Neem oil is a natural insecticide that is derived from the seeds of the neem tree. It is effective against a variety of bugs, including aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Neem oil works by disrupting the bugs’ hormones, which causes them to stop feeding and eventually die.

Insecticidal dusts

Insecticidal dusts are a type of pesticide that is made from finely ground particles. They are effective against a variety of bugs, including aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Insecticidal dusts work by sticking to the bugs’ bodies and causing them to suffocate.

Insecticidal sprays

Insecticidal sprays are a type of pesticide that is made from a liquid solution. They are effective against a variety of bugs, including aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Insecticidal sprays work by killing the bugs on contact.

Biological controls

Biological controls are a type of pest control that uses natural predators to control the population of target pests. Some of the most common biological controls for marigolds include:

• Ladybugs: Ladybugs are a type of beetle that preys on aphids. They are a natural and effective way to control aphid populations on marigolds.
• Parasitic wasps: Parasitic wasps are a type of wasp that lay their eggs on or inside other insects. The larvae of the wasps then hatch and feed on the host insect, eventually killing it. Parasitic wasps are a natural and effective way to control a variety of insect pests, including aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.
• Green lacewings: Green lacewings are a type of fly that preys on aphids, spider mites, and other small insects. They are a natural and effective way to control these pests on marigolds.

Traps

Traps can be used to catch and kill bugs on marigolds. Some of the most common traps include:

What bugs eat marigolds?

• Aphids: Small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of marigolds. They can cause leaves to wilt and turn yellow.
• Spider mites: Tiny, eight-legged arachnids that suck sap from marigold leaves. They can cause leaves to turn brown and dry out.
• Thrips: Small, winged insects that feed on the leaves and flowers of marigolds. They can cause leaves to become stippled or mottled.
• Whiteflies: Small, fly-like insects that feed on the undersides of marigold leaves. They can cause leaves to turn yellow and drop off.
• Japanese beetles: Large, metallic-green beetles that feed on the leaves, flowers, and stems of marigolds. They can cause leaves to be eaten completely, leaving only the veins.

How can I get rid of bugs on my marigolds?

There are a number of ways to get rid of bugs on marigolds, including:

• Physical removal: You can remove aphids, spider mites, and thrips by hand by gently brushing them off the leaves. You can also knock whiteflies off the leaves with a strong stream of water.
• Insecticidal soap: Insecticidal soap is a safe and effective way to kill aphids, spider mites, and thrips. It can be sprayed directly on the insects to kill them.
• Neem oil: Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can be used to kill aphids, spider mites, thrips, and whiteflies. It can be sprayed on the leaves of marigolds to kill the insects.
• Biological control: You can release beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, to help control aphids, spider mites, and thrips. These insects will prey on the harmful insects, helping to keep their populations under control.

How can I prevent bugs from eating my marigolds?

There are a number of things you can do to prevent bugs from eating your marigolds, including:

• Plant marigolds in a sunny location with well-drained soil. Marigolds prefer full sun and well-drained soil. These conditions will help to make the plants more resistant to pests.
• Water marigolds regularly. Marigolds need to be watered regularly to stay healthy and strong. This will help to make the plants more resistant to pests.
• Fertilize marigolds regularly. Marigolds benefit from regular fertilization. This will help to make the plants more healthy and strong, which will make them more resistant to pests.
• Prune marigolds regularly. Pruning marigolds will help to keep the plants healthy and strong. This will make the plants more resistant to pests.
• Cover marigolds with a floating row cover. A floating row cover is a lightweight, breathable fabric that can be used to cover marigolds. This will help to keep pests off the plants.

What are some other common problems that marigolds can have?

In addition to bugs, marigolds can also be affected by a number of other problems, including:

• Diseases: Marigolds can be affected by a number of diseases, including powdery mildew, rust, and verticillium wilt. These diseases can cause leaves to wilt, turn yellow, or fall off.
• Nutrient deficiencies: Marigolds can also be affected by nutrient deficiencies, such as nitrogen deficiency, phosphorus deficiency, and potassium deficiency. These deficiencies can cause leaves to turn yellow, brown, or purple.
• Mechanical damage: Marigolds can also be damaged by mechanical injury, such as being stepped on or crushed. This can cause leaves to be torn or damaged.

How can I prevent and treat problems with my marigolds?

There are a number of things you can do to prevent and treat problems with your marigolds, including:

• Plant marigolds in a location that is protected from pests and diseases. This will help to reduce the risk of problems.
• Water marigolds regularly and fertilize them according to the package directions. This will help to keep the plants healthy and strong.
• Inspect marigolds regularly for signs of pests and diseases. This will allow you to identify and treat problems early on.
• Treat marigolds with pesticides and fungicides according to the package directions. This will help to control pests and diseases

  Marigolds are a popular flower that is known for its bright colors and its ability to repel pests. However, there are a few bugs that can eat marigolds, including aphids, beetles, and caterpillars. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants. They can cause marigolds to wilt and die. Beetles are also a common pest of marigolds. They can chew holes in the leaves and flowers of the plants. Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies. They can eat the leaves of marigolds, leaving the plants looking ragged.

There are a few ways to control these pests. One way is to hand-pick them off the plants. Another way is to use a natural insecticide, such as neem oil or insecticidal soap. You can also try planting marigolds near other plants that repel pests, such as basil or mint.

By following these tips, you can help keep your marigolds healthy and pest-free.

Here are some key takeaways from the content:

• Marigolds are a popular flower that is known for its bright colors and its ability to repel pests.
• However, there are a few bugs that can eat marigolds, including aphids, beetles, and caterpillars.
• Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants. They can cause marigolds to wilt and die.
• Beetles are also a common pest of marigolds. They can chew holes in the leaves and flowers of the plants.
• Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies. They can eat the leaves of marigolds, leaving the plants looking ragged.
• There are a few ways to control these pests, including hand-picking them off the plants, using a natural insecticide, or planting marigolds near other plants that repel pests.