How to Get Rid of Bugs on Brussels Sprout Plants

Brussels sprouts are a tasty and nutritious vegetable to grow, but various insects find them just as appetizing. Pests like aphids, caterpillars, and thrips can quickly damage Brussels sprouts if left unchecked Fortunately, there are effective organic and natural ways to deter bugs and keep your Brussels sprouts thriving

Common Brussels Sprout Pests

Some of the most troublesome bugs that attack Brussels sprouts include:

• Aphids – These tiny sap-sucking insects cluster on leaves and stunt plant growth. They secrete sticky honeydew that can lead to sooty mold.

• Caterpillars – Cabbage loopers diamondback moths, and imported cabbage worms chew holes in leaves and burrow into sprout heads.

• Thrips – Tiny flying insects that cause distorted growth silvered spots and spread disease.

• Flea beetles – Jumping beetles that chew tiny holes in foliage called shotholes.

• Cabbage maggots – Larvae of fly species that bore into root crops and stems.

• Slugs/snails – Leave large holes in leaves and can devour seedlings overnight.

• Whiteflies – Like aphids, these sap-sucking insects secrete sticky honeydew and can spread disease.

Organic Ways to Get Rid of Brussels Sprout Bugs

Here are some effective organic remedies and prevention methods to eliminate bugs on Brussels sprouts:

• Row covers – Lightweight fabric barriers keep out most flying and crawling pests. Use insect netting with a tight weave.

• Water spray – Strong blasts from the hose knock off aphids, thrips, whiteflies, and caterpillars.

• Neem oil – Derived from the neem tree, this oil smothers soft-bodied insects. It’s non-toxic to humans and plants.

• Insecticidal soap – Potassium salts in soap disrupt soft pest bodies but are gentle on plants.

• Diatomaceous earth – Dust this powder on plants as a physical insecticide that cuts into exoskeletons and kills pests.

• Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) – This natural bacteria controls caterpillars when ingested. Brands like Dipel and Thuricide target worms.

• Pyrethrins – Botanical extracts from chrysanthemums are approved for organic use to kill insects.

• Beneficial insects – Release or attract predatory bugs like lady beetles, lacewings, and parasitic wasps to eat pests.

• Sticky traps – Yellow boards or glossy paint catch winged pests like whiteflies, aphids, and fungus gnats.

• Slug traps – Beer-baited traps attract and drown slugs and snails that come to feed at night.

• Copper tape – Sharp metal deters slugs and snails when wrapped around raised beds or pot rims.

• Egg shells – Crushed eggshells create a rough, jagged barrier that repels crawling pests.

Preventing Infestations organically

• Rotate Brussels sprout planting location each year to disrupt pest life cycles.

• Time plantings for spring/fall when pests are less active. Avoid heat of summer.

• Interplant with pest-repelling plants like basil, garlic, onions, and marigolds.

• Use a cover crop like clover to boost beneficial nematodes that prey on pests.

• Remove and destroy heavily infested plants to prevent spread.

• Handpick large pests like cabbage worms and loopers. Check under leaves.

• Use a strong water spray to dislodge bugs and rinse off honeydew buildup.

• Avoid excess fertilization that creates rapid, tender growth that attracts pests.

• Monitor for eggs and small infestations. Take action before pests multiply.

• Clean up crop debris after harvest to eliminate pest habitat and food sources.

When to Use Chemical Products

For severe infestations, certain synthetic insecticides are approved for organic gardening as a last resort. Always follow label precautions. Options include:

• Spinosad – Derived from a soil microbe; targets caterpillars, beetles, flies, and thrips.

• Azadirachtin – Extracted from neem seeds; insect growth regulator that deters feeding.

• Pyrethrins – Can be combined with other organic oils for quick knockdown of insects.

• Insecticidal soap – Higher concentrations required than for organic use.

• Horticultural oils – Smother soft-bodied insects on contact while safe for plants.

• Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) – Available in stronger formulations than organic varieties.

• Beauveria bassiana – Fungal pathogen that infects and kills many pest species.

Protecting Brussels sprouts from insects the natural way allows you to grow chemical-free, nutritious produce. Combine preventive measures with prompt organic treatment to keep your plants bug-free.