A lot of people use Spanish moss for crafts, flower arrangements, and decorations. It’s easy to get and use, but there is one thing you should know.
Few people know that the plant is actually not moss, but a bromeliad. Fresh Spanish moss can harbor red bugs and red bug bites can cause severe itching and swelling.
Spanish moss is a beautiful plant that can add a lovely draping texture to trees, fences and other structures in your yard However, these wispy gray strands can sometimes become infested with tiny bugs that can be difficult to eliminate With the right approach, you can get rid of bugs in Spanish moss and restore its beauty.
What Causes Bugs in Spanish Moss?
Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides) is in the bromeliad family and native to the southeastern United States. It gets its nutrients and water from the air and rain as opposed to roots in the ground. This air plant grows in hanging strands or “festoons” that drape gracefully from tree branches.
Unfortunately, the tiny nooks and crannies within these tangled strands are attractive hiding spots for small insects and bugs Common pests that may take up residence include
- Spider mites
- Mealybugs
- Scales
- Aphids
- Thrips
These bugs insert their mouthparts into the plant tissues and suck out nourishing sap. An infestation can cause yellowing, browning, wilting and even death of the moss if left unchecked. Bug populations can explode very quickly, so it’s important to take action at the first sign of an infestation.
How to Check for Bugs in Spanish Moss
Keep an eye out for these signs that your Spanish moss may have some uninvited guests:
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White cottony masses on the strands – this is a telltale sign of mealybugs.
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Tiny white dots moving on the plant – these could be spider mites.
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Honeydew secretions on the moss or below it – this sticky residue left behind by aphids and other sucking insects.
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Speckling or stippling damage on the foliage – thrips and mites cause this type of injury.
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Areas of moss turning yellow, brown or wilted – an advanced infestation.
The best way to inspect for bugs is to gently comb through the strands with your fingers and look closely under good lighting. Use a magnifying glass to help spot tiny pests. Also shake the moss over a white piece of paper and look for any insects that fall out.
Catching an infestation early makes treatment much easier. Don’t wait until the bugs have already caused extensive damage.
How to Get Rid of Bugs on Spanish Moss
If you discover bugs in your Spanish moss, take action right away. Here are some effective organic and chemical treatment options:
Neem Oil
Neem oil is a botanical insecticide that can control many common houseplant pests. It comes from pressing seeds from the neem tree. Neem oil smothers and repels plant-feeding insects.
Make a neem oil spray by mixing 1-2 teaspoons of pure cold-pressed neem oil and 1⁄2 teaspoon insecticidal soap in 1 quart of warm water. Add a pinch of natural soap to help the oil mix with the water. Shake well and spray all areas of the infected moss. Repeat every 7-10 days for a few weeks.
Neem oil is non-toxic to people, pets and beneficial garden insects when used as directed. It can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Insecticidal Soap
Insecticidal soap is another organic pest control option made from the potassium salts of fatty acids. It kills soft-bodied insects through contact by dissolving their outer coating.
Mix 1-2 tablespoons of insecticidal soap concentrate per gallon of water. Add a little natural soap to help it mix. Spray the moss, including undersides of the strands, until completely coated. Reapply every 5-7 days for a couple weeks.
Be sure to find an insecticidal soap formula that is safe for air plants like Spanish moss. Some products may cause leaf burn.
Horticultural Oil
Horticultural oils smother insects and mites while being gentle on plants. These highly refined oils can be used to control all stages of soft scale, spider mites, aphids, whitefly and other piercing-sucking insects.
Follow label directions to mix the horticultural oil spray. Thoroughly coat all areas of the moss, including the underside of strands. Reapply every 7-14 days for a few weeks. Do not apply horticultural oils during hot weather over 85°F.
Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis)
Bt is a natural bacterial disease that infects and kills certain chewing insects but is harmless to people and pets. Look for a Bt formula targeted for caterpillars, such as Dipel or Thuricide.
Mix according to label instructions and spray onto the moss. Reapply every 5-7 days as needed. Bt works best on young larvae when they are actively eating. It may help control loopers and other moth larvae.
Systemic Insecticide
Systemic insecticides are absorbed into the plant and make its tissues and sap toxic to feeding bugs. Examples include imidacloprid and acephate. They are especially useful against scale insects and other sucking pests.
Follow label directions carefully, as some systemics can be harmful to sensitive bromeliads. Apply as a thorough drench to the soil or potting mix, allowing the roots to take up the insecticide. One application may provide several weeks of protection. Outdoor plants only!
Insect Growth Regulators
Insect growth regulator (IGR) products disrupt the life cycle of insects by inhibiting their development and metamorphosis. Examples are kinoprene and hydroprene. IGRs are generally low toxicity and safe for plants.
Apply IGRs according to label instructions to control larval, nymph and immature stages of soft scales, mealybugs, leafhoppers, caterpillars and other pests. It may take longer to see results compared to traditional insecticides. 2-3 applications are usually needed.
Alcohol & Water Spray
For light infestations of soft-bodied insects like aphids, spider mites or whiteflies, try spraying the bugs directly with a mixture of 2 parts rubbing alcohol to 1 part water. This solution will kill many pests on contact while helping avoid damage to the moss. Avoid spraying open flowers which may be damaged by the alcohol. Reapply as needed.
Pyrethrins
Pyrethrins are botanical extracts from chrysanthemum flowers used as a natural insecticide. Look for pyrethrin liquids, dusts or aerosol foggers to treat heavily infested moss, especially outdoors. Pyrethrins have quick knockdown power but break down rapidly in sunlight. Repeated applications are necessary. Use caution, as pyrethrins can harm beneficial insects as well as pests.
Chemical Insecticides
For severe infestations, chemical insecticides like malathion, carbaryl (Sevin), permethrin or bifenthrin can eliminate insects on Spanish moss. However, these products may damage sensitive air plants. Carefully follow all label precautions and directions. Never use a stronger solution than listed on the product. Only use chemical pesticides outdoors if possible.
Preventing Future Infestations
Getting rid of current bugs is only half the battle. Here are some tips to help keep pests out of your Spanish moss:
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Quarantine new moss plants away from existing ones for 2-3 weeks to ensure they are pest-free before introducing them.
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Periodically spray moss with a strong stream of water to blast away bugs and webs where they hide.
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Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap sprays once a month as a preventive treatment.
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Introduce natural predators like ladybugs, praying mantis, green lacewings or beneficial nematodes to your yard.
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Trim off any dead or heavily infested strands of moss to eliminate pest breeding grounds.
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Avoid excess fertilization and only water when moss is completely dry. Bugs thrive on succulent, fast-growing plants.
With diligence and proper treatment, you can eliminate insects from Spanish moss and continue enjoying this elegant plant. Always start with organic options first before turning to chemical sprays for stubborn infestations. And be sure to take steps to prevent a recurrence once the bugs are gone. Your moss will soon be back to adding unique natural beauty wherever it drapes.
Wear Protective Gloves
Wear protective gloves and long sleeves to prevent bugs from getting onto your skin.
Inspect the Moss
Check the moss in a wide open space for snakes, frogs, and other larger animals that might be living there.
Spanish moss treatment
FAQ
What do you spray for Spanish moss?
How long do you microwave Spanish moss to kill the bugs?
How to get rid of Spanish moss naturally?
Does Spanish moss kill Redbugs?
Keep in mind if you try your hand at a Spanishmoss bed that the plant often harbors redbugs in its natural environment – you can steam, boil, or cook the moss to kill the bugs before rolling around all over the moss bed, but still practice caution during the harvest process. Spanish moss can absorb ten times its dry weight in water.
How can sea moss be taken daily?
You can eat sea moss in multiple ways. It can be eaten in gel, powder, or fresh in soups, smoothies, ice cream, and sweet and savory preparations.
How do you care for Spanish moss?
Growing and caring for Spanish Moss is relatively straightforward, thanks to its minimal requirements and adaptive nature. Outdoors: Prefers bright, filtered sunlight. It thrives when hanging from tree branches that provide dappled shade. Indoors: Place it near a window where it can receive plenty of indirect light.
Can you use Spanish moss indoors?
It’s a bromeliad, related to the pineapple family, and native to the Caribbean, Mexico, South and Central America, and the United States, from Florida to the coastal regions of Texas. You can use Spanish moss indoors in many different ways, but don’t pull it from the trees and bring it indoors without first treating it for bugs and insects.
