The loss of succulents due to pests can be quite frustrating to growers of these otherwise tough plants. In this section you should be able to identify the pest that is attacking your succulents and determine the best type of treatment that suits you best.

Signs of Infestation	Pest	Treatment
Many small bodies insects on stems, leaves and flowers of plants.	Ants	Sprinkle catnip or mint around nest. Read More >>
Aphids are small, delicate insects that are found in colonies on growth tips, flowers and leaves. Their colour varies from yellow to black...	Aphids	Bupirimate Bifenthrin Pirimicarb Read More >>
These pests are 3-4mm long, and are straw coloured...	Leaf Bug	Oxydemeton methyl Read More >>
White fluffy mass appearing on buds, stems, fruit and roots. The presence of ants and honeydew/sooty mold.	Mealy Bug	Tokuthion - 5ml/10l water. Read More >>
Small microscopic worms that cause knots on roots....	Nematodes	Grow marigolds... Read More >>
Small reddish brown insects that attack leafy succulents, usually on the lower surface of the leaves.	Red Spider Mite	Amitraz Chlorpyrifos Read More >>
Small insects - >7mm, oval in shape, white to off-pink in colour, adults encapsulated in a white "cottony" substance.	Root Mealybug	Place mothballs in potting soil... Read More >>
Red Scale is 1-2mm in diameter, they are reddish brown in colour and attack all parts of the plant.	Red Scale	Apply a lite mineral oil... Read More >>
Common garden snails and slugs.	Snails	Place beer in a saucer flush with the ground... Read More>>
Snout beetles attack mainly aloes, they are between 15-25mm in length and greyish to dark brown to black in colour.	Snout Beetle	Drill a small hole in the stem just below.. Read More >>
Whiteflies are small insects between 1-3mm in lenght, they are covered in a white waxy powder...	White Fly	Create a loop of yellow tape... Read More >>
White Scale are small insects that usually infect Aloes, they are small insects approximtely 1-2mm in length.	White Scale	Wash of with soapy water... Read More >>
Worms come in a variety of shapes and sizes and they do a lot of damage in a short time.	Worms	Pick worms off manually... Read More >>

Safety tips regarding the use of chemical fungicides and pesticides:

Read the instructions carefully, if there is something you don't understand get into contact with someone who is experienced in the use of fungicides or pesticides. These poisons are dangerous and can be life-threatening if used incorrectly.

Wear gloves when measuring, mixing and pouring the poison. Do this in a well ventilated are where the fumes or dust will drift away from you.

The best time to spray is in the early morning or late evening. Never spray in a strong wind and stay away from the spray drift.

Wear protective clothing, e.g. gloves and facemask, when using toxic pesticides, eg. Malathion. It is a good idea to use protective clothing when applying any pesticides and fungicides.

Wash your hands well after spraying plants.

Do not eat, smoke or drink while you are applying the poisons. If you do have a break wash your hands and face thoroughly before you eat, smoke or drink something.

Shower and change clothes after applying the poisons.

Store chemicals in a clearly market area that is away from foodstuffs, children and animals. Make sure the area conforms to the current safety regulations, it is a good idea to keep them under lock and key. Keep the allocated storage area well ventilated.