Q.Worms, Anthracnose, and Ants!
Please help! I have been raising bean plants for years and I have never had this happen. It seems that almost overnight my bean plants have caught some kind of worm that is living in and killing their leaves. What are they and how do I get rid of the devils!? Also, my pink lemon tree I have been raising for 4-5 years has ants literally inside it eating the stalk. What do I do to get rid of them and prevent them? The last problem I have is anthracnose. All my mangos and avocadoes have caught it and it is spreading! How the heck do I get rid of it for good without killing the plants? Please help!
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
I am uncertain of the pest that is attacking your bean plants, but caterpillars and worms can typically be killed either by using Bt or neem oil. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/prevent-caterpillars.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/problems/pests/neem-oil-uses.htm Your lemon tree likely has been affected by aphids, which secrete honeydew. This sweet substance is what normally attracts the ants and is what they feed on, so in order to rid the plant of ants, you'll first need to get rid of the aphids. Again, neem oil can help with this. As for the anthracnose issue, copper based fungicides are used to control this fungal disease. You could even substitute the copper base fungicide for the neem oil and use it instead.
