Sweet potato vine is a beautiful, quick-growing vine that can last for many years in warm climates. However, it’s hard to keep your sweet potato vine around for a long time if it’s constantly being attacked by bugs. Unfortunately, there are a wide variety of insects that prey on this stunning plant. How do you keep bugs from eating your sweet potato vine?
To keep bugs from eating sweet potato vine, practice crop rotation. Carefully choosing plants to place near your sweet potato vines can also deter pests. Once insect damage is noticed on the plant, insecticides can be carefullyapplied to kill the bugs.
Keep reading to learn more about which bugs are likely to attack your sweet potato vine and how to keep them from eating your plants.
Insects That Target Sweet Potato Vine
Of course, the first step in eliminating bugs from your sweet potato vine finding out which insects are attracted to it. Here are a few insects that love attacking sweet potato vine:
- Sweet Potato Weevils
- Colorado Potato Beetles
- Flea Beetles
- Wireworms
- Grubs
- Potato Leafhoppers
- Whitefringed Beetles
Many of these insects mainly attack the leaves of the sweet potato vine, but some, including sweet potato weevils, also attack the roots and stems of the plant. These infestations can be more difficult to control because they can destroy the plant from the inside out. Thankfully, there are simple ways to keep these insects from bothering your sweet potato vines.
Practicing Crop Rotation
Planting your sweet potato vines in a different place each year is an effective method of keeping insects from destroying them. The longer a plant remains in a section of soil, the easier it becomes for insects to make a home near the plants, decimating them in the process. Changing where you plant your sweet potato vines each year will keep insects from having the time to set up shop.
In addition to planting your sweet potato vines in a new place each season, avoid planting tomatoes, sunflowers, or squash near them. These plants all share similar pests, so planting them in the same area as each other will increase the number of harmful insects around your sweet potato vines.
The Benefits Of Planting Herbs And Flowers Near Sweet Potato Vines
Planting herbs, such as basil, rosemary, and thyme near your sweet potato vines is another effective method of keeping insects at bay. These herbs all have a strong scent that bugs can’t stand, so they are less likely to come near your sweet potato vines. Certain flowers, such as nasturtiums, also deter insects and can help keep your sweet potato vines safe.
Controlling Insect Pests With Pesticides
If practicing crop rotation and planting herbs doesn’t keep harmful insects away from your sweet potato vines, you’ll need to treat the plants with pesticides. The best pesticides to use vary greatly depending on your location and the type ofinsect, so reach out to your local extension office to find out which pesticides will quickly solve your infestation.
