Fluffybums

mottly, Dec 14, 10:04pm
what are they really called! And best way to get rid of them! They're hammering my passionfruit. :(
How to get rid of passion vine hoppers naturally?
mottly, Dec 14, 10:13pm
oops - they're passionvine hopper nymphs.I think.I'd prefer a natural remedy, if anyone has any.!
gardie, Dec 14, 10:16pm
My preferred way is Neem oil - spray only at night so it doesn't harm the bees. (Is generally non toxic to bees however may be harmful if sprayed directly onto them.

Passion vine hoppers are pests that can cause damage to passion vines, so it's important to control their populations if they become a problem. Here are some natural methods you can use to get rid of passion vine hoppers:


  • Handpicking: One effective method for getting rid of passion vine hoppers is to handpick them off the plant. Check your vines regularly for signs of the hoppers and remove any you find by gently brushing or shaking them off the plant and into a container of soapy water.


  • Neem oil: Neem oil is a natural pesticide that can be effective in controlling passion vine hoppers. Dilute the neem oil with water according to the manufacturer's instructions, and spray it directly onto the plant. The oil works by disrupting the insects' hormonal balance and can also help to deter future infestations.


  • Insecticidal soap: Insecticidal soap is another natural pesticide that can be effective against passion vine hoppers. Mix the soap with water according to the instructions on the label and spray it onto the plant, making sure to cover both the tops and undersides of the leaves. The soap works by suffocating the hoppers and can be reapplied as needed.


  • Companion planting: Some plants, such as marigolds, can help to repel passion vine hoppers. Consider planting these companion plants alongside your passion vines to help deter the pests naturally.


  • Physical barriers: Covering your passion vines with a physical barrier, such as a fine mesh netting, can also help to keep passion vine hoppers at bay. This method works particularly well in small gardens where the plants are close together.



By using a combination of these natural methods, you should be able to effectively control passion vine hoppers and keep your passion vines healthy and thriving.
lythande1, Dec 15, 2:42am
Neem oil didn't get rid of ours. Had to resort to mavrik.
mottly, Dec 15, 4:47am
I've just mixed up and tried some garlic and dishwashing liquid - that's what one forum said.otherwise, off to the garden shop tomorrow. thnx
lemming2, Dec 16, 1:29am
But please remember that what kills fluffies also kills bees . and ladybirds, and all the other good predators.
mokaumoi, Dec 16, 8:45am
The garlic spray won't kill the bees -they will just stay away until the smell goes! I just spray the little blighters off with a forceful spray on the hose. Make sure your plants are getting enough water in this heat- the fluffy bums are less likely to attack if the plants are really healthy I have found.
mottly, Dec 17, 12:32am
oh, I don't want to kill any of the good bugs - my kids moved a heap of praying mantis' onto the passionfruit yesterday - hoping they'd eat the horrible little beasts.The garlic/dishwash liquid seems to work quite well, the only ones I"ve found left are behind a couple of leaves that I couldn't really get to.
mottly, Dec 28, 7:11am
righto, tried the all natural approach, in the meantime, my fruit were getting sucked dry. So I waited till dusk the other night, and bombed it with a can of fly spray - not a fluffybum or adult anywhere today!Hopefully the fly spray won't kill the plant - but it sure got rid of the bugs :)
laura_lou27, Dec 28, 8:54am
i did the exact same thing to mine. im sick of them killing my passionfruit, and theyve moved onto my strawberries too grrr
scruff71, Jan 2, 2:04am
Its a constant battle.In winter I check for the telltale tufts where the passionvine hopper has laid its eggs and remove the affected leaves.Popular host plants have been removed to reduce the hopper invasion.However, last season they took up residence in the mint growing wild in the neighbouring long grass!Can't win!

This summer I'm waging war with other bugs/slugs/birds/skinks eating my strawberries (even unripened ones) under netting.I've sprinkled varieties of pepper, camphor balls, introduced a scarecrow and even stood guard as the birds arrive for their breakfast forage.

A night-time reconnaissance to identify the culprit is now required.Meanwhile the hoppers are amassing just outside the fence!