Natural Insect Sprays for Pomegranate Trees

by Amanda Flanigan Google
    Keep insects off your pomegranate using natural sprays.

    Keep insects off your pomegranate using natural sprays.

    Producing brightly colored blooms and unusually shaped fruit, pomegranate trees (Punica granatum) are a stunning addition to your garden. These India and Iran native fruit trees grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 11. Like other fruit trees, insects can attack the pomegranate, requiring immediate action to reduce potential damage. Chemical pesticides are a common tactic to combat these insects, but they can cause more harm than good. These toxic insecticides kill the unwanted pests as well as beneficial insects. This can lead to an even worse infestation than before. Instead, use natural insect sprays to protect the pomegranate tree from pests.

    Pomegranate Insects

    Aphids are a serious problem affecting pomegranates with pomegranate aphids and cotton aphids being the two species causing the most damage in heavy infestations, notes University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Other insects that infest pomegranate trees include mealybugs, scale insects, whiteflies, thrips, leafroller, beetles and the larvae of various butterflies and moths. A common sign of an insect infestation is discoloration, yellowing and wilting of the leaves or damage to fruit.

    Insecticidal Soap

    Containing fatty acids which break down quickly and -- once dry -- losses the insect-controlling abilities, insecticidal soap is a more natural option to pest control on pomegranate trees. It controls an array of unwanted insects, including aphids, scales, whiteflies and leafhoppers. For insecticidal soap to effectively control pests, it must come into contact with the insects and should only be applied when the temperatures are between 40 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, on a calm day.

    Homemade Oil Spray

    A homemade oil spray consists of 6 tablespoons of canola oil mixed with 1/4 cup of mild dish soap and 2 gallons of water. Never use dish soap that contains fragrances, degreasers or bleach. This natural insect spray controls various soft-bodied pests -- such as mites, scales and aphids -- that feed on the leaves of the pomegranate tree. Only use this spray when temperatures won’t reach 85 F and thoroughly coat the tops and undersides of the leaves with the concoction.

    Bacterium Insecticide

    Bacterium insecticide, such as Bacillus thuringiensis strain Kurstaki, targets the larvae of butterflies and moths that feed on various parts of the pomegranate tree. This nontoxic insecticide is applied as a foliar spray and poisons the larvae when they consume it, causing them to stop feeding. After a few days, the larvae die of starvation. Bacillus thuringiensis doesn’t harm predatory and beneficial insects and is safe to use around people and animals. It is nontoxic to bees, birds and fish.

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