Controlling Leaf Miners Organically With This Beneficial Insect (Leafminer Parasite)

In this episode we are controlling leafminers with a very beneficial insect called the leafminer parasite. It is a parasitic wasp that will lay eggs in the leaf miner and use it as it’s host.

[@MIgardener]

So sorry for the blurry image quality for the first 4 minutes... arg. The downside of being a one man show.

[@doctorhousemd566]

My bro it's all good no worries its great!

[@silvioomarcampos7841]

I had last year leaf miners on the grapevine next to my swiss chard. That's on the north west corner of the lot. Also there were leaf miners on the south east side but on the elm trees. Those trees are forty feet away. Are only two kind of them? Or are some really specific for trees or grape vine?

[@itscameron7580]

I’ve been having an issue recently with my tomato plants. They are producing like crazy but none are turning green. Any suggestions? (They’re Beefstake as well)

[@doctorhousemd566]

@@itscameron7580 hey Cameron Well most likey it is either to hot to cold so the least they will ripen temperature wise is 68 but anything above 85 and the ripening process slows dramatically Perfect ripening temperature is 77 For most people good luck !

[@lauriedavis4045]

The vid quality was just fine, and thanks for the timely video info.! Those pretty little iridescent flies have lost their initial luster for me, for sure. Too many precious minutes wasted smashing those larval caverns, and I'm ready to cave for the wasps and break the cycle. Much appreciated info--you do such a great service to us organic gardeners!

[@markstravels]

Dad Joke alert: So the leaf miners are turning your swiss chard into swiss cheese? Interesting

[@ChristineNavarromusic]

Here I thought the problem with my chard was sunburn from our recent heatwave. Nope! You helped me identify the real problem... Leaf Miners! This is my first year really getting into gardening. I've learned a lot and I appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experience.

[@paulettemayfield8171]

I covered my chard with fabric netting and haven't had a problem. Kept out the cabbage moth too.

[@davecannon4431]

Great idea! I’m going to get a roll.

[@sfdint]

Cheap and simple solution.

[@kristoferfelt2302]

Lately I've been going out squashing the miners between my fingers easy way to stop the cycle of creating more bugs.

[@nataliecartier8933]

I'm so glad that you shared this. My Swiss chard looks exactly like that, and I had no idea what was happening. Thanks. 😊

[@kamadogrove]

Yay. Just in time. Thank you for all your helpful tips as always.

[@franksinatra1070]

Generally I only have leafminer problems with spinach and beets. I just cover them with a row cover to keep the adult flies away and that usually solves my problem.

[@danielleaf9146]

Do you cover till harvesting?

[@franksinatra1070]

@@danielleaf9146 usually I keep them covered through harvest for the life of the plant once I know they are around. If the beets are mature I may not worry about them so much because I usually don't eat the leaves.

[@danielleaf9146]

@@franksinatra1070 I have heard it messes with the growth of the root if the leaves are infected, and sadly I love consuming the leaves which I have not been able to ever.

[@eriklane4808]

I would watch a series like that! I hope they saw this, Luke!

[@alexrobb9141]

Leaf miners took out the first chard and beets I did in the garden. They don’t mess with anything else thankfully. Thanks for sharing this info! We also use parasitic wasps on our farm to clear out Mexican Bean Beetles. It’s neat that gardeners have access to these kinds of things as well.

[@kristoferfelt2302]

They did a number on my spinach too

[@donnayoung5942]

I love your channel. So much valuable info. Thank you

[@brianoliver5640]

Keep us posted on the progress as I am right into beneficial insects, we don’t have a lot of leaf minor in Queensland Australia as I grow my leafy greens in the winter but it’s around that’s for sure 🌈👍😎

[@lukelave8615]

My beets got hit really hard by these this year, they mined out nearly 2/3 of the leaves and really set the plants back to the point where they still are not ready to harvest yet! Might have to grab some of these for next year

[@wu718tang]

Really looking forward to that beneficial insect video

[@doctorhousemd566]

Thanks I really learned something man !

[@missourigirl4101]

Great info thank you Luke!,

[@gpashh]

Love #ArbicoOrganics because of you I ordered something to get rid of my flea beetles and it worked. Now on to the leaf miners next. Thank you!

[@samanthatorres9517]

Luke this video is just in time! I've been dealing with that also, and been trying to trap the adult leafminers with Tanglefoot. I'll have to order some of those wasps. What works for whiteflies? I just sprayed half my yard with Bonide spinoside soap. I hope you do get sponsored 😉

[@jenniferdawson2536]

Holy cow! I thought it was just sunburned! I had no idea!

[@carolynkid216]

These things LOVE my nasturtiums!! I pull the leaves and grind them into the ground!! I have seen them on a few other things too, but do my best to pull and crush the leaves. Thanks for all of this great info.

[@tessie652001]

Hum now I know what’s on my beet leafs thank you dear GODBLESS

[@nikkisevenski9207]

Interesting! I was wondering what was eating my swish chard. My leaves look exactly like that. Thanks for the great info!

[@theunlikelygardener3272]

Wow. I had no idea about this parasitic wasp. Also, I hope you get that brand deal. Influncer marketing is in.

[@litaanderson1589]

thanks Luke for sharing, would love to try instead of chemicals sprays.

[@cathybranly1839]

Please give us an update when you see results. I am constantly encountering bug damage and learning to identify the problem. Love natural solutions!

[@polodude19]

I had a serious citrus leaf minor problem. I battled it for 5 years. Every spring and every fall when my citrus sprouted new growth the citrus leaf miners would destroy my precious new leads. I bought 500 of these parasitic wasps and let them go last fall. They completely stopped my leave miner problem and I did not have any leaf miner issues this spring. I could not recommend these more, they work! I also bought mine from Arbico organics.

[@nevaehdoesstuff1092]

Sooooo very interesting..thankyou!!

[@lisadawidziak4104]

Thank you for all the information. Is the vegetable leaf minor the same kind that decimate flowers (Dahlias mostly) and cucumbers, and melon, and squash leaves? Would the wasps you purchased work on the type of leaf minor I'm asking about?

[@steveslack5721]

Wonderful idea.

[@dhoffman4955]

Parasitic wasps, neem, BT, fertilizer, soil amendments, seeds, hoops, netting, raised beds, posts... When does backyard gardening become sustainable?

[@cathyd1013]

Sustainable for the bank account... My husband will be shaking his head 😅.

[@dhoffman4955]

@@cathyd1013 after one purchases the above list, what is the price/pound of one's produce?

[@Hayley-sl9lm]

This issue hit my garden really bad around May. At first I kept up with removing their eggs and infested leaves but it was so hard to keep up with. Do these introduced wasps actually stick around? And how do you feed them -- the adults I mean, do they need nectar?

[@connieowens2982]

Very interesting!

[@gmargenka8983]

I love the bug idea. I just bought a bug house to plant near the garden. Hopefully it helps balance the pests. We’ll see!

[@Spiderplant1185]

Ahhh those little jerks are the bane of my existence! I would love to try getting some wasps-though I do have a question: Is there any point where it would be too late to use them to combat the miners? Or are they effective any time? Thank!

[@davidniemi6553]

A question and a comment: 1) do leaf miner parasites survive the winter? If not, what time of year is best to release them? 2) I have one kind of leaf miner, probably Spinach. I control them using a very cheap method -- I let some Lambs Quarter (chenopodium alba) grow in parts of the garden, which attracts the leaf miners, then I dispose of the Lambs Quarter leaves or whole plants they have infested I don't see any leaf miners on other plants as a result (and the Lambs Quarter is nice to eat in the late spring like its cousins in the Spinach family). CAUTION: using a trap plant like Lambs Quarter only makes things worse unless you are diligent about removing the infested leaves; and it also grows like the weed it is if you let it go to seed in the wrong place.

[@friend07050]

Amazing. Thanks

[@metalmartha2571]

This is the first year I am seeing leaf miners… Luckily they are only on my datura flowers so far….Thanks for the video

[@jodid9418]

Interesting thanks!

[@christiankelley4145]

Great info! Especially since I thought leaf miners were ants😂 The price makes sense when it's a beneficial insect, they can create a better eco-system and come back to help every season!

[@simpleman806]

Don't have leaf miners in my garden. Now squash bugs is a different story. Best thing I have found that helps is an insecticide called captain Jack's deadbug brew. I get it at the Tractor Supply here and they sell it quick. I haven't seen any this year yet but I'm still on the lookout for them.

[@carriem7832]

I bought mine off of Amazon so I would have it….

[@barbarafiore4076]

Luke, do you find any benefit from growing mustard greens in place of chard and kale? Or do they just find something else in your garden to eat?

[@lisabrown5976]

Good information

[@vl2777]

Ty! Do you have a link where we can buy this??They’re all over my cucumber, tomatoes, & zucchini. I’ve just been cutting the leaf. I’ve only seen a few lady bugs so I don’t think it’s enough.

[@marydiscuillo142]

I love the idea of bugs working for you!!Better for the planet. Win win. I hope arabica listening too!!

[@ithirstyforknowledge]

Thats great. Just 1 question: how will the leaf miner pest will be controlled and if they have any bad impact?

[@charliehoos9773]

Love beneficial insects 🐞

[@kellyhorvatin]

I had this exact problem with my chard and peas this year!

[@timan2039]

This year I’ve left most pest control to the creatures to control. The area hasn’t seen a pesticide in years and has lots of bug happy places such as shrubs and natural weedy areas mixed with wild flowers. The two pest that I’ve had to deal with are Cabbage Looper and Japanese Beetle and very few signs of Leaf Miners and no sign of aphids or anything else. If I see a pest I dispatch it, though lately the Japanese Beetle has kept me busy, luckily they have not turned their attention the ‘garden’ plants. I’m either very lucky this year or the predators are happy.

[@mneraasen224]

I planted Nasturtium for the first time last season and that’s when I learned a little about Leaf Miners🤦‍♀️🤨 I hope the parasitic wasps work overtime!!!

[@aprild714]

Same happened to mine this year and was wondering what was wrong with the leaves and now I know

[@ZE308AC]

You also might want to improve your soil. Healthy soil means healthy plants. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGqZiWdmnrmoiKs

[@cathyd1013]

I was wondering if I could just burn the leaves of my nasturtium that has the little maze going before the miners pupate could that also destroy them?

[@Bev437Sqn]

@@cathyd1013 yes.

[@mneraasen224]

@@cathyd1013 sounds like a good idea. I was pulling off so many leaves to try and stop them. It turns out I don’t like the taste but the beauty of them😂 this year I haven’t noticed any, yet🤔

[@itsmountainmike]

Thanks for the informed opinion on leaf miner So does this work on trees aswell?? I have seen them Leaf Miner colonizing Hackberry trees in the central valley area The sticky mess all over the place makes this pest a hazard on city streets,leaving cars and anything under the tree canopy coated with sicky droppings from egg laying Ive used Systemics injected in the base to control But am wondering if this wasp method could control infested trees. Thanks for the advice and suggestions Thanks,Mountain Mike- 🇺🇸😎👍👁👁

[@67BillyJean]

How often would you have to purchase them? Or do they stay and multiply?

[@exquared]

We always check underneath the leaves daily for eggs - it's like pimple popping for me lol

[@timclark7507]

I had no idea leaf miners was what was causing this damage! How long will the wasps last?

[@MichaelJosephJr934]

I thought they were going to attack you once you opened the lid. LOL

[@auntlouise]

I'm thinking that getting rid of the leaf miners will also stop the damaged plants from attracting other possible garden pests, yes?

[@sexyshadowcat7]

What about Earwigs? Do you have any suggestions for those? I have a huge earwig problem in our yard and they are tearing up my plants. I've tried dichotomous earth, soapy water, essential oils, even a soy sauce and vegetable oil trap.

[@ZE308AC]

Hey Luke where did you buy that t-shirt?

[@thomassosa2957]

Slightly unrelated, but at 6:51 there is a bug that walks along after an ant. I’ve noticed them all over my garden recently and never seen them before. Are they harmful?

[@mattie4775]

wow nature is so amazing and so creepy all at the same time

[@margaretd3710]

Question: how long does it take for the eggs that have been laid into the leaf miner (or into a hornworm) to hatch? I've read about the process - the female lays her eggs into the "victim" and injects a fluid which prevents its autoimmune system from destroying the eggs, the eggs hatch and the pupae do their job and the leaf miner/hornworm dies. But I don't see anything stating how long it takes for a parasitic wasp egg to hatch. Anyone know?

[@mikeberg5003]

Southern Cal here and we're fighting them on our two citrus trees

[@hellome12345]

wow I had no idea there were parasitic wasps specifically for leaf miners. Is there a way to attract them to the garden without buying them?

[@danarzechula3769]

Most ag extension articles I've read say it's better to plant things that attract the wasps rather than pay for them. They only live for 2 weeks and it can take several releases per season to get an infestation under control.$$$

[@Bev437Sqn]

$80 will buy a lot of mosquito netting and hoops ( I use hula hoops) to cover your vegetables that are susceptible to these types of pests including the cabbage moth.

[@gloriaa3652]

They seem to love chard.

[@StarMo2322]

This is very cool! Is there any risk to disrupting the ecosystem though? Where are the parasites natively found? Introducing predators remind me of the stories of settlers introducing new predators to take care of pests but end up destroying the natural balance.

[@DebRoo11]

The natural balance is already out of balance if they're multiplying all over your crops

[@sabbyjones2308]

My first experience this year with leaf miner on my green bean leaves is this the same wasps that are beneficial to figs?

[@vanessaadams9145]

I have encountered what appears to be cucumber beetles for the first time this year, any organic advice Luke? I've searched and searched but my cucumbers and cantaloupes are not seedlings, no wilting just a few leaves damaged. But as of yesterday, they are now attacking the flowers 😡 grrrrrrrr

[@debbieboullion6881]

i love arbico organics

[@TheRealmetal666]

every year they kill my peas..this year the destroyed my chard, lettuce, spinache and kale ...i have none left...didnt really touch the peas this year though

[@elizabethsansom6447]

Can you please tell me the name of the insect that she released didn’t catch it in the video. Also where did you buy them?

[@hlvlogs4592]

Parasitic wasps, not sure where to buy them.. I’m sure you can look it up on google though.

[@earthisflat]

Are there any varieties of chard they won't attack?

[@silkestorey7152]

I have been gardening for many years now and year over year I am encountering more pests which are eating my crops. So frustrating but I really want to stay away from chemicals. Any suggestions on what I could get that could help with most? I am fighting with Japanese beatles, squash bugs, cabbage worms and others.

[@barnabirap]

Hey! Praying Mantis come to mind when it comes to matching these bigger pests with a natural counterforce, make sure to select a proper genus that is bigger than your pests. You can guy eggs online and compared to these they're usually much cheaper. I hope you have found a solution!

[@SlippyDude]

Its weird I had them ruining my Swiss Chard last year, and this year they haven't touched it. However, they are attacking my Kale only this year. It's way less this year. Not sure why, since I didn't do anything to get rid of them. They are an annoying bunch, I tell ya. I'm just glad I have way less this year.

[@Mimeh53]

Leaf miners OBLITERATED my lettuce! 🤬 Started making roadmaps on my sugar snap pea leaves, but thankfully didn't destroys the peas.

[@home-cookedandhomemade6295]

I have a problem with stink bugs and japenese beetles, they are went after my cabage and broccoli. I also was having trouble with my potatoes.

[@DeborahBrown-tj7wx]

Do they control any other pests besides leaf miners?

[@LorrayneHam]

Do the leaf minor parasites overwinter and take care of the problem year after year?

[@animatedlife_]

would love to buy this but most of us don't have this facility .. ):

[@lbfaith]

Had no idea that other people went through this. My mom does this and it grosses me out yet I will do the same too. But usually when I feel it. Shame my eye doctors don’t know what that is when I’ve asked.

[@rethastrom7391]

What kinds of plants/flowers attract and feed parasitic wasps? I’m trying companion planting and would love to see how I might be able to use plants to attract the right kinds of beneficials

[@rethastrom7391]

@Jack Jackson hi Jack, thank you for your reply. Unfortunately my little garden is along the border of the fence in my small backyard. I wish I had room for trees, I love them. I’m trying flowering herbs, marigolds and other flowers to attract some beneficials. I’ve seen hover flies, and a few others out there. I’m learning some much from this channel and gardeners like yourself Thanks again for your kind response

[@angelicaguerrero2869]

Hi Retha, I let my fennel go to flower and it's the biggest bug magnet I've seen. It's literally covered in tiny bees and wasps. It has todo with the shape of the flowers, they're like heliports.

[@valaireviola]

These guys are my worst enemy. They ruin a huge amount of my early chard and beet greens every year but they do go away once it gets hit here at the end of the July. Cover crops has never worked, I've just been picking the bad leaves off.

[@ThesmartestTem]

That's what I do when I see them, prune those leaves right off at the base of the stem and burn them.

[@sueweathers3978]

Uhoh! I took off the bad leaves but tossed them in the compost pile! It's been plenty hot here upper 90s to 100, so put fabric cloth over beets and lettuce.. Still have some miners but leaves are way healthier looking. Seemed to only affect the beets.. Gave up on Swiss chard.. They destroyed that last year!

[@urbancarpet]

Haven't see many of these leafminers in jones oklahoma

[@ThesmartestTem]

I know many parasites are host specific, but I still would like to know if they prey on the larvae of beneficial insects like butterflies? I raise butterflies and parasitic wasps can be a huge problem for butterfly raisers. Are these one of the types I'd have to worry about?

[@lindahipple4817]

Dragon Maddick yes, these wasps are also detrimental to mason bee and leaf cutter bees. Becareful if you use parasitic wasps.

[@cherylcrockett6177]

Do leaf miners like roses, too?

[@ad8261]

Could you spell the name of the store? You say it so fast. Im slow

[@GG-og4wt]

I’ve found Sevin to be very effective at combatting bugs like this.

[@later_daze_4080]

Some people don't like dosing their plants they're going to eat with toxic chemicals.

[@GG-og4wt]

@@later_daze_4080 it’s not a chemical, it’s just a powder.

[@later_daze_4080]

@@GG-og4wt figures you're a troll

[@GG-og4wt]

@@later_daze_4080 i thought we were talking about bugs not fantasy things like ogres, orcs, and trolls. Anyway, try the Sevin powder out. Only the bugs eat it. I don’t know why though, it hardly even has any flavor.

[@leksdic]

Mites. Mites everywhere. Anything we can do?

[@jordanhuguenard8315]

I have a problem with Citrus leaf miners, do parasitic wasps take care of them?? They are everywhere at my place

[@jordanhuguenard8315]

@Nook Small Yeah they are horrible, I have to monitor my Lemon tree daily to pluck leaves off that have leaf miners, I am more attentive on the newer growth which is what they seem to target, my lemon tree is about 7 to 8 months old and I'm fighting tooth and nail to retain good growth

[@notmywerds]

Any way to combat the egg stage in addition?

[@murzua5]

Can't you remove the damaged leaves and put them in the garbage?

[@lancemartens646]

Will they survive over winter in zone 5?

[@67BillyJean]

Following

[@PrincessTS01]

gotta love those predators

[@brettsuydam]

They show up in my Sunflower leaves.

[@rfarmstead3087]

Do leaf borers affect zucchini leaves?

[@traxmom]

Why not just grow The susceptible plants under a simple row cover? That keeps the fly from being able to lay it’s eggs on the leaves of the plant. Row covers have been 100% effective for me.

[@inthemoment875]

Probably perfect for before the problem hits. This more addressing what to do if they are already on your plants.

[@notrueflagshere198]

The leaf miners haven't found my garden yet. The vine borers just won't give them any space.

[@simpleman806]

There's an insecticide I use for squash bugs called captain Jack's deadbug brew. It works great

[@SecondMileJourney]

Same here! I’m killing borers left and right.

[@lindahipple4817]

Burpee has a vine borer trap that really works! I put one out and figured yeah right it won't work...days later I was surprised it works..its' a phermone trap in a sticky paper trap.

[@notrueflagshere198]

@@lindahipple4817 Maybe I'll look into that for next year. I haven't seen anything yet this year and I'm, trying BT and dust on the stems. It's starting to look as though the sun will never shine again, so the question may be moot.

[@craigatchison1956]

Spinusad...spray on the leaves..takes care of it..

[@luckypenny312]

Any link to where to buy these parasites?

[@itscameron7580]

I’ve been having an issue recently with my tomato plants. They are producing like crazy but none are turning green. Any suggestions? (They’re Beefstake as well)

[@DebRoo11]

A green tomato takes a long time to turn red. Every new gardener freaks out about it taking too long lol theres nothing you can do. Just patience. Once they turn they turn quickly

[@FreddieTL]

Where can I buy this parasitic wasp? can it be shipped to the Philippines?