Story: Trouble Shooting
Episode: 4
Presenter: Trevor Cochrane
Air Date: 29 March 2025

Trevor explains that the Fragrant Snail Creeper, beloved for its sweet blooms, can attract pests like crusader bugs and thrips, but natural solutions like pyrethrum and systemic insecticides can help control these pests and protect your garden.

• This sweetly fragrant creeper with twisted purple and cream blooms is a favourite in gardens, but it also attracts pests like the crusader bug, which loves soft foliage.
• Known for damaging new growth on plants like citrus, the crusader bug can be controlled using natural solutions like pyrethrum, a chemical derived from daisies with insecticidal properties.
• Tiny, microscopic pests that can damage roses, dahlias, and other succulent plants by rasping flower buds and causing them to lose colour or die prematurely. A systemic insecticide is necessary to manage thrips and protect blooms.
• This natural insecticide works effectively against a wide range of pests, providing a non-chemical solution for gardeners who prefer eco-friendly methods.
• Treat plants like roses and dahlias every two weeks with systemic insecticide to break the 10-day breeding cycle of thrips, ensuring plants remain healthy and continue to flower.
• If you encounter a pest you’re unsure about, share a picture on our Facebook page for expert advice and solutions.