What natural pest control works for bananas?
Written by
Julia Anderson
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.I battled against banana aphids for months until I learned about using neem oil. Mix 2 tablespoons with 1 gallon of water and spray it in the early morning. Within a week, the sticky little pests disappeared. This has been my solution to most banana pests which is simple, inexpensive, and free of chemicals.
Neem Oil Applications
- Dilution ratio: 2 tbsp neem + 1 tsp dish soap per gallon
- Apply every 7 days during infestations
- Target leaf undersides at dawn/dusk
- Avoid flowering stages to protect pollinators
Companion Planting
- Marigolds repel nematodes within 3ft radius
- Lemongrass masks banana scent from weevils
- Basil deters thrips and whiteflies
- Sunflowers lure aphids away from banana leaves
Diatomaceous earth has saved my crop from weevil damage. During the rainy season, I dust with diatomaceous earth on the base of the pseudostem every week. A grower from Florida taught me to mix it with cinnamon powder because the two of them repel the larva, and it also helps to prevent rot/fungi from growing. You just have to reapply it if there are heavy rains as it washes away and you will want to keep the protection going.
Cultural Practices
- Remove dead leaves where pests breed
- Space plants 8ft apart for airflow
- Rotate crops every 3 years
- Use yellow sticky traps for early detection
My neighbor's predatory wasps have taken control of my grove but they are on patrol. I planted nectar-rich flowers, like fennel, nearby to encourage these beneficial insects to take residence at my home. My caterpillar damage has decreased by 70%. I learned to let nature do the heavy lifting.
Read the full article: How to Grow Bananas: Expert Tips for Bountiful Harvests
