What Are the Little Bugs in My Red Peppers?

Pests

• According to the University of Illinois Extension, aphids are the most common pepper pests. These small green or brown insects collect on the undersides of leaves and multiply rapidly. They suck the juice from the leaves and cause wilting, infection and leaf death. Their sweet, sticky "honeydew" excretion may also draw ants. Many peppers also contract spider mites, which are smaller but affect the plants in the same way.

Treatments

• Kill aphids with your fingers when you see them and spray the plants with water to dislodge any unseen bugs. Aphids don't find their way back onto foliage once they fall off. Spray the pepper plant with insecticide to kill the aphids or use organic horticultural or neem oil. Release beneficial ladybugs and lacewing moths, which eat aphids and their larvae.

Site and Sun

• Healthy, thriving pepper plants withstand pest and disease better than unhealthy plants. Put peppers in sites with full sun all day and good air movement to encourage healthy foliage. Aphids dry out and die in sunny, warm conditions while peppers thrive with the heat and light.

Soil, Water and Fertilizer

• Keep your pepper plants healthy and give them the resources to fight infection and infestations. Plant peppers in organic compost for deep, loose and quick-draining soils and give each pepper plant 18 to 24 inches of space. Water the plants with 2 inches of water every week and use mulch to maintain moist, warm soil. Give peppers 12-12-12 fertilizer, after fruit set, for more vitamins and minerals.