In experiments, good control has been achieved with chlorpyrifos jetted around the base of infested plants. Jetting will also give good control of termites which attack protea plantations, particularly in summer when they are attracted to moisture. Leaf chewing or sap sucking insects are unlikely to kill plants. Insects that reduce marketability Beetles and caterpillars feeding on flowers and foliage may cause disfiguring damage. Sucking insects, such as scales or sucking bugs, may also cause unsightly growth.
Thrips can cause surface damage or distort growth.
In most instances, good control can be achieved with insecticides. Grasshoppers may move into a crop in large numbers and cause severe damage if not controlled. Damaged flowers may be grossly distorted or individual flowers on the flower bloom may be killed and turn grey. Chemical control will fail once larvae bore inside the flower bloom where they cannot be reached by insecticide. Apply insecticide regularly from early in the bloom development to achieve adequate control.