Most Common Garden Pests and How to Get Rid of Them

Oleh Jeremy Glover March 09, 2023 Post a Comment

Gardening is a fun and rewarding hobby that many people enjoy. However, it can be frustrating when pests invade your garden and ruin all your hard work. In this article, we will discuss the most common garden pests and how to get rid of them.

1. Aphids

Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can quickly infest your garden. They are usually found on the underside of leaves and can cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To get rid of aphids, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Ladybugs are also known to eat aphids and can be introduced to your garden as a natural predator.

2. Slugs and Snails

Slugs and snails are common garden pests that can devour your plants in no time. They are usually active at night and leave behind slimy trails. To get rid of slugs and snails, you can use beer traps or copper tape around your plants. You can also sprinkle diatomaceous earth around your plants to create a barrier that slugs and snails cannot cross.

3. Caterpillars

Caterpillars are the larval stage of moths and butterflies and can cause significant damage to your garden. They feed on leaves, flowers, and fruits and can quickly defoliate your plants. To get rid of caterpillars, you can use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or spinosad, which are natural pesticides that target only caterpillars and are safe for other beneficial insects.

4. Japanese Beetles

Japanese beetles are metallic green insects that can be found in large numbers in the summer months. They feed on the leaves, flowers, and fruits of plants and can cause significant damage. To get rid of Japanese beetles, you can use pheromone traps, but be warned that they can also attract more beetles to your garden. Neem oil or insecticidal soap can also be effective in controlling Japanese beetles.

5. Spider Mites

Spider mites are tiny pests that live on the undersides of leaves and suck the sap out of plants. They can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves and can spread quickly if not controlled. To get rid of spider mites, you can use neem oil or insecticidal soap. You can also try spraying your plants with a strong stream of water to dislodge the mites.

6. Whiteflies

Whiteflies are small, winged insects that suck the sap out of plants and can cause significant damage. They are usually found on the undersides of leaves and can quickly spread to other plants. To get rid of whiteflies, you can use yellow sticky traps or vacuum them off your plants. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can also be effective in controlling whiteflies.

7. Thrips

Thrips are small, slender insects that feed on the leaves and flowers of plants. They can cause discoloration and distortion of leaves and flowers and can be difficult to control. To get rid of thrips, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encouraging beneficial insects like lacewings and ladybugs can also help control thrips.