Garden pests are an all-too-common problem that can quickly ruin all your hard work. You’ve spent countless hours tending to your garden, carefully planting, and nurturing your plants. Don’t let pests become the bane of your existence this garden season! In this article, we’ll explore the seven most common garden pests and provide natural solutions for getting rid of them. Say goodbye to pesky insects and hello to a thriving garden with these tips and tricks!
Common Garden Pests
There are a variety of common garden pests that can wreak havoc on your plants. Some of the most common include aphids, caterpillars, whiteflies, and spider mites. Thankfully, there are several ways to get rid of these pests naturally.
By following these tips, you can keep your garden free of common pests and enjoy healthy plants all season long!
#1 – Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can be found in a wide range of colors, including green, yellow, brown, and black. They are often seen on the undersides of leaves and stems, where they feed on plant sap. Aphids can reproduce quickly, and their populations can explode in a short period.
Aphids are a common garden pest that can be difficult to control. They are most active in spring and summer when they can damage plants most. Aphids can weaken and even kill plants by sucking out their sap. They also produce a sticky substance called honeydew that can attract other pests, such as ants and wasps.
There are several ways to control aphids naturally. One is to encourage predators, such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitoid wasps, which feed on aphids. Another is to blast them off plants with a strong stream of water or spray them with insecticidal soap or neem oil solution. You can also try covering plants with row covers or screens to keep aphids from getting to the leaves.
#2 – Slugs and Snails
Slugs and snails are common garden pests that can wreak havoc on your plants. These slimy creatures are attracted to moisture and thrive in damp conditions. They feed on leaves, flowers, and fruits, leaving behind damaged or destroyed plants. While they may seem harmless, slugs and snails can cause serious damage to your garden.
You can do a few things to get rid of these pests naturally. First, make sure to keep your garden clean and free of debris. This will create a less hospitable environment for them. Next, try using traps or barriers to prevent them from getting to your plants. You can also use natural predators, such as ducks or chickens, to help control the population.
#3 – Caterpillars
Caterpillars are a common garden pest that can cause serious damage to your plants. A common caterpillar found in a vegetable garden is the Tomato Hornworm.
Despite its name, the hornworm is, in fact, a caterpillar. While the tomato hornworm looks like a worm because it has a long, smooth body with no obvious segmentation, upon closer inspection, one can see that it has tiny jointed legs on its thorax and fleshy prolegs on its abdomen, indicating that it is a caterpillar and not a worm.
There are a few different ways to get rid of them naturally, such as handpicking, where you physically remove the caterpillars from your plants using gloves or tweezers. Companion planting is another method of pest management, where planting herbs and flowers like basil, marigold, and dill can repel hornworms and other caterpillars.
#4 – Whiteflies
Whitefly is a tiny, winged insect that belongs to the family of Aleyrodidae. They are commonly found on plants in the garden, greenhouses, and in tropical regions around the world.
They have a soft, white, and waxy body, which is why they are called “whitefly.” The adults usually measure around 1.5 to 3 mm in length with a wingspan of about 3 mm.
The reproduction of whiteflies is through a process called parthenogenesis. Female whiteflies lay their eggs in a circular pattern on the underside of leaves. The eggs hatch into small, white, cone-shaped crawlers that move around the plant seeking a suitable feeding site. The crawlers molt to reach the pupal stage where they are immobile, and the adult whitefly emerges from the pupa.
Whiteflies feed on the sap of plants, causing the leaves to wilt and turn yellow. They prefer to feed on plants from the family Solanaceae, such as tomato, pepper, and eggplant. They also feed on other vegetables, ornamental plants, and fruits.
There are several ways to control whiteflies naturally. One is to encourage predators such as ladybugs and green lacewings, which feed on whiteflies. Another is to plant trap crops such as nasturtiums, which attract whiteflies but do not support their reproduction. You can use physical barriers such as row covers or insect netting to keep whiteflies from getting to your plants in the first place.
#5 – Grasshoppers
Grasshoppers are one of the most common garden pests and can be a real nuisance. They are most active in the summer months and love to munch on your plants and flowers. While they are not harmful to humans, they can cause damage to your garden. If you have a grasshopper problem, you can do a few things to get rid of them naturally.
The best way to prevent grasshoppers from damaging your garden is to keep them out in the first place. This can be done by making sure your garden is clean and free of debris. Keep an eye out for any egg masses that may be hidden in the leaves of your plants and dispose of them immediately. You can also try using a physical barrier such as netting or fencing around your garden to keep them out.
If you already have grasshoppers in your garden, there are a few natural ways you can get rid of them. Try spraying them with water from a hose or sprinkler to deter them from eating your plants. You can also make a homemade insecticide by mixing 1 part dish soap with 10 parts water and spraying it directly on the grasshoppers. Another option is to dust your plants with diatomaceous earth, which will kill the insects when they encounter it.
#6 – Earwigs
Earwigs are known to damage and feed on a wide range of plants in the garden, including vegetables, flowers, and fruits. They are particularly attracted to younger plants and seedlings, which means they can cause significant damage to new or emerging gardens.
Earwigs are mostly active at night, and they hide during the day in dark and moist areas, such as under rocks, in mulch, or inside plant debris. When they emerge at night, they eat leaves, flowers, and fruits of plants, and they also bore holes in the fruit to lay their eggs, leading to significant damage.
Earwigs can also be harmful to your garden because they are carriers of various diseases, bacteria, and fungi that can spread to plants. When earwigs feed on infected plants, they can pick up and transmit these pathogens to other plants, leading to the spread of diseases and pests.
To get rid of earwigs naturally, you can dust your entire garden with FOOD GRADE diatomaceous earth. Diatomaceous earth is both a blessing and a curse for gardeners as it will kill any insects with an exoskeleton which is great for ridding of pests. Unfortunately, this also includes beneficial insects as well.
You can also deter earwigs by planting certain herbs and flowers in your garden. Lavender, rosemary, and marigolds all repel these pests. So, try planting some of these around the edge of your garden to keep earwigs out.
#7 – Cutworms
Cutworms are common garden pests that can damage your plants. They are the larvae of moths and can be found in gardens, fields, and other areas where plants are grown. Cutworms are usually dark-colored and can grow up to 2 inches long. They get their name from their habit of cutting off the stems of young plants at ground level. This can kill the plant or cause it to become stunted.
Cutworms prefer to feed on young seedlings and transplants and are especially attracted to plants in the cabbage family, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and kale. They may also feed on other vegetables, as well as herbs and flowers.
Cutworms are most active at night, so they are difficult to control with chemicals. The best way to get rid of them is to hand-pick them off your plants and destroy them. You can also try using traps or barriers around your plants.
Prevention and Monitoring Techniques
There are several ways to prevent and monitor garden pests. One way is to simply keep an eye on your plants regularly, looking for any signs of damage or pests. Another way is to set up traps or barriers around your plants, such as netting or fencing. You can also use natural predators to control pests, such as ladybugs or lacewings.
Inviting Natural Predators into the Garden
One of the best ways to get rid of common garden pests naturally is to invite their natural predators into your garden. This can be done by planting certain plants that attract beneficial insects, or by providing homes for these predators such as insect hotels or bat boxes.
Some common beneficial insects include ladybugs, lacewings, and ground beetles. These predators will help to keep populations of aphids, caterpillars, and other pests in check. You can also encourage frogs and lizards to reside in your garden, as they will help keep slug and snail populations under control.
