Home gardening makes the most of your outdoor space and grows your fresh produce. It is also one way to ease your stress. But it can also be a source of great frustration, especially when pests invade your precious plants. Unfortunately, even the most well-maintained gardens can be susceptible to pests. Garden pests are small animals that feed on plants, often causing damage to leave, stems, and fruits. These critters can harm your plants and may even destroy your entire garden.
Here are seven common garden pests and how to get rid of them. Though some can be managed through organic means, others may require pesticides and professional pest control help.
Ants
Ants are one of the most common pest, claims Pestcom Pest Control. The problem with ants is that they can be a signal that there are other, more dangerous pests in your garden. For example, in your garden, ants are attracted to the insects that produce sticky honeydew. So if you have ants in your garden, it’s time to check for aphids, mealybugs, and scale.
Ants carry aphids, mealy bugs, and other sap-sucking insects to the plants. Ants become a pest when they start to eat the honeydew that these insects produce by eating plants. They also build their nests near these pests, which can protect them from predators and parasites.
Although many ants pesticide are available on the market, it is not advisable,, particularly if you have edible plants in your garden. A safer and more environmentally method is to create a mixture of borax and sugar. The sugar will attract the ants, while the borax will kill them.
Also, you need to find their nest and destroy it. Once you find the nest, sprinkling diatomaceous earth or food-grade DE around the nest will kill the ants.
Caterpillars
These common pests can quickly destroy your entire garden if not controlled. Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies, and they love to eat leaves. While there are many different types of caterpillars, the most common ones that attack gardens are cabbage worms, armyworms, and cutworms.
The best way to get rid of caterpillars is to pick them off by hand and drop them into a bucket of soapy water. This method takes time and patience, but it is the most effective way to eliminate these pests.
Another option is to cover your plants with fine netting. This will prevent the caterpillars from getting to your plants. If you have a severe infestation, you can use an approved insecticide. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully.
Aphids
Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that come in many different colors, like white, black, brown, gray, yellow, or even pink. Their size is almost 1/4 inch and nearly invisible to the naked eye with a waxy or wooly coating.
They are a common garden pest that can quickly destroy your plants. Signs of severe aphid infestation are curling leaves, stunted growth, and yellowing of the plant. Aphids also produce a sticky substance called honeydew that can attract ants.
To get rid of aphids, you can blast them off with a strong stream of water from your hose. You can also try using an approved insecticide. Insecticidal soaps or oil are effective in getting rid of aphids. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully.
Gophers
Gophers are small rodents that live underground. They have long front teeth that they use to gnaw on plants and roots. Gophers can quickly destroy your garden by eating your plants and destroying their roots.
To get rid of gophers, you can try using a trap. You can also grow plants with strong scents like dafodills, iris, thyme, or marigolds. The scent of these plants will deter gophers from entering your garden.
Rats
Rats are common pests that can quickly destroy your garden. Nesting rats are more likely to infest an urban garden because they provide food, water, and safety. Rats will burrow in the ground and eat your plants, roots, and all. They can also spread diseases to humans and pets.
The best way to get rid of rats is to keep your garden clean and free of debris. Remove any food sources that might attract them. You can also try using a trap. If you have a severe infestation, you can use an approved rodenticide. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully.
Moles
Moles are small, burrowing mammals that live underground. They have long, slender bodies and short legs. Moles are most active at night, and they love to eat insects, grubs, and earthworms. While some people think of them cute but they can cause serious damage to your garden landscape.
Moles will burrow through the ground and eat your plants, roots, and all. They can also damage plant roots by digging tunnels underground. The best way to get rid of moles is to use a trap and repellent.
Repellents emit high-pitched noise that will deter moles from entering your garden. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully.
Earwig
Earwigs are common pests that can quickly destroy your garden. They are dark brown or black insects with long, slender bodies and pincers on their rear end. Earwigs love to eat soft fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
Spraying alcohol and water solution can help to get rid of earwigs. Also, diatomaceous earth can be effective in getting rid of these pests. You can simply sprinkle it around the base of your plants. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully.
Although these pests can be beneficial in some ways, they can also be very destructive, especially in your garden. Be vigilant and take action quickly if you see any of these pests in your garden. It is important to take measures to prevent them from damaging your garden.
Keeping your garden clean and free of debris is one way of doing it. Another is by planting strongly scented plants that can help deter pests. And lastly, regularly check your plants for signs of infestation.