Many things can go wrong in a garden, but some of the most common problems are caused by pests. You might be wondering, what are common pest when gardening? Let’s explore the five most common pests that might be bugging your garden and how to get rid of them.
1. Aphids
Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that can be black, brown, green, or pink. They suck the sap out of plants, which can weaken and even kill the plant. Aphids also produce a sticky substance called honeydew, which can attract other pests and cause mold to grow on the plant.
Tips on how to control them:
- Use a strong blast of water from the hose.
- Use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Attract predators like ladybugs, which will eat the aphids.
2. Cabbage Worms
The larvae of these moths are light green with a white stripe down their backs. They eat large holes in leaves, causing plants to wilt and eventually die. Cabbage worms are particularly fond of cabbage, broccoli, and other members of the cabbage family.
Tips on how to control them:
- Hand-picking cabbage worms.
- Use floating row covers to keep the caterpillars from getting to your plants.
- If you find heavy infestations, you may need to treat the plants with an insecticide.
3. Caterpillars
Caterpillars are the larvae of moths and butterflies, and they come in a variety of colors and sizes. They feed on leaves and can defoliate a plant in a short amount of time. Caterpillars can also spread diseases from one plant to another.
Tips on how to control them:
- Hand-picking caterpillars.
- Use floating row covers to keep the caterpillars from getting to your plants.
- Use a Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) spray to kill the caterpillars.
- Encourage native predators.
4. Snails and Slugs
Snails and slugs are gastropod mollusks that love to eat tender plants. They chew on leaves, causing them to become ragged and distorted. Snails and slugs can also spread diseases from one plant to another.
Slugs and snails can be controlled with a variety of methods, including
- Hand-picking them.
- Traps.
- Pesticides.
- Barriers.
5. Japanese Beetles
As their name suggests, these shiny, metallic-looking beetles are native to Japan. They are a major pest to gardens and crops. Japanese beetles feast on the leaves of plants, skeletonizing them within days. They are particularly fond of roses but will also eat the leaves of fruit trees, vegetables, and other ornamentals.
There are a variety of methods that can be used to control Japanese beetles, including:
- Hand-pick them as soon as they appear.
- Pesticides.
- Use of natural predators.
These are some of the common soil pest and how to control them. If you suspect your plant has any of these pests, it’s important to take action immediately. Inspect your plants regularly and remove any pests you find. You can also use traps or pesticides to control these pests. At Custom Orchard Fumigation in 7419 Kau Trail Pasco, WA 99301, we understand how important it is to protect your plants from pests. We offer a variety of services to control pests in your garden, including soil fumigation. Contact us at (509) 687-9572 today to learn more about our services!