15 Worst Pests You Don’t Want In Your Garden

Even though most insects and bugs are helpful, there are a few that may scavenge on your plants. Through no fault of their own, garden pests will spread very quickly if left unchecked, possibly destroying everything. Knowing how to get rid of them is necessary if you don’t want to wake up one morning to find all your tomatoes and peppers eaten by pests. 

Aphids

If clusters of small, fragile pests have infested your plants, it seems you’ve got an aphid issue on your hands. These critters love to feast on plant sap, causing the new growth to curl, turn yellow, or stunt, which ultimately diminishes the overall health of the plant. Applying insecticidal soaps can help, but releasing nature’s own aphid fighters, such as ladybugs, into your garden is the better option. 

Japanese Beetles

Japanese Beetles leave shredded leaves with a lace-like appearance in their path of destruction. These metallic green and copper invaders are serious pests feasting on around 200 species of plants. You can hand-pick them off plants or use traps to effectively control their population. Another viable solution is introducing nematodes, a natural predator, to your growing spaces to decrease their numbers. 

Millipedes

Millipedes are typically harmless but can become bothersome in large numbers. They feed on decaying organic matter and, sometimes, young plants. Implement prevention methods such as eliminating damp environments, stacking firewood off the ground, and reducing the accumulation of dead leaves to control millipede infestations. You can also use a pesticide with active ingredients like carbaryl or cyfluthrin if the infestation persists, though it’s best to avoid synthetic pesticides altogether.

Slugs and Snails

Leaves with irregular holes or seedlings chewed down to the ground are the handiwork of slugs and snails. They prefer moist, shaded areas and usually come out to feed at night. Make ‘barriers’ of materials they dislike crossing, like copper tape or diatomaceous earth to stop them from entering protected territory. Alternatively, beer traps can also be effective as these pests are attracted to the yeast in beer and drown in it.

Caterpillars

Butterfly and moth larvae, or caterpillars, can cause significant damage due to their insatiable appetites. Look for irregular, ragged holes in foliage. Use insecticidal soap or dust plants with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a natural insecticide, to control them. Leaving bird feeders in your garden, or feeding them from your window, can teach them to regularly visit your garden and clean up any caterpillars they see.

Earwigs

Although earwigs are not often garden pests, a large population of them can cause some problems. They feed on plants and other insects, including beneficial ones. A simple trick to reduce their population is to trap them with moist, rolled-up newspapers or cardboard tubes, which they’ll use as shelter. In the morning, dispose of the ‘traps’ far from your garden. If the infestation is severe, think about consulting a pest control professional. 

Flies and Wasps

While flies and wasps are essential to the ecosystem, they can become a nuisance when present in large numbers. They can cause damage to fruits and spread diseases. To control them, use naturally derived pesticides, such as pyrethrum, or set up fly and wasp traps around your garden. Also, if you see spiderwebs popping up around your garden, leave them be. Spiders love catching flies and wasps and having a nice snack. 

American Cockroaches

American Cockroaches are a worldwide pest problem. They are attracted to damp, dark places and can damage your plants. They’re also ugly to look at and are a sign that hygiene or moisture levels are bad. Keeping your garden clear of waste and standing water can discourage them. If an infestation occurs, you can use bait stations or hire a pest control service.

Silverfish

Silverfish are nocturnal pests that you might find disturbing your garden décor, feeding on wallpapers or papers. Reducing humidity can discourage them from settling in your garden, and you can also use sticky traps to control their spread. For severe infestations, seek help from professional pest control services.

Night-Flying Moths

Night-flying moths are generally harmless but their larvae can wreak havoc, munching on your plant leaves. Pheromone traps are an effective way of monitoring and controlling their population, and biological insecticides such as Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) help manage larval infestations. Birds are natural predators of moths, so consider attracting feathered friends to your garden as a sustainable control method. 

Spiders

Spiders might not be everyone’s favorite visitors, but they’re not always a bad thing for your garden. Some can be true allies, helping control other pests like wasps and flies. However, some species, such as the Red Spider Mite, can damage plants by sucking on them. Washing infested plants with soapy water or using a miticide can help get rid of these tiny critters.

Termites

These notorious pests typically fall into two categories: subterranean and drywood. Termites can cause significant damage to your garden structures and plants, and can damage your home’s wooden structure as well. Luckily, there are ways to combat them. Regular inspections, termiticides, or professional pest control services can effectively control termite populations. It’s also wise to remove any dead wood or plant material from your garden as these attract termites. 

Grasshoppers

Grasshoppers can wreak havoc in your garden, especially during a hot, dry summer. Their insatiable appetite for leaves can leave your green space looking rather brown and lifeless. There are a couple of viable control and removal methods, including introducing natural predators, such as birds or toads, and using eco-friendly pesticides. You can also use row covers to protect your most vulnerable plants.  

Squirrels

Despite their charm and fluffiness, squirrels can turn into a real nuisance for gardeners. Often drawn to the garden by bird feeders or fruit trees, they can dig up bulbs and seedlings and gnaw on tree bark. Creating physical barriers or using specially designed repellents might be the most effective way to keep these cute but troublesome creatures at bay.

This Is How You Can Get Rid of Flies from Your House Quickly

This Is How You Can Get Rid of Flies from Your House Quickly