Garden pests come in all shapes and sizes, but some of the tiniest ones can do the most damage. While they might seem harmless at first, these little critters can quickly wreak havoc on your plants, turning a healthy garden into a battlefield. Knowing which pests to watch out for—and how to deal with them—can save you a lot of trouble down the road.
From aphids to fungus gnats, each pest has its own way of causing damage. Identifying them early and taking the right steps to control them can keep your garden thriving. In this guide, we’ll take a look at 17 common garden pests and offer practical tips on how to prevent or manage them before they take over.
Aphids
Aphids are tiny insects, often found in clusters on plants, sucking sap from the stems and leaves.
Despite their size, they can cause significant harm by weakening plants and spreading diseases.
These pests come in various colors but are commonly green, and they reproduce quickly.
Regular inspections and a strong blast of water can help dislodge them.
For persistent infestations, consider natural predators like ladybugs or apply insecticidal soap.
Spider Mites
Spider mites thrive in hot, dry conditions and are notorious for their destructive webs.
These tiny arachnids feed on plant sap, leading to discolored leaves and stunted growth.
Their presence is often revealed by fine webbing on the undersides of leaves.
Increase humidity and regularly wash plants to deter them.
Introducing predatory mites can also serve as a natural control method.
Whiteflies
Whiteflies are small, moth-like insects that congregate on the undersides of leaves.
They suck plant juices, causing yellowing and wilting.
These pests can also transmit diseases between plants.
Regularly inspect your plants and use yellow sticky traps to catch them.
Neem oil sprays can be effective in controlling their populations.
Flea Beetles
Flea beetles are small, jumping insects known for creating shot-hole damage on leaves.
They primarily target vegetable crops like eggplants and cabbages, stunting growth and reducing yields.
These pests are most active in the spring.
Employing row covers early in the season can protect young plants.
Additionally, natural predators like parasitic wasps can help keep their numbers in check.
Leaf Miners
Leaf miners are the larvae of various insects, tunneling through leaf tissues and creating visible trails.
These pests can affect a variety of plants, hindering photosynthesis and weakening growth.
Remove and destroy affected leaves to prevent further spread.
Encourage beneficial insects like parasitic wasps to naturally control their populations.
Insecticidal sprays may be used as a last resort.
Thrips
Thrips are slender, winged insects that feed on both plant sap and pollen.
Their feeding causes silvery, streaked damage on leaves and petals, affecting plant health and aesthetics.
Thrips can also transmit plant viruses.
To control them, introduce predatory insects like lacewings or use reflective mulch to deter infestations.
Regularly inspect plants and apply insecticidal soaps if necessary.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, white, cottony pests that feed on plant juices, weakening their hosts.
Their feeding can lead to distorted growth and they excrete honeydew, attracting ants and sooty mold.
Regularly inspect and manually remove them with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.
Encourage natural predators like ladybugs to help manage their population.
Scale Insects
Scale insects attach themselves to stems and leaves, sucking plant sap and excreting sticky honeydew.
These pests are protected by a hard shell, making control difficult.
Infestations can cause yellowing, wilting, and branch dieback.
Prune heavily infested branches and introduce natural predators like parasitic wasps.
Horticultural oils can be used to suffocate them.
Slugs
Slugs are soft-bodied mollusks that feast on tender leaves and seedlings, leaving behind slimy trails.
They thrive in moist environments and can cause significant damage if not managed.
Handpicking at night and using barriers like crushed eggshells can deter them.
You can also set traps using beer or introduce natural predators like ground beetles.
Snails
Snails, like slugs, are mollusks that consume plant material, causing holes and damage to leaves.
They prefer damp conditions and are often active at night.
Protect your plants by removing debris and using barriers such as copper tape.
Handpick snails during the evening or after rain and use traps if necessary.
Cabbage Loopers
Cabbage loopers are caterpillars that inch along plants, devouring leaves and forming holes.
These pests primarily target cruciferous vegetables, significantly impacting yield.
Use row covers to protect young plants and handpick caterpillars when spotted.
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can be applied as a biological control method.
Cutworms
Cutworms are larvae that hide in the soil during the day and feed on seedlings at night.
They sever plants at the base, causing young plants to topple.
Protect seedlings with collars and remove debris where cutworms might hide.
Encourage beneficial nematodes to naturally manage their population.
Earwigs
Earwigs are nocturnal insects with pincers that feed on decaying matter and occasionally plants.
While they help in decomposition, they can cause damage by eating tender shoots and flowers.
Attract natural predators like toads or use oil traps to catch them.
Maintain cleanliness and remove hiding spots to reduce their numbers.
Root Maggots
Root maggots are the larvae of flies that infest root crops like radishes and carrots.
They tunnel through roots, causing stunted growth and plant death.
Use floating row covers to prevent adult flies from laying eggs.
Rotate crops and encourage beneficial insects to keep their numbers in check.
Ants
Ants are common garden visitors that can indirectly harm plants by protecting aphids and other pests.
They farm aphids for honeydew, facilitating their spread.
Disrupt ant trails with barriers and use diatomaceous earth around plants.
Introduce natural predators like birds to help control their population.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are voracious feeders that can defoliate plants, impacting growth and yield.
Handpick them when possible and encourage birds to visit your garden.
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a natural pesticide effective against many caterpillar species.
Beetles
Beetles, including Japanese and cucumber beetles, chew on leaves and flowers, affecting plant health.
Regularly inspect plants and handpick beetles when spotted.
Use row covers and attract beneficial insects like ladybugs to help control beetle populations.