If you’re a gardener, then you know that pests can be a huge problem. These little critters can wreak havoc on your plants and can sometimes be difficult to get rid of. In this blog post, we will discuss 8 common garden pests and how hiring a professional pest control company like Sprague Pest can help eliminate them.
1. Aphids
Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that can be found in a variety of colors, including green, black, brown, and yellow. They are often found feeding on the new growth of plants, which can cause stunted plant growth and deformed leaves. Aphids can also spread diseases from one plant to another.
These pests can be difficult to control because they reproduce so quickly. One female aphid can lay up to 500 eggs in her lifetime! This means having an aphid infestation in your garden can happen quickly if you’re not careful or do not get rid of them right away.
One way to eliminate aphids is by using a strong stream of water to blast them off of your plants. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil, which are both effective at killing aphids. If you have a severe infestation, may need to hire a professional pest control company to get rid of them for you.
2. Japanese Beetles
Japanese beetles are a type of leaf beetle that is native to Japan. These pests were first found in the United States in 1916, and have since become a major problem for gardeners across the country. Japanese beetles feed on the leaves of plants, which can cause extensive damage.
These pests are challenging because of their voracious appetite and their ability to fly long distances. This means they can quickly spread from one plant to another, and can be difficult to control.
There are a few things you can do to get rid of Japanese beetles in your garden. You can handpick them off of your plants and drop them into a bucket of soapy water. You can also use a trap that uses pheromones to attract them. Insecticidal soap and neem oil are also effective at killing Japanese beetles. For more severe infestations, contacting a professional can be a viable option as well.
3. Rats
Besides eating your plants and leaves while leaving behind their waste, rats can also transmit diseases from one plant to another. This is why it’s important to get rid of them as soon as you see them in your garden.
Rats are nocturnal creatures, so they are most active at night. This makes it difficult to spot them during the day. However, there are a few things you can look for that will indicate their presence. Look for holes in the ground, gnawed plant leaves, or rat droppings.
If you think you have rats in your garden, the best thing to do is to contact a professional pest control company. They will be able to set up traps and take care of the problem quickly and effectively.
4. Ants
Ants are another garden pest that can be difficult to control. They often build their nests in the soil, which can damage your plants’ roots. Additionally, they can also spread diseases from one plant to another.
Like previous insects on this list, ants can be difficult to control because of their ability to quickly reproduce. One female ant can lay up to 500 eggs in her lifetime!
There are a few things you can do to get rid of ants in your garden. You can use bait traps, which will lure them into the trap and kill them. If you prefer a more natural approach, you can also use diatomaceous earth, which is a type of fossilized algae that will kill ants.
5. Cutworms
Cutworms are the larvae of moths, and they get their name from their habit of cutting down young plants at the base of the stem. This can cause extensive damage to your garden, as it can kill newly planted seedlings or young plants.
Known for their ability to blend in with the soil, cutworms can be difficult to spot. However, if you notice your plants are being cut down, it’s a good indication that you have a cutworm problem.
To get rid of cutworms, you can use a number of different methods. Most gardeners will use some form of pesticide, although there are also natural options available. You can also try to physically remove them by hand, although this can be difficult, especially if the infestation has gotten out of control.
6. Slugs and Snails
Slugs and snails are another common garden pest that can do a lot of damage to your plants. These slimy creatures feed on the leaves of plants, which can cause them to become ragged and torn. Additionally, slugs and snails also leave behind a slime trail that can attract other pests, such as ants.
Although they may seem harmless despite their unappealing appearance, slugs and snails can be difficult to control. They reproduce quickly and are active both day and night. They are also known to cause problems for indoor plants as well.
Thankfully, slug and snail removal is fairly simple with a bit of effort. The most common method is to use bait, which will lure them into a trap and kill them. You can also try using a physical barrier, such as coffee grounds or eggshells, around your plants to deter them.
7. Cabbage Maggots
Cabbage maggots are the larvae of flies, and they feed on the roots of plants in the cabbage family. This includes crops such as broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. Cabbage maggots can cause extensive damage to your plants, as they can kill young seedlings or stunt the growth of older plants.
Cabbage maggots are small, white, and hard to spot. However, you may be able to see them if you look closely at the roots of your plants. If you think you have a cabbage maggot problem, the best thing to do is to contact a professional pest control company who will have the tools and knowledge to deal with the problem.
8. Rabbits
This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning rabbits. Although they may seem cute, rabbits can do a lot of damage to your garden. They feed on the leaves and stems of plants, which can kill young seedlings or stunt the growth of older plants. In addition, rabbits also dig holes in the ground, which can damage your plants’ roots.
Rabbits are difficult to control because of their rapid reproduction. One female rabbit can have up to 12 offspring per year! Additionally, they are also good at evading detection, as they are most active at dawn and dusk. However, traps can be installed to remove these intruders, though it is worth becoming familiar with your local laws regarding trapping animals before taking this route. Alternatively, because they are significantly larger than rats and insects, fencing rabbits out can be an effective solution as well.
Final Thoughts
You work hard all garden season-long to make your garden grow, so the last thing you want is for pests to come in and ruin everything. By being on the lookout for these common garden-killing pests, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants. And if all else fails, there are always professional pest control companies who can help you get rid of these pesky critters for good!
