Most common garden pests
Common garden pests can damage plants, affect growth, and reduce yields. Here are some of the most common pests found in gardens. Controlling garden pests typically involves a combination of physical barriers, natural predators, organic treatments, and sometimes pesticides. Regular monitoring and early intervention are key to managing them effectively.
Aphids
Small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from plants, leading to stunted growth and curling leaves. They also transmit plant viruses.
Caterpillars
The larval stage of moths and butterflies, they can chew through leaves, flowers, and stems. Examples include the cabbageworm and tomato hornworm.
Slugs and Snails
These mollusks leave slimy trails and feed on leaves, stems, and fruit, especially in damp conditions.
Whiteflies
Small, winged insects that feed on the underside of leaves, causing yellowing and wilting. Like aphids, they also spread plant diseases.
Spider Mites
Tiny arachnids that suck sap from plant leaves, causing a speckled appearance and leaf drop. They thrive in hot, dry conditions.
Japanese Beetles
These shiny, green-and-bronze beetles eat foliage, flowers, and fruit, leaving plants severely damaged.
Mealybugs
White, cotton-like pests that suck plant juices, weakening the plant and promoting fungal growth.
Scale Insects
These pests attach themselves to plant stems and leaves, where they feed on sap, leading to yellowing and stunted growth.
Cutworms
The larvae of certain moths, cutworms attack young plants by cutting them off at the base, often during the night.
Earwigs
These nocturnal insects feed on plant foliage and decaying organic matter. They can cause holes in leaves and flowers.
Leafhoppers
These small, jumping insects feed on plant sap and can transmit plant diseases, like bacterial wilt or mosaic virus.
Thrips
Tiny, slender insects that suck out cell contents, causing silvery streaks or deformed leaves and flowers.