Pests and insects are quite a nuisance once you find them lurking on your indoor and outdoor plants, be that regular aphids or mealyis or some more advanced issues such as worms in the soil, flies in compost, etc. But don’t worry! Here you can find the solutions to all your problems, explanations why it happens, whether it is dangerous or not, and many more.
Night walks through your garden are more enjoyable and special when fireflies light the way. No wonder everyone’s looking for different ways to attract these magnificent creatures! Yes, they’re indeed very beautiful, but that’s not their only great feature. If you’re a gardener, then you’ll be delighted to hear that they can help you fight…
If there’s one bug I absolutely can’t stand, it’s stink bugs (I get icky just thinking about them!). My aversion to these pests dates back to a couple of summers ago when I had a total stink bug invasion in my garden. They. Were. Literally. Everywhere! I couldn’t stand them, so I tried all sorts…
Have you noticed animals with the cutest little front teeth running around your garden carrying plants in their pockets? Well, you’ve been visited by gophers! They may look adorable, but there’s a twist as they can destroy flower beds. Even the small tunnels they dig to reach food sources can be a real nightmare. I’ve…
Have you noticed that your grass is losing the beautiful green color it once had? If your answer is yes, false chinch bugs may have paid you a visit! They can become a nightmare for any gardener. I had a problem with chinch bugs last season. First, I noticed small black dots moving across my…
The thought of a vegetable garden pest that breeds quickly, overwinters in the soil, and whose larvae can destroy plants is enough to make any gardener shudder. Unfortunately, Colorado potato beetles exist. Anyone who grows potatoes at home should be aware of these distinctive pests. They’re known for munching through crops, and it’s not just…
It’s a perfect summer’s day, the sun is shining, birds are chirping, and then… mosquitoes! Ugh! These tiny insects are a true buzzkill, especially if you are one of those folks that tend to get bitten more than others (I know the feeling). I have been struggling with mosquitoes ever since I was a little…
There’s nothing worse than uninvited guests! Especially if they have eight legs and crawl in the corners of your house. Yes, you guessed it – creepy spiders. I’d probably move out if I saw them crawling on the walls. I know I’m overreacting again! But I can’t help myself! Spiders won’t harm you, but there’s…
Folks, it’s summertime! This is my favorite time of year, mainly because of the ripe fruits in my garden that I can’t wait to harvest. A couple of weeks ago, I noticed that my strawberries were also turning a sweet red color. I didn’t find any worms crawling on my berries, I just washed and…
Monarch butterflies can be one of the most beautiful visitors to your garden! You will definitely enjoy their happy dance around your favorite plants. If you happen to see these beauties less often in your yard, unfortunately, it means that wasps are eating the little caterpillars. They won’t give them the opportunity to grow into…
It’s not the best thing if you see cute chipmunks climbing on your tree! I know that they are one of the sweetest visitors in your garden, but unfortunately they are real troublemakers! They can dig holes in your yard and damage plants. Your garden will then look untidy, and you will have to do…
Have you noticed a constant buzzing in your garden? I hope you like bugs, because it’s probably cicadas. These insects are common guests in gardens since they live underground and come out during mating season. I first noticed their singing in my garden a few years ago. I’m a fan of insects, and they don’t…
Have you spotted a cute plant with black berries in your garden? Don’t even think about eating them before you do thorough research about their edibility! I noticed one in my garden a few weeks ago while checking my yard, and it was Belladonna, a really dangerous plant known for its poison. Luckily, I knew…
You know what the second thing that comes to my mind is when someone says June? June bugs! Yes, the first one is summer and the beauty of lush and thriving gardens. But I simply can’t forget about these nuisances. My garden from two years ago would never forgive me if I weren’t constantly paying…
I don’t even remember how many times my fellow gardeners warned me about tree pests. I knew these tiny creatures were dangerous but, obviously, I didn’t know enough. This was until my maple got seriously infected by a super small yet very destructive cankerworm! This is actually a type of caterpillar and there’s a huge…
The very thought of summer always lifts my mood and almost everything sounds great about this season. You know why I said almost? Because summer is also when mosquitoes rear their ugly heads! These nuisances seem to appear out of nowhere and make coffee time on my patio a pure nightmare. Well, I’m kinda accustomed…
Ahh, aphids, every gardener’s nightmare! Growing roses in my garden has always been a joy, but dealing with pesky aphids can be a real headache. These tiny bugs love to munch on my roses, ruining their remarkable beauty and elegance. When I first started growing flowers, I immediately went for roses; little did I know…
Skunks are super cute little creatures… until they’re not. Once they wreak havoc in your yard, they’ll be anything but cute to you. I learned it the hard way, and these little charmers aren’t welcome in my yard anymore. I believe you already know that the damage they can cause in a yard isn’t the…
Tired of those pesky flea beetles wreaking havoc in your garden? I know the feeling! Dealing with tiny pests can be frustrating, especially when they munch on your favorite plants. I’ve faced my fair share of troubles with them – one season they completely ruined my leafy greens, leaving me with nothing to harvest. Believe…
A fellow plant grower once told me: if you have a garden, you’ll deal with pests, sooner or later. And that’s true. I’m not talking about a few pests here and there but rather about an infestation that can wreak havoc on your garden plants. These little suckers feed on plant parts, weaken the plant,…
Are you struggling with grubs in your lawn or garden? If so, then you’ve come to the right place! Grubs are well-known pests that can create havoc in your garden, leaving you with bare patches on the lawn and dying plants in the garden. While there are many chemical treatments available on the market today,…
Cute as they may be, rabbits can wreak havoc in your garden, devouring crops and ruining your harvest. Yet, you don’t want to resort to harmful methods like poison to control them. Protect your crops without harming creatures by using natural deterrents like cayenne pepper. You are probably wondering if this spicy solution is the…
Although there’s not much fuss when it comes to growing pumpkins on your own, you should still keep an eye out for certain pests that might stunt pumpkin growth. Besides aphids and beetles, the most common intruder in pumpkin patches is the garden mouse. These adorable critters can cause serious harm to your pumpkins even…
Have you discovered some unwanted guests on your Christmas cactus? Pest problems can put a dampener on the festive spirit, especially if your special holiday plant is hurting. Although cactus plants are known to be tough and resilient, there are still some pesky pests that can find their way indoors and hurt your Christmas cactus….
I hate mice! Still, I don’t want to live my life killing them if I can help it. And I can! There are uncommon ways of getting rid of rodents humanely that don’t include poisoning them. I’m talking about using spices, oils, and solutions you already have in your home. Of course, prevention has always…
Moles and voles have multiple benefits for the ecosystem but having them in our yards is far from a good thing! These creatures can wreak havoc on lawns and only those who have had issues with moles or voles know how hard it can be to get rid of them. Many people can’t differentiate between…
Lavender is a powerful herb. It can relieve stress and exudes an irresistible fragrance. Yet, there are some animals that don’t like it – pests. Mosquitoes and rats are just a few of them! And to answer your question, yes, lavender can repel mice to some degree, but there’s more to the story. Here’s everything…
Orchids are definitely one of the toughest flowers to take care of, but it’s all worth it once they start blooming in unique colors and patterns. These flowering plants can even take up to seven years to produce flowers, which is why it is crucial to take good care of them. Besides watering and light…
Crepe myrtles are beautiful trees that originate from Asia, and they have become quite popular in the United States. It’s quite easy to take care of them, yet they are often harmed by 3 common pests: Asian ambrosia beetles, Japanese beetles, and aphids. These pesky pests can significantly damage the tree and weaken it so…
When these buzzing insects decide to make their home in your turf, it can be a stinging problem. You can’t even walk freely in your own garden without the fear of getting stung by underground wasps! If you or a member of your household is allergic to wasp stings, or if a large number of…
We all know that sometimes small creatures aren’t harmless. One of the best examples are annoying spider mites! These guys can wreak havoc on houseplant collections, especially if they form a colony. They spread very quickly, so we should start treating them ASAP. Well, you can keep spider mites off your houseplants with one simple…
Can Mexican marigolds, with their vibrant golden blooms and pungent fragrance, serve as more than just ornamental additions to your garden? Gardeners have long whispered about the potential pest-repelling powers of these marigolds. But do they truly deter unwanted insects from invading your cherished plants? In this article, we are going to discover if Mexican…
The vibrant and exotic hibiscus plant is a favorite among gardeners for its stunning blossoms and lush green foliage. However, if you’ve noticed your hibiscus leaves starting to turn yellow, it can be a cause for concern. Yellowing leaves on your hibiscus can indicate that something isn’t quite right with your plant, and understanding the…
Knowing that nothing comes overnight, yard owners put a lot of effort into maintenance. Watering and fertilization are just a few of their must-do chores. However, no matter how hard you try, problems can occur and pests are among the most common. One of the pest species that can wreak havoc on your garden and…
Is there anything better than spending time outdoors during the summer months? A warm breeze and cold beverages make things even better. But there’s something that can get in your way of having the best time ever: annoying mosquitoes! When you visit supermarkets during the summer, you’ll notice numerous products that can help you get…
Garden pests are every gardeners’ nightmare. They come into your garden and completely ruin your plants and crops. Larger pests like deer and rabbits munch away leafy greens, while aphids and mealybugs are the microscopic ones that devour your plant without you even noticing it! So, in order to protect your plants, you must be…
The end of the summer is getting closer; temperatures have already started to drop so we spend way more time in our backyards. Many people agree that this is the best period of the year. Well, I prefer using the words “almost the best”. Flying pests are still here and most likely won’t leave for…
Pests are an unavoidable part of gardening and you can choose to co-exist with them or do something about the whole situation. Benedict Vanheems, book author and horticulturist, shares his insights into this issue and offers advice on getting rid of pests from your garden. His solutions are organic and eco-friendly and, best of all,…
I often say to beginner gardeners that they should never underestimate pests, no matter how small they are. You know the saying: sometimes little things make a big difference, and I don’t mean in a good way! One of the best examples is aphids. Their appearance tricks many into thinking that they’re harmless and even…
I don’t know about you, but I have never seen a deer grazing in my garden. But I have seen the havoc they wreak in my vegetable plots, which is why I’m on the constant look out for things that will keep them away. At this point I just plant a little extra and have…
I think moles are kinda cute – as long as they aren’t in my garden! No matter how many times I hear they aren’t dangerous, the havoc in my yard a few years ago means I simply can’t believe it. They can destroy lawns and gardens, especially if they invite a few friends to come…
When you think it can’t be worse than a bug in your home, you spot a stink bug! Honestly, I’m not sure what disgusts me more, their size or the awful smell. If you haven’t squashed this creature yet, make sure you don’t try it, because it triggers the scent release. Repelling these nuisances may…
Don’t you just dream of a perfect garden, where there aren’t wasps and mosquitoes buzzing around you whilst you’re having the time of your life in your backyard? I can’t promise all of it, but one thing that will get you one step closer to this is growing pest-repellent plants in your garden that will…
If I had to choose one thing I hate about summer, it would be all the flies. I guess that’s the only thing. These nuisances somehow enter our households and definitely won’t go away on their own. Yellow fly traps aren’t my thing so I’m constantly looking for new ways for deterring these annoying creatures….
Is there anything more annoying than mosquitoes in the summer? They just buzz around and bite people, leaving them with an itchy and uncomfortable pain. And have you ever tried to fall asleep with a mosquito in your room? It’s mission impossible! While there are many expensive chemical-based mosquito repellents, you should go in a…
As the summer approaches, many beneficial insects start to buzz around the garden, carrying pollen from one flower to another. While bees are getting busy, fruit flies, mosquitoes and other annoying insects also start flying around. Just as primroses are signs of spring, it seems as though mosquitoes are signs of summer – they are…
It’s that time of the year where the warm nights become irresistible and you look for any excuse to spend them on your patio. There’s just one problem – mosquitoes! Of course, store-bought candles, repellents, and even a light mosquito net will work, but why not try and save some money by making your own?…
Every gardener’s dream is to have a plot filled with nightcrawlers and red wigglers because these beneficial worms improve soil texture and fertility. But not all worms have good intentions! Asian jumping worms have slowly found their way into North America, first in the Midwest and Northeast, but now as far south and west as…
Having ants in your backyard isn’t always a bad thing. They create tunnels which will aerate soil, scatter seeds, and help decompose organic matter. However, if they burrow for too long, they can make the soil way too loose and cause your plants to lose anchor and not have enough medium to attach to. And…
Squirrels may be cute, but their appetite for destruction can ruin your plants! From stealing seeds to feasting on your harvest, these adorable furry creatures can quickly become a gardener’s nightmare. Luckily, there are effective ways to keep these critters at bay and protect your garden. The easiest way to deter squirrels is by growing…
With over 10,000 different ant species out there, it’s pretty normal to see them in your garden. These little creatures are hard workers and good for improving soil aeration and drainage. Still, there is another side to the ant infestation story – an abundant ant population can harm plant roots and leaves. They are also…
As you may already know, there are plenty of good insects in your garden that can actually benefit your fruit and vegetables. However, there are also some bad insects that can harm your precious little plants. So, how can you distinguish good insects from the bad ones? First of all, you have to be able…
A pest infestation is every gardener’s nightmare. No matter how well you take care of your plants, there still might be pesky pests that steal your plants’ nutrients. One of the most common pests that you might encounter are scales. If you own a Monstera plant, immediately prepare yourself for scale infestation. Scale on Monstera…
Taking care of a new or already established lawn isn’t as easy as many may think. You have to water it constantly, fertilize it, overseed it, top dress it to treat damaged areas, and more. And imagine ants appearing on top of all that! These pesky little insects can do all sorts of things to…
When you spot white fungus balls in soil, you might often think that there is something wrong with your plant. However, not all fungi are harmful to plants. Some fungi are in a symbiotic relationship with plants and help them grow and absorb nutrients. The most important thing is identifying what type of fungi you…
I think we can all agree that having flies flying around your home is really annoying! However, it gets much worse when you have a compost pile or compost bin in the garden. These little annoyances are the reasons many gardeners don’t want to start making their own compost, even though it is an effective…
Positive Bloom is an Amazon Associate and we earn from qualifying purchases through these links at no extra cost to you. A Japanese beetle infestation is something all gardeners will have to face at some point, whether they make holes in lawns or nibble on trees and veggies. This invasive species can quickly overcome your…
You can’t deny the fact that raccoons look pretty dainty. But as soon as they enter your yard, you’ll end up with trash and droppings all over your property! Another issue is that these mischievous creatures can transmit diseases, so we should do anything we can to get rid of them. Although different chemicals can…