Gardening is a rewarding experience, but dealing with pests can quickly become frustrating. Some insects and critters can damage leaves, destroy roots, and stunt plant growth, making it hard for your garden to thrive.
The key to a healthy garden is knowing which pests to watch for and how to control them effectively. Below, you’ll find 34 of the worst garden pests, along with effective fixes included to help protect your plants and keep your garden flourishing.
1. Aphid
Tiny terrors may seem insignificant at first glance. Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can multiply rapidly. They are usually found clustered on new growth and can cause stunted growth and distorted leaves. Regularly inspect your plants for these tiny pests.
Use a strong jet of water to dislodge them or introduce natural predators like ladybugs. Neem oil is also an effective treatment. Keeping your plants healthy and well-watered can help them resist aphid infestations.
2. Slugs and Snails
Silent destroyers often emerge at night to feast on tender leaves and stems. Slugs and snails can cause significant damage to young plants. You might notice large holes in leaves or slime trails.
To manage these pests, handpick them during the evening or early morning. Beer traps and barriers like crushed eggshells can deter them. Consider using iron phosphate-based slug pellets that are safe for pets and wildlife.
3. Japanese Beetle
Brightly colored yet destructive, these pests are a common sight in many gardens. The Japanese beetle is known for skeletonizing leaves and damaging flowers. Handpicking is effective, especially in small gardens.
You can also use traps, but place them away from plants to avoid attracting more beetles. Neem oil and insecticidal soap can help manage their numbers. Consistent monitoring is essential to prevent infestations.
4. Cabbage Worm
Creeping silently, they can devastate brassica crops quickly. Cabbage worms are green larvae that blend in with foliage. They chew large holes in leaves, making them unsightly.
Remove them by hand when spotted, or use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray, a natural and effective treatment. Floating row covers can also prevent moths from laying eggs on your plants. Regularly inspect your brassicas to catch infestations early.
5. Spider Mite
Barely visible to the naked eye, these pests leave a trail of destruction. Spider mites are tiny arachnids that cause stippling and webbing on leaves. They thrive in hot, dry conditions. Increase humidity around your plants by misting or using a humidifier.
Insecticidal soap or neem oil can control outbreaks. Regularly check the undersides of leaves for early detection. Keeping plants hydrated and dust-free makes them less inviting to these mites.
6. Whitefly
When disturbed, these pests fly up in a cloud. Whiteflies are small, white, moth-like insects that suck sap from plants. They can cause yellowing leaves and stunted growth. Introduce natural predators like ladybugs or parasitic wasps.
Yellow sticky traps can help reduce their numbers. Insecticidal soap and neem oil are effective treatments. Frequent inspection is crucial, especially on the undersides of leaves where they often hide.
7. Cutworm
These nocturnal feeders can topple young plants overnight. Cutworms are caterpillars that cut down seedlings at the soil level. You’ll often find them curled up in the soil by day.
Protect your young plants with collars made from cardboard or tin. Handpick any cutworms you find. Beneficial nematodes can also reduce their numbers. Evening inspections can help catch them in action.
8. Thrips
Elusive and fast-moving, these pests can cause significant plant damage. Thrips are tiny insects that feed on plant juices, leading to discolored and distorted foliage. Introduce predatory insects like lacewings or ladybugs.
Blue sticky traps are effective for monitoring and capturing them. Insecticidal soap and neem oil can manage infestations. Keep your garden clean and free of debris to reduce thrip habitats.
9. Squash Bug
Resilient and tough, these pests are a bane for squash plants. Squash bugs suck sap from leaves, causing them to wilt and die. Handpicking and destroying eggs on the undersides of leaves can control them.
Companion planting with nasturtiums repels squash bugs. Neem oil and insecticidal soap are also useful treatments. Regularly inspect plants, especially during the early growing season.
10. Flea Beetle
Quick jumpers can pockmark your plants with tiny holes. Flea beetles are small, hopping insects that damage young plants significantly. Use floating row covers to protect seedlings.
Sticky traps can capture adults. Diatomaceous earth sprinkled on foliage deters them. Rotate crops annually to reduce populations. Keep your garden clean to minimize their habitats.
11. Grasshopper
Larger than many pests, they can consume large quantities of foliage. Grasshoppers are voracious eaters that can defoliate plants quickly. Encourage natural predators like birds or use floating row covers.
Nosema locustae, a natural pathogen, can help control populations. Maintaining a healthy garden ecosystem can keep their numbers in check. Regular monitoring is essential.
12. Leaf Miner
Masters of disguise, these pests burrow within leaves. Leaf miners create distinctive trails as they feed inside foliage. These visible patterns are unsightly and can reduce plant vigor. Remove and destroy affected leaves to control populations.
Floating row covers can prevent adults from laying eggs. Beneficial insects like parasitic wasps can help manage infestations. Consistent monitoring and quick action are necessary.
13. Scale Insect
Armored invaders latch onto stems and leaves, extracting sap. Scale insects are small, shelled pests that can weaken plants over time. Use a soft brush to remove them from plants manually.
Insecticidal soap or horticultural oil can be effective treatments. Introducing natural predators like ladybugs can help. Regularly inspect plants, particularly woody ones, for early signs of infestation.
14. Vine Weevil
These nocturnal feeders can cause destruction above and below ground. Adult vine weevils notch leaves, while larvae feed on roots, potentially killing plants. Handpick adults at night and use nematodes to target larvae in the soil.
Sticky barriers can prevent adults from climbing plants. Monitor regularly and take action promptly to control their population.
15. Cabbage Aphid
Clustered invaders can quickly overwhelm brassica plants. Cabbage aphids are grayish-green pests that feed on plant sap, causing curling and yellowing leaves. Blast them off with water or introduce natural predators like ladybugs.
Insecticidal soap can also be effective. Keep your garden diverse and healthy to discourage aphid infestations. Regular inspections are crucial, especially in cool weather.
16. Earwig
Creepy crawlers with pincers can cause damage to foliage and flowers. Earwigs are nocturnal insects that feed on decaying matter and live plants. Trap them with rolled-up newspaper or damp cardboard as hiding spots.
Diatomaceous earth can create a barrier to deter them. Encourage natural predators like toads and birds. Keep your garden tidy to minimize their habitats.
17. Root Maggot
Hidden threats can decimate root crops silently. Root maggots are larvae that feed on the roots of plants like carrots and onions, causing stunting or death. Use floating row covers to prevent flies from laying eggs.
Rotate crops annually to reduce their buildup. Beneficial nematodes can target larvae in the soil. Regularly check root crops for signs of infestation.
18. Tent Caterpillar
Web builders can strip trees of their leaves quickly. Tent caterpillars construct silk tents in trees and feed on leaves, potentially defoliating branches. Remove and destroy tents by hand when possible.
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray is effective against caterpillars. Encourage birds to visit your garden as they are natural predators. Regular inspections can prevent severe damage.
19. Carrot Rust Fly
Underground invaders can ruin root crops. Carrot rust flies lay eggs in the soil near carrots, and their larvae burrow into roots. Use floating row covers to block flies from laying eggs.
Crop rotation and soil improvement can reduce infestations. Beneficial nematodes are effective against larvae. Vigilant monitoring is necessary during the growing season.
20. Red Spider Mite
These tiny invaders can be hard to spot with the naked eye. Red spider mites are arachnids that feed on plant juices, causing stippling and leaf damage. Increase humidity around plants and regularly mist foliage to discourage them.
Insecticidal soap and neem oil can manage outbreaks. Keep plants healthy and dust-free to make them less attractive to mites. Regular inspection is key.
21. Codling Moth
Fruit devastators can ruin apple crops. Codling moths lay eggs on fruit trees, and their larvae burrow into apples, causing rot. Use pheromone traps to monitor and reduce populations.
Bagging individual fruits can prevent larvae from entering. Regular pruning and cleanup can help manage infestations. Vigilant monitoring is essential during the fruiting season.
22. Pear Slug
These slimy invaders can skeletonize leaves quickly. Pear slugs are actually sawfly larvae that feed on the upper surface of leaves. Handpick or wash them off with a strong jet of water.
Insecticidal soap and horticultural oil can be effective treatments. Encourage birds and other predators to visit your garden. Regular inspections can prevent severe damage.
23. Box Tree Caterpillar
Hedge destroyers can cause significant damage. Box tree caterpillars feed on boxwood leaves, leading to defoliated and unsightly hedges. Handpick caterpillars and remove webbing when visible. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is effective against young larvae.
Regular pruning and cleaning up debris can help manage infestations. Consistent monitoring is necessary to prevent damage.
24. Mealybug
Cottony pests can weaken plants by extracting sap. Mealybugs are small, white insects that cluster on stems and leaves. Use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to remove them. Insecticidal soap and neem oil can manage infestations.
Encourage natural predators like ladybugs or parasitic wasps. Regular inspection is crucial, especially on indoor plants.
25. Potato Beetle
These striped invaders can devastate potato crops. Potato beetles feed on foliage, which can lead to reduced yields. Handpick adults and larvae when visible.
Use row covers to protect plants during early growth stages. Rotate crops annually to reduce populations. Consistent monitoring and quick action are important to manage infestations.
26. Hornworm
These large, green caterpillars can quickly strip leaves off plants. Hornworms are known for attacking tomato plants. Handpick and remove them when spotted.
Introducing beneficial insects like braconid wasps can control populations. Bt spray is effective against caterpillars. Regular inspection and removal of weeds can prevent infestations.
27. Cucumber Beetle
These spotted or striped pests can damage young plants. Cucumber beetles feed on leaves and can transmit diseases. Use row covers to protect seedlings.
Handpick adults and larvae when visible. Neem oil and insecticidal soap can help manage populations. Consistent monitoring is essential to prevent the spread of diseases.
28. Blister Beetle
These beetles can cause extensive defoliation. Blister beetles feed on plant leaves and flowers. Handpick beetles when visible and use gloves to avoid skin irritation.
Encourage natural predators like birds and toads. Consistent monitoring and quick removal are vital for managing infestations. Keeping your garden clean and diverse can help deter them.
29. Corn Earworm
These caterpillars can ruin corn crops by feeding on kernels. Corn earworms burrow into ears, causing damage. Apply mineral oil to corn silk as a natural deterrent.
Use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray for treatment. Encourage beneficial insects to visit your garden. Regular monitoring and early action can prevent severe damage.
30. Armyworm
Destructive feeders can devour crops swiftly. Armyworms are caterpillars that feed on a wide range of plants. Handpick them when visible and use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray for control.
Encourage natural predators like birds and beneficial insects. Consistent monitoring and quick intervention are necessary to manage outbreaks.
31. Grape Phylloxera
These pests target grapevines, causing damage to roots and leaves. Grape phylloxera are tiny insects that form galls. Plant resistant rootstocks to prevent infestations.
Encourage beneficial insects and practice proper vineyard hygiene. Regular inspection and removal of infected plant parts can help manage their population. Vigilant monitoring is crucial to protect grapevines.
32. Root Weevil
These pests are notorious for damaging roots and foliage. Root weevils chew notches in leaves and can harm roots. Handpick adults when visible and use beneficial nematodes for larvae control.
Implement barriers to prevent them from climbing plants. Consistent monitoring and early intervention can protect plants. Maintaining a healthy garden ecosystem can deter infestations.
33. Lygus Bug
These pests can cause significant harm to cotton and other crops. Lygus bugs pierce plant tissues, causing discoloration and deformation. Use pheromone traps to monitor and reduce populations.
Encourage natural predators like wasps and lacewings. Insecticidal soap and neem oil can help manage infestations. Regular monitoring is essential to prevent damage.
34. Citrus Leafminer
These pests burrow into leaves, causing unsightly trails. Citrus leafminers are tiny moth larvae that damage citrus foliage. Prune and destroy affected leaves to control populations.
Use horticultural oil sprays to deter adults. Encourage beneficial insects like parasitic wasps. Regular inspection and quick action can prevent severe damage.