Garden Pests

Garden PestTargetPotential DamageNatural PredatorsSmall Infestation Control Methods
Spider MitesLive on the undersides of leaves of plants where they spin protective webs.Large infestations can cause visible damage and sometimes kill young plants.Ladybugs and lacewings.Prune leaves and stems that have webbing and dispose of in the trash to avoid spread.
Codling Moth LarvaeBore into the center of fruits, mainly apples and pears.Loss of fruit yield and unsightly damage to a crop.Beneficial nematodes, wasps and birds.Scrape loose bark from trees in early spring to disrupt the lifecycle. Use a kaolin clay-water mixture before moths arrive to prevent the larvae from feeding.
ScaleCommon on trees, shrubs and greenhouse plants and can be found on any part of a plant.Large populations can result in poor growth and yellowed leaves. If left unabated, they can kill a plant.Ladybugs and lacewings.Prune and dispose of infested branches, twigs and leaves. Rub or pick off by hand. Orange oil/d-limonene can be effective when rubbed onto scale insects.
White FlyLive on the undersides of leaves in thick crowds.With large infestations, plants become weak and are more susceptible to disease.Ladybugs and lacewings.Yellow sticky traps are helpful for monitoring and reducing adult populations. Hose off plants with a strong stream of water to reduce pest numbers.
ThripFound on many garden plants and feed on flowers, leaves and fruits.Spread disease among garden plants. Large infestations can weaken a plant and make it more susceptible to other issues.Pirate bugs, ladybugs and lacewings.Ensure crop debris is cleared after harvest and remove weeds and grass from around susceptible areas. Hose off plants with a strong stream of water to reduce pest numbers.
Vine Weevil LarvaeCommon on ornamental plants and damage leaves by chewing.The larvae cause the most damge as they tunnel through the roots of a plant and can cause wilt or death.Beneficial nematodes.Do not over water or over mulch to avoid overly moist soil, which they prefer. Use Diatomaceous Earth on the ground near effected plants.
Cabbage wormFeed on the leaves and stems of brassica and other cabbage-family crops.The worm can quickly destroy an entire plant by chewing holes in the leaves.Beetles, spiders, wasps, lacewings and birds.Hand pick the worms as soon as you notice them. Apply Bacillus Thuringinsis to leaves where worms are seen.
Tomato HornwormFeed on the leaves and stems of tomato, potato and pepper plants.They can consume entire leaves rather quickly that can weaken a plant and reduce growth.Lacewings, ladybugs and wasps.Hand pick the worms as soon as you notice them. Apply Bacillus Thuringinsis to leaves where worms are seen.
AphidFeed on the leaves and stems of many outdoor plants.Low to moderate numbers are not generally harmful. Heavy infestations can cause leaf curl, wilt or stunted plant growth.Ladybugs and lacewings.Pinch or prune off infested parts of the plant. Hose off plants with a strong stream of water to reduce pest numbers.
LeafhopperFeed by puncturing the undersides of leaves.Transmit a number of plant diseases that can cause leaf curl, low vigor and yellowing.Pirate bugs, ladybugs and lacewings.Ensure crop debris is cleared after harvest and remove weeds and grass from around susceptible areas. Floating row covers can help protect plants during critical stages.

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