Destructive Garden Insects You Should Not Welcome Into Your Garden

A lot of gardeners are recognizing the fact that not all insects and small animals should be shunned from their properties. Some can actually be beneficial because they help keep gardens lush and healthy while helping ward off pests.

There are, however, destructive garden insects which you should watch out for and keep out of your garden. Here, a Modesto pest control company lists which insects can cause the most damage to a garden, as well as control measures that you can enforce.

Aphids

These tiny creatures are spread throughout North America, favoring fruits, veggies, ornamental plants, flowers, and shade trees. They have a pear-shaped body, long antennae, and two tubes which project from their abdomens.

These pests damage plants by sucking the sap. They also excrete honeydew on leaves which facilitate the growth of mildew and help spread virus in the garden.

If you notice these insects in your garden, make sure that you wash your plants with water or use repellent sprays which contain garlic or hot pepper. If possible, cover your crops and other plants with a floating row cover. For severe infestations, you can use insecticidal soap, neem or horticultural oil. You can also entice natural aphid predators like lacewings, lady beetles and aphid midges.

Cabbage Maggots

Thinking of planting crops that belong to the cabbage family? You better watch out for cabbage maggots which kill plants by tunneling into the roots. These tunnels can kill the plants directly or leave these vulnerable to diseases. If you see these critters in your garden beds, use floating row covers.

Caterpillars

Caterpillars are the bane of countless plants, from ornamental plants to fruits and veggies. These creatures can eat plants and even chew their way into fruits. Contain these invaders by using floating row covers and encouraging their natural predators to come into your garden.

Cutworms

Cutworms often target flower seedlings and vegetables and are widely distributed in the continent. When your garden has been invaded by cutworms, you will notice damage to the stems from the ground level. Keep these insects at bay by using collars on your transplants. Also, if you see cutworms on the soil, hand-pick these and dispose of these accordingly.

Colorado Potato Beetles

These beetles, which are characterized by their yellow-orange color and black stripes, destroy crops like potatoes, eggplants and tomatoes. You can gain back control of your garden from these insects by using floating row covers, deep straw mulches, and neem oil. You may also want to attract the natural predators of these pests.

Mexican Brown Beetle

Mexican brown beetles are known for their yellow-brown color and black spots. These beetles target snap beans, lima beans, cowpeas and soybeans. These insects are widely distributed in the states near the Mississippi River, and some areas in Utah, Arizona, Nebraska, Texas and Colorado.

Keep these bugs away by using floating covers, insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Flea Beetles

Another critter among common garden insects is the flea beetles. These beetles got their name for their habit of jumping like fleas. These insects are widely distributed throughout the continent and damage leaves of vegetables by leaving holes. You can use kaolin clay or garlic spray to eliminate these bugs.

If you are looking for a great pest control company in Stockton, contact the friendly professionals at AAI Pest Control today!