It’s becoming increasingly common for people to start caring more about their gardens. Maybe you’ve started to grow your own food in a bid to become more self-sustaining, or perhaps you’re interested in starting up a wildlife garden and providing shelter for local species. Whatever your wishes are, it’s important to understand that the more inviting your garden is, the more likely you’ll face common garden pests.
Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to deal with garden pests. Knowing is half the battle, so we’re going to list a couple of the most common pests and show you how to deal with them effectively. This won’t be a comprehensive list of every garden pest, but it should give you a good idea of how to deal with the most common ones. We highly recommend that you speak to a local expert if you’re dealing with repeat invasions.
Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to deal with garden pests. Knowing is half the battle, so we’re going to list a couple of the most common pests and show you how to deal with them effectively. This won’t be a comprehensive list of every garden pest, but it should give you a good idea of how to deal with the most common ones. We highly recommend that you speak to a local expert if you’re dealing with repeat invasions.
Common Garden Pests and How to Deal With Them
Slugs And Snails
Slugs and snails are very common pests that can affect any garden. They can be many different colors and often leave a small trail of slime behind them as they creep onto your plants. The most vulnerable plants are small seedlings because they’re low to the ground, but slugs and snails are very capable of climbing up the sides of your plants if they’re sturdy enough. You’ll know if you have a slug and snails problem because your leaves will have random holes.
Slugs and snails are most active at night. They also love to feed on wet foliage. As such, make sure you only water your plants in the morning if possible. Natural predators such as birds and snakes will also take care of a slug or snail problem. You can also buy baits to help control their numbers.
Slugs and snails are most active at night. They also love to feed on wet foliage. As such, make sure you only water your plants in the morning if possible. Natural predators such as birds and snakes will also take care of a slug or snail problem. You can also buy baits to help control their numbers.
Moles
Moles typically feed on small things like grubs, insects and worms. However, they also dig around your lawn and cause havoc. Their digging can destroy the roots of your plants, and their exit holes could ruin flowerbeds. You’ll typically notice small mounds of soil around your garden if there are moles present.
There are several effective watts to deal with moles. You can purchase mole repellent packs that use sound signals or vibrations to scare them away. You could also create a natural barrier using plants such as marigolds and daffodils. An anti-mole net can also be installed in your lawn across bare soil to prevent them from digging up and onto your lawn.
There are several effective watts to deal with moles. You can purchase mole repellent packs that use sound signals or vibrations to scare them away. You could also create a natural barrier using plants such as marigolds and daffodils. An anti-mole net can also be installed in your lawn across bare soil to prevent them from digging up and onto your lawn.
Pigeons
Most people don’t think about pigeons being a pest, but a flock of hungry birds can quickly decimate your vegetable patch. From brussel sprouts to cabbage, pigeons will eat almost any kind of vegetable. However, they can be fairly difficult to control since they’re not grounded like other pests. You’ll definitely notice if your garden is under attack by pigeons since they’ll make a lot of noise and you’ll see your plants in tatters.
Pigeon issues are uncommon but there’s a simple solution; nets. Placing a net around your plants is the simplest solution unless you’re willing to build some kind of makeshift scarecrow.
Pigeon issues are uncommon but there’s a simple solution; nets. Placing a net around your plants is the simplest solution unless you’re willing to build some kind of makeshift scarecrow.
Aphids
There are many different species of aphid. These are tiny little insects that can be many different colors, and you might also see winged aphids that can fly from plant to plant. Aphids often feed on vegetable plants such as lettuce, kale and tomatoes. They’re also incredibly common across the world, so treatments are readily available for purchase.
Aphids can typically be removed naturally by just spraying them with water to get them off your plants. You can also use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to control heavy aphid infestations. Alternatively, squishing them with your hands can also do the trick if you’re a hands-on gardener.
Aphids can typically be removed naturally by just spraying them with water to get them off your plants. You can also use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to control heavy aphid infestations. Alternatively, squishing them with your hands can also do the trick if you’re a hands-on gardener.
Rabbits
Lastly, we can’t forget about rabbits. While it can sound cute and funny to have a group of rabbits invade your garden, they can do huge damage to your plants and crops. They’ll nibble away at everything, they’ll dig up holes and they can even gnaw at tree bark. Thankfully the solution is simple and humane; install a fence! In some cases, you may need to use an animal repellent spray to keep them at bay.
Your garden can be a beautiful sanctuary for local wildlife or a thriving farm that produces plenty of fresh vegetables, herbs and even fruits. However, defending your garden gets increasingly difficult as you make it more attractive for foragers and pests. Hopefully, this article has shown you a couple of ways to deal with the most common pests in order to safeguard your hard work and make your newfound hobby more enjoyable.
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