Willy Green
April 24, 2023
Common Garden Pests To Look Out for This Spring
It’s a lovely spring day, and you stroll outside, gardening tools in hand, to tend to your plot. But when you approach your planting beds, you discover, to your horror, that your poor little leafy friends are riddled with holes, their stems discolored and disfigured. What monster could have done this to your plant babies?
Garden pests are a common problem for many gardeners, especially in the spring when the weather is warming up and everything is starting to grow. Insects and other pests are harbingers of bedlam, causing major damage to your plants and vegetables and possibly even destroying entire crops. So what are some of the most common garden pests to look out for in the spring?
The Voracious Aphid
The aphid is a tiny bug that loves to feast on the juicy sap of young leaves and stems. They come in a variety of colors, from green to brown to pink, and can multiply quickly, leading to stunted plant growth and distorted leaves.
The Sneaky Cutworm
Another common garden pest to look out for in the spring is the deceptively cute cutworm. The cutworm is a type of caterpillar that hides during the day and emerges at night to munch on young plants at the base. These critters can sever stems and kill entire seedlings overnight.
The Infamous Snail or Slug
These gastropods are known for leaving behind slimy trails as they crawl over plants and foliage, devouring everything in their path. They’re particularly fond of tender young shoots and can cause significant damage to your garden.
The Insidious Spider Mite
This tiny arachnid is almost invisible to the naked eye. It feeds on plant sap and can cause leaves to turn yellow and fall off, leaving your plants weakened and vulnerable.
The Persistent Japanese Beetle
The Japanese beetle is a metallic-green bug that loves to feast on roses, fruit trees, and other ornamental plants. They can strip entire branches of leaves and flowers, leaving your garden looking like a barren wasteland.
Not all bugs are bad. In fact, there are some insects that are highly beneficial for plants and trees. But for as many noble bugs as there are, there is an equal number of malicious ones that can wreak havoc on inhabitants of your garden. The key is to be vigilant and to act quickly if you spot any signs of infestation. There are many methods for controlling garden pests, including using natural predators, such as ladybugs and praying mantises, as well as using organic pesticides. While garden pests can be a real nuisance, with a little bit of knowledge and preparation, you can keep them under control and ensure a successful harvest. Thank you for reading Common Garden Pests To Look Out for This Spring. Here are some other articles you may enjoy reading.
