Pests that Wreak Havoc on your Garden
Even the most organic gardener does not like insects that destroy those beautiful fruits and vegetables. The good thing is, you can keep away these pesky pests with simple, nontoxic methods. Here are some pests and control methods that can help provide you with a good starting point.
- Aphids
Tiny, pear-shaped critters. They have very long antennae with two tubes that project rearward from the abdomen. They love fruits, vegetables, flowers, ornamentals, and shade trees. You can find them all throughout North America. They suck the plant sap, which causes foliage to distort, and the leaves will drop. When the honeydew is excreted on the leaves, it supports the growth of mold….then when feeding on it, viral disease are spread. To control these pests, wash the plants with a strong spray of water, keep native predators close, and if you can, cover plants with a floating row cover. Applying hot-pepper or garlic repellent sprays are effective. If the problem is severe, try applying horticultural oil, insecticidal soap, or neem.
- Cabbage Maggott Environment Friendly Pest Control Carefree AZ
These guys love to stick to the cabbage-family crop, especially Chinese cabbage. They are found all throughout North America. These maggots tunnel in the roots……they kill the plant directly because they create an entry way for disease. To control them, apply floating row covers, set out transplants, burn roots from harvested plants, mound wood ashes or red pepper dust around the stems.
- Caterpillars
Caterpillars are soft, segmented larvae. They have a harder head capsule, and six legs in the front and then fleshly false legs on the rear segments. They love fruits, vegetables, ornamentals, and shade trees. They chew on the leaves or along the margins, and some will tunnel into fruits. Keep native predators and parasites close by, hand-pick the harvest, and apply floating raw covers. Environment Friendly Pest Control Carefree AZ
Contact Lady Bug Pest Control Specialists. We offer Free Home Inspection for Termites, Eco-Friendly Pest Control, Home Seal Service, Bed Bug Eco-Heat, and Rodent Control. We perform Complete Home Inspections. Lady Bug also will do a free termite inspection if you already are under contract with another company and take over your existing termite warranty policy. Please feel free to contact Lady Bug Pest Control Specialists to answer any of your pest control questions or for a FREE Inspection. 480-833-1111.
