While there are many types of garden pests, insects are the most common by far. They can do an incredible amount of damage to vegetable and flower gardens. One small swarm of just about any type of insect can destroy an entire season's worth of work in very little time. To make matters worse, the same varieties of insects will return to the same area every year. This makes fighting them a frustrating, ongoing battle. The pests listed here are among the most common, and most harmful.
Japanese Beetle
Japanese beetles are perhaps the worst of all garden insect pests. While most bugs feed on just one specific type of plant, there are over 300 plants that these beetles feed on. Buds, flowers and leaves are all eaten by these shiny brown insects. They show up in clusters, and are particularly fond of roses. Japanese beetles are easy to catch, since they are very slow moving and sluggish. The traps that are commercially available tend to attract more beetles and are not that effective. Hand picking is the best way to control them, and they can be brushed into soapy water and disposed of. Insecticides should only be used for severe infestations.
Aphids
These tiny pear shaped bugs can be hard to spot. There are a variety of aphid colors, including green, red and yellow. Like the Japanese beetle, they feed on a variety of plants, sucking the juice out of them and causing them to wither and curl up. Aphids like to eat leaves from the underside, so sprays should be applied from underneath the affected plant. Again, a mixture of dish soap and water should be all that is needed. Once the aphids are washed off of the plant, it is difficult for them to get back onto it. Affected parts of a plant can also be trimmed off and disposed of. Horticultural oils also work well in controlling aphids.
Earwigs
Earwigs are a fearsome looking bug, mostly due to their pincers and antennae. They are usually over a half inch in length, and shiny brown in color. Earwigs are known to do damage to field crops in particular, but will invade flower gardens to feast on sunflowers, hollyhocks and butterfly bushes. They will reside and multiply in any damp, dark area of the garden. In addition, earwigs will invade the home, preferring kitchen and bathroom areas. To eliminate them, insecticides are often necessary. The granule or dust types work best. They should be wet slightly when applied, to soak into the ground and kill the eggs. For those who do not wish to use chemicals, boric acid can be effective. It creates a barrier that earwigs will not cross.
Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny little pests that can wreak havoc on flowers, especially roses. They can destroy a plant very rapidly. These little white spiders hate moisture, so it can be helpful to keep the garden area as wet as possible. Frequent misting or spraying with cold water will deter them from setting up permanent residency. If something stronger is needed, a mixture of water and rubbing alcohol is usually pretty effective. Since alcohol evaporates, it does not do harm to plants. Whatever method is used, it is important to spray the underside of all parts of the affected plant, as that is where spider mites do their damage.
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