Ever looked at your tomato plant and thought, “What’s been chewing on you?” You’re not alone. Garden pests are sneaky little creatures that can turn your thriving backyard into a bug buffet before you know it. But don’t worry; once you know what to look for and how to stop them, you’re one step closer to a healthier, happier garden. Whether you’re dealing with bugs that nibble leaves or critters that tunnel into stems, this guide will help you eliminate pests fast and keep your plants thriving.
Here’s a quick guide to some of the most common garden pests and how to show them the door.
1. Aphids
- What they look like: Tiny, soft bugs in green, black, yellow, or red that cluster under leaves and on stems.
- What they do: They suck sap from your plants, causing curled leaves, yellowing, and stunted growth. They also leave behind a sticky substance that can attract ants.
- How to get rid of them: Spray them off with water, use insecticidal soap, or introduce ladybugs to help eat them up.
2. Cutworms
- What they look like: Fat, curled-up caterpillars that hide in the soil during the day.
- What they do: These guys are known for snipping off seedlings right at the base — sometimes wiping out entire rows overnight.
- How to get rid of them: Try placing collars (like cardboard rings) around new plants. You can also sprinkle crushed eggshells or coffee grounds around the base.
3. Tomato Hornworms
- What they look like: Huge green caterpillars with white stripes and a horn on the tail. Hard to spot, but they’re there.
- What they do: They munch on tomato plants like it’s an all-you-can-eat buffet, leaving bare stems and giant leaf holes.
- How to get rid of them: Pick them off by hand. If you see white cocoons on their backs, leave them, those are parasitic wasps helping you out!
4. Slugs and Snails
- What they look like: Slimy, slow-moving pests that come out at night. Look for shiny trails in the morning.
- What they do: They chew big holes in leaves, especially on lettuce, strawberries, and hostas.
- How to get rid of them: Beer traps, copper tape, or handpicking at dawn works. Water in the morning to keep things dry overnight.
5. Cabbage Worms
- What they look like: Velvety green caterpillars, often accompanied by white butterflies with black spots.
- What they do: They chew through leaves on cabbage, broccoli, and kale, and sometimes sneak into the heads of your veggies.
- How to get rid of them: Use row covers early on, handpick what you see, and consider spraying Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) weekly.
6. Whiteflies
- What they look like: Tiny white flying bugs that live under leaves. Shake the plant and you’ll see a cloud of them lift off.
- What they do: They suck the juices out of your plants, causing yellowing and wilting.
- How to get rid of them: Use yellow sticky traps, neem oil, or invite beneficial bugs like lacewings and ladybugs to stick around.
7. Squash Vne Borers
- What they look like: You won’t often see the bug itself, but wilting vines and tiny holes at the plant’s base with sawdust-like stuff nearby are a big clue.
- What they do: The larvae burrow inside squash stems, cutting off water and nutrients.
- How to get rid of them: Wrap stems in foil to block entry, or inject Bt into stems early in the season. Prevention is key with this one.
8. Leafminers
- What they look like: Wiggly white trails inside your leaves, it looks like someone scribbled on them.
- What they do: These pests tunnel between leaf layers, which weakens plants and reduces their ability to photosynthesize.
- How to get rid of them: Snip off and toss affected leaves. Sticky traps can catch adults, but you’ll need patience to break the cycle.
9. Mealybugs
- What they look like: Cottony white clumps near stems and leaf joints.
- What they do: They suck sap, causing leaves to yellow and curl. Heavy infestations can even kill plants.
- How to get rid of them: Dab them with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol, or spray with insecticidal soap. Multiple treatments may be needed.
10. Japanese Beetles
- What they look like: Shiny green-and-copper beetles about the size of a dime.
- What they do: They skeletonize leaves by eating the tissue between the veins and often travel in groups.
- How to get rid of them: Handpick in the early morning when they’re sluggish, and consider milky spore for long-term grub control in your soil.
Keep Your Garden in the Clear
Pest problems happen, it’s just part of gardening. But knowing how to spot the signs early and use the right tools (from handpicking to helpful insects to safe sprays) makes all the difference. Regularly checking your plants, watering smartly, and clearing out debris can go a long way in keeping your garden happy.
No matter what’s creeping or crawling around your plants, remember: a little action now can save your garden later. Happy growing!