
If you want to deal with the pests that are taking over your garden, then there are a few things that you need to be mindful of. First of all, you need to understand what you are dealing with around your home. If you can do this, then you will then be able to make better decisions for the future and this can work in your favor.
Aphids
Aphids look like pear-shaped bugs, and they can either be winged or wingless. They can be found clustering on new plants, and they essentially soak up the sap. This causes a lot of distorted leaves. Sure, it can be daunting to see a lot of them clustered on your plant steps, but they do not usually do any damage. Unless they are affecting a huge crop, you usually don’t have to worry about them. If you want to deal with them then simply use a strong jet of water from your garden hose so you can knock them off. You can also take a cutting from the affected stem and then crush it.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are essentially the larval stage of a moth. They are tricky to deal with because sometimes they can turn into butterflies which are the pollinators of your garden. Worms and caterpillars feed on plants, consuming both the leaves and the stems. Unless your bugs are devastating the plants that they happen to be feeding on, they are very harmless. If you want to discourage them then pick them off by hand or get a floating row cover so you can safeguard your younger plants.
Flea Beetles
Flea beetles look like tiny black beetles, and you will see them hopping like a flea or a cricket when they are disturbed. A lot of them leave ragged holes in leaves, and they tend to appear in spring or summer. If you want to protect your plants, then ensure that you cover any seedlings. Older plants will grow rapidly in hot weather, and they can suffer from beetle feedings. Unless you have a very severe infestation, you will soon find that a lot of plants can survive damages such as this. If you are struggling, then it could be worth hiring a pest control service such as Patio Patrol.
Japanese Beetles
These beetles tend to be metallic green or blue. You will also see that they have copper wings. They are voracious eaters to say the least. They consume flowers and leaves, and they leave only the veins behind. Some of the most common targets tend to include hibiscus and roses. Hundreds of plants can be their food source though, and they tend to be a bit of an issue with lawns too. They weaken the grass roots, and this makes it very difficult to stay on top of them. Hiring a pest control service is usually the best way for you to make sure that you get the result you want out of your garden while stopping further damage, so be mindful of this if you can.