10 Most Common Garden Pests And How To Get Rid Of Them

A thriving garden is a rewarding sight for any gardener. However, gardens can also be a magnet for a variety of pests that can cause significant damage to plants and diminish the beauty and productivity of the green space.

It is essential for gardeners to be aware of the most common garden pests in their region to take appropriate preventive measures and ensure the health and growth of their plants.

Published: May 13, 2023.

List Of The 10 Most Common Garden Pests

Although there are numerous insects, animals, and birds that can be considered "pests," these 10 are very common, and there is no gardener who didn't have issues with them.

These 10 most common garden pests include:

Aphids

These tiny, soft-bodied insects are known to feed on plant sap, causing leaves to curl and stunt plant growth. They are commonly found in various colors, including green, yellow, black, and brown. Aphids also excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can promote the growth of sooty mold.

Here are some strategies to help you get rid of aphids and keep them out of your garden:

• Regular monitoring: Inspect your plants frequently, especially the undersides of leaves, for signs of aphids. Early detection is crucial for effective control and can prevent the infestation from spreading.
• Manual removal: If you spot a small number of aphids on your plants, you can simply remove them by hand or use a soft cloth to wipe them off. For larger infestations, you can spray plants with a strong stream of water to dislodge the aphids.
• Introduce beneficial insects: Ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps are natural predators of aphids. Introducing these beneficial insects to your garden can help control aphid populations. You can either purchase them or attract them by planting flowers such as dill, yarrow, and fennel.
• Use insecticidal soap: Insecticidal soaps are an effective, eco-friendly solution for controlling aphids. Mix a mild liquid soap with water and spray it directly onto the affected plants, ensuring that the solution reaches the undersides of leaves where aphids often hide. Repeat the application every few days until the infestation is under control.
• Neem oil: Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can help control aphids without harming beneficial insects. Mix neem oil with water according to the manufacturer's instructions and spray it onto the affected plants. Apply the solution every 7-10 days until the infestation is under control.
• Diatomaceous earth: Sprinkling food-grade diatomaceous earth around the base of affected plants can help deter aphids by damaging their soft exoskeletons.
• Maintain plant health: Healthy plants are more resistant to aphid infestations. Ensure your plants receive proper watering, fertilization, and pruning to promote their overall health and vigor.
• Companion planting: Some plants, such as garlic, onions, and chives, can repel aphids due to their strong scent. Plant these as companions to susceptible plants to help deter aphids.
• Remove infested plant material: Remove and dispose of heavily infested leaves and branches to prevent the spread of aphids to other plants in your garden.
• Row covers: For vegetable gardens, consider using floating row covers to protect plants from aphids. These lightweight, permeable fabrics can be draped over plants to prevent aphids from reaching them while still allowing sunlight, air, and water to pass through.

Japanese Beetles

These invasive pests are characterized by their metallic green and copper-colored wings. They feed on the leaves, flowers, and fruits of a wide range of plants, causing significant damage and defoliation.

Here are some strategies to help you get rid of Japanese beetles and keep them out of your garden:

• Regular monitoring: Inspect your plants frequently for signs of Japanese beetle activity, such as chewed leaves and metallic green beetles. Early detection allows for prompt control measures, preventing the spread of infestations.
• Hand-picking: For small infestations, remove Japanese beetles manually by hand or with a pair of tweezers. Drop the beetles into a bucket of soapy water to kill them. Hand-picking is most effective in the early morning when beetles are less active.
• Traps: Japanese beetle traps can help reduce the beetle population in your garden. However, they may also attract more beetles to the area, so place traps away from the plants you want to protect. Change the bait regularly and dispose of trapped beetles properly.
• Neem oil: Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can help control Japanese beetles without harming beneficial insects. Mix neem oil with water according to the manufacturer's instructions and spray it onto the affected plants. Apply the solution every 7-10 days until the infestation is under control.
• Beneficial insects: Certain insects, such as parasitic wasps and predatory ground beetles, can help control Japanese beetle populations. Attract these beneficial insects by planting flowers like dill, yarrow, and goldenrod.
• Milky spore: Milky spore is a natural bacterium that specifically targets Japanese beetle grubs, which are the larval stage of the beetle. Apply milky spore to your lawn and garden according to the manufacturer's instructions to help reduce the number of beetles that emerge the following year.
• Nematodes: Beneficial nematodes are microscopic worms that can help control Japanese beetle grubs in the soil. Apply nematodes to your lawn and garden according to the manufacturer's instructions to reduce the number of emerging beetles.
• Maintain lawn health: Japanese beetle grubs feed on grass roots, so maintaining a healthy lawn can help reduce their numbers. Water, fertilize, and aerate your lawn properly to promote strong root systems and discourage beetle larvae.
• Cultural control: Japanese beetles are attracted to overripe or damaged fruits. Regularly remove fallen and damaged fruits from your garden to help reduce the attraction for beetles.
• Plant selection: Some plants are more resistant to Japanese beetles than others. Choose plants that are less attractive to beetles, such as boxwood, dogwood, and red maple, or consider replacing highly susceptible plants with more resistant varieties.

Slugs and Snails

Both slugs and snails are mollusks that feed on the leaves, stems, and fruits of various plants. They leave behind a slimy trail as they move, which can also transmit disease and facilitate the spread of pathogens.

Here are some strategies to help you get rid of slugs and snails and keep them out of your garden:

• Regular monitoring: Inspect your garden frequently, especially during damp or humid weather, for signs of slug and snail activity. Early detection allows for prompt control measures, preventing the spread of infestations.
• Hand-picking: For small infestations, remove slugs and snails manually by hand or with a pair of tweezers. Dispose of them in a bucket of soapy water to kill them. Hand-picking is most effective in the early morning or evening when slugs and snails are most active.
• Barriers: Create physical barriers around your plants to deter slugs and snails. Copper tape, crushed eggshells, diatomaceous earth, and coarse sand can all create a rough surface that slugs and snails dislike crossing. Apply these materials around the base of plants or the perimeter of your garden beds.
• Traps: Create simple traps for slugs and snails by placing shallow dishes filled with beer or a yeast and water mixture at ground level in your garden. Slugs and snails are attracted to the scent and will crawl into the traps and drown. Empty and refresh the traps regularly.
• Nematodes: Beneficial nematodes are microscopic worms that can help control slugs in your garden. Apply nematodes to your garden according to the manufacturer's instructions to reduce slug populations.
• Remove hiding places: Slugs and snails seek shelter in damp, dark places during the day. Clear away debris, such as dead leaves, stones, and boards, to reduce hiding spots for these pests.
• Encourage natural predators: Birds, frogs, toads, and ground beetles are natural predators of slugs and snails. Attract these beneficial creatures to your garden by providing suitable habitats, such as birdhouses, shallow water sources, and native plants that provide cover and food.
• Maintain garden cleanliness: Regularly remove dead plant material and weeds from your garden, as they provide hiding places and breeding grounds for slugs and snails.
• Watering schedule: Slugs and snails are most active in damp conditions. Water your garden in the morning to allow the soil to dry out during the day, making it less hospitable for these pests.
• Companion planting: Some plants, such as wormwood, rue, and lavender, are known to deter slugs and snails. Plant these as companions to susceptible plants to help repel slugs and snails.

Spider Mites

These minuscule arachnids are difficult to see with the naked eye but can cause significant damage to plants by feeding on their sap. Infestations can result in yellowing leaves, reduced growth, and eventual plant death.

Here are some strategies to help you get rid of spider mites and keep them out of your garden:

Regular monitoring: Inspect your plants frequently for signs of spider mite activity, such as yellowing leaves, webbing, and tiny moving specks. Early detection allows for prompt control measures, preventing the spread of infestations.

Increase humidity: Spider mites thrive in hot, dry conditions. Increasing the humidity in your garden can help deter these pests. You can achieve this by misting your plants with water or placing trays of water near your plants to evaporate and raise humidity levels.

Release predatory mites: Predatory mites, such as Phytoseiulus persimilis and Neoseiulus californicus, feed on spider mites and can help control infestations. Release these beneficial mites in your garden according to the supplier's instructions to reduce spider mite populations.

Use insecticidal soap: Insecticidal soaps are an effective, eco-friendly solution for controlling spider mites. Mix a mild liquid soap with water and spray it directly onto the affected plants, ensuring that the solution reaches the undersides of leaves where spider mites often hide. Repeat the application every few days until the infestation is under control.

Neem oil: Neem oil is a natural insecticide and miticide that can help control spider mites without harming beneficial insects. Mix neem oil with water according to the manufacturer's instructions and spray it onto the affected plants. Apply the solution every 7-10 days until the infestation is under control.

Horticultural oil: Horticultural oils, such as dormant oil or summer oil, can help control spider mites by suffocating them. Mix the oil with water according to the manufacturer's instructions and spray it onto the affected plants, ensuring thorough coverage of leaves and stems. Follow the recommended application schedule to avoid plant damage.

Remove infested plant material: Remove and dispose of heavily infested leaves and branches to prevent the spread of spider mites to other plants in your garden.

Encourage natural predators: Ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory thrips are natural predators of spider mites. Attract these beneficial insects by planting flowers such as dill, yarrow, and fennel or by providing appropriate habitats in your garden.

Maintain plant health: Healthy plants are more resistant to spider mite infestations. Ensure your plants receive proper watering, fertilization, and pruning to promote their overall health and vigor.

Avoid over-fertilizing: Excessive nitrogen fertilization can encourage spider mite populations by promoting tender, succulent growth that is more attractive to these pests. Use slow-release fertilizers and follow the recommended application rates to avoid over-fertilizing.

Cutworms

These moth larvae feed on the stems and roots of young plants, often severing them at the soil line. Cutworms are nocturnal and can cause extensive damage to seedlings in a short amount of time.

Here are some strategies to help you get rid of cutworms and keep them out of your garden:

• Regular monitoring: Inspect your plants frequently, especially during the early growing season, for signs of cutworm activity, such as severed stems, chewed leaves, and curled-up caterpillars in the soil. Early detection allows for prompt control measures, preventing the spread of infestations.
• Hand-picking: For small infestations, remove cutworms manually by hand or with a pair of tweezers. Check the soil around the base of affected plants, as well as under rocks and debris. Dispose of them in a bucket of soapy water to kill them.
• Collars and barriers: Create physical barriers around your plants to deter cutworms. Use materials such as cardboard, plastic, or aluminum foil to make collars that encircle the base of each plant, extending 1-2 inches into the soil and 3-4 inches above the ground. This prevents cutworms from reaching the stems of your plants.
• Diatomaceous earth: Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around the base of affected plants. The abrasive particles in diatomaceous earth can damage the soft bodies of cutworms, deterring them from feeding on your plants.
• Biological control: Introduce beneficial organisms, such as parasitic wasps, predatory ground beetles, and birds, to control cutworm populations. Provide suitable habitats, such as birdhouses, shallow water sources, and native plants that offer cover and food, to attract these natural predators.
• Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt): Bt is a natural bacterium that is toxic to cutworms but harmless to other organisms. Apply Bt-based insecticides to your garden according to the manufacturer's instructions to target cutworm larvae.
• Tilling and cultivation: Tilling your garden in the fall can help expose overwintering cutworms to cold temperatures, natural predators, and the elements, reducing their numbers. Cultivating the soil around your plants in the spring can also help to disturb cutworm habitats.
• Remove plant debris: Clear away plant debris, such as dead leaves and stems, from your garden. This reduces hiding spots for cutworms and can help prevent infestations.
• Companion planting: Some plants, such as marigolds, thyme, and rosemary, may help repel cutworms due to their strong scent. Plant these as companions to susceptible plants to help deter cutworms.
• Crop rotation: Rotate your crops each year to help break the life cycle of cutworms and reduce their populations in your garden.

Whiteflies

These tiny, white-winged insects feed on the sap of plants, causing yellowing leaves and stunted growth. Like aphids, they excrete honeydew, which can lead to the growth of sooty mold.

Here are some strategies to help you get rid of whiteflies and keep them out of your garden:

• Regular monitoring: Inspect your plants frequently for signs of whitefly activity, such as yellowing leaves, sticky honeydew, sooty mold, and tiny white insects fluttering around the plants. Early detection allows for prompt control measures, preventing the spread of infestations.
• Yellow sticky traps: Place yellow sticky traps near affected plants to capture adult whiteflies. These traps are coated with a sticky substance that attracts and traps the insects. Replace the traps regularly to maintain their effectiveness.
• Insecticidal soap: Insecticidal soaps are an effective, eco-friendly solution for controlling whiteflies. Mix a mild liquid soap with water and spray it directly onto the affected plants, ensuring that the solution reaches the undersides of leaves where whiteflies often congregate. Repeat the application every few days until the infestation is under control.
• Neem oil: Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can help control whiteflies without harming beneficial insects. Mix neem oil with water according to the manufacturer's instructions and spray it onto the affected plants. Apply the solution every 7-10 days until the infestation is under control.
• Horticultural oil: Horticultural oils, such as dormant oil or summer oil, can help control whiteflies by suffocating them. Mix the oil with water according to the manufacturer's instructions and spray it onto the affected plants, ensuring thorough coverage of leaves and stems. Follow the recommended application schedule to avoid plant damage.
• Release beneficial insects: Predatory insects, such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps, feed on whiteflies and can help control infestations. Release these beneficial insects in your garden according to the supplier's instructions to reduce whitefly populations.
• Maintain plant health: Healthy plants are more resistant to whitefly infestations. Ensure your plants receive proper watering, fertilization, and pruning to promote their overall health and vigor.
• Encourage natural predators: Birds, lacewings, and ladybugs are natural predators of whiteflies. Attract these beneficial creatures to your garden by providing suitable habitats, such as birdhouses, shallow water sources, and native plants that provide cover and food.
• Remove infested plant material: Remove and dispose of heavily infested leaves and branches to prevent the spread of whiteflies to other plants in your garden.
• Companion planting: Some plants, such as marigolds, basil, and nasturtiums, are known to deter whiteflies. Plant these as companions to susceptible plants to help repel whiteflies.

Tomato Hornworms

These large, green caterpillars are known for their voracious appetite for tomato plants, as well as peppers, eggplants, and potatoes. They can quickly defoliate plants, causing significant damage.

Here are some strategies to help you get rid of tomato hornworms and keep them out of your garden:

• Regular monitoring: Inspect your plants frequently, especially during the growing season, for signs of tomato hornworm activity, such as defoliated leaves, chewed fruits, and large, green caterpillars. Early detection allows for prompt control measures, preventing the spread of infestations.
• Hand-picking: For small infestations, remove tomato hornworms manually by hand or with a pair of tweezers. Dispose of them in a bucket of soapy water to kill them. Hand-picking is most effective in the early morning or evening when the caterpillars are most active.
• Biological control: Introduce beneficial organisms, such as parasitic wasps and predatory insects like ladybugs and lacewings, to control tomato hornworm populations. Provide suitable habitats, such as native plants that offer cover and food, to attract these natural predators.
• Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt): Bt is a natural bacterium that is toxic to tomato hornworms but harmless to other organisms. Apply Bt-based insecticides to your garden according to the manufacturer's instructions to target tomato hornworm larvae.
• Insecticidal soap: Insecticidal soaps can be effective in controlling small tomato hornworm populations. Mix a mild liquid soap with water and spray it directly onto the affected plants, ensuring that the solution reaches the caterpillars. Repeat the application every few days until the infestation is under control.
• Neem oil: Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can help control tomato hornworms without harming beneficial insects. Mix neem oil with water according to the manufacturer's instructions and spray it onto the affected plants. Apply the solution every 7-10 days until the infestation is under control.
• Row covers: Install row covers over your plants during the early growing season to prevent adult moths from laying eggs on your plants. Be sure to remove the covers when the plants begin to flower to allow for pollination.
• Tilling and cultivation: Tilling your garden in the fall can help expose overwintering pupae to cold temperatures, natural predators, and the elements, reducing their numbers. Cultivating the soil around your plants in the spring can also help to disturb tomato hornworm habitats.
• Remove plant debris: Clear away plant debris, such as dead leaves and stems, from your garden. This reduces hiding spots for tomato hornworms and can help prevent infestations.
• Companion planting: Some plants, such as marigolds, basil, and borage, may help repel tomato hornworms due to their strong scent or other properties. Plant these as companions to susceptible plants to help deter tomato hornworms.

Cabbage Worms

These green caterpillars are the larvae of the cabbage white butterfly. They primarily feed on cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, kale, and broccoli, causing significant damage to leaves and heads.

Here are some strategies to help you get rid of cabbage worms and keep them out of your garden:

• Regular monitoring: Inspect your plants frequently, especially during the growing season, for signs of cabbage worm activity, such as chewed leaves, small green caterpillars, and white or yellow butterflies. Early detection allows for prompt control measures, preventing the spread of infestations.
• Hand-picking: For small infestations, remove cabbage worms manually by hand or with a pair of tweezers. Dispose of them in a bucket of soapy water to kill them. Hand-picking is most effective in the early morning or evening when the caterpillars are most active.
• Row covers: Install row covers over your plants during the early growing season to prevent adult butterflies from laying eggs on your plants. Be sure to remove the covers when the plants begin to flower to allow for pollination.
• Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt): Bt is a natural bacterium that is toxic to cabbage worms but harmless to other organisms. Apply Bt-based insecticides to your garden according to the manufacturer's instructions to target cabbage worm larvae.
• Insecticidal soap: Insecticidal soaps can be effective in controlling small cabbage worm populations. Mix a mild liquid soap with water and spray it directly onto the affected plants, ensuring that the solution reaches the caterpillars. Repeat the application every few days until the infestation is under control.
• Neem oil: Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can help control cabbage worms without harming beneficial insects. Mix neem oil with water according to the manufacturer's instructions and spray it onto the affected plants. Apply the solution every 7-10 days until the infestation is under control.
• Biological control: Introduce beneficial organisms, such as parasitic wasps, predatory insects like ladybugs and lacewings, and birds, to control cabbage worm populations. Provide suitable habitats, such as native plants that offer cover and food, to attract these natural predators.
• Remove plant debris: Clear away plant debris, such as dead leaves and stems, from your garden. This reduces hiding spots for cabbage worms and can help prevent infestations.
• Companion planting: Some plants, such as marigolds, thyme, and rosemary, may help repel cabbage worms due to their strong scent. Plant these as companions to susceptible plants to help deter cabbage worms.
• Crop rotation: Rotate your crops each year to help break the life cycle of cabbage worms and reduce their populations in your garden.

Leafminers

The larvae of various insects, leafminers, tunnel through the layers of leaves, leaving behind discolored, winding trails. While they rarely cause severe damage, they can diminish the aesthetic appeal of ornamental plants.

Here are some strategies to help you get rid of leafminers and keep them out of your garden:

• Regular monitoring: Inspect your plants frequently for signs of leafminer activity, such as winding trails, blotches, or bumps on the leaves. Early detection allows for prompt control measures, preventing the spread of infestations.
• Remove infested leaves: Prune and dispose of leaves showing leafminer damage to reduce the number of larvae and prevent them from maturing and laying eggs. Place infested leaves in a sealed bag before disposing of them to prevent the pests from spreading.
• Trap crops: Plant trap crops, such as lamb's quarters or columbine, near susceptible plants to attract leafminers. The pests will preferentially lay their eggs on the trap crop, sparing your primary plants from damage.
• Yellow sticky traps: Place yellow sticky traps near affected plants to capture adult leafminers. These traps are coated with a sticky substance that attracts and traps the insects. Replace the traps regularly to maintain their effectiveness.
• Biological control: Introduce beneficial insects, such as parasitic wasps and predatory mites, to your garden to help control leafminer populations. These natural predators feed on leafminer larvae and help keep their numbers in check.
• Neem oil: Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can help control leafminers without harming beneficial insects. Mix neem oil with water according to the manufacturer's instructions and spray it onto the affected plants. Apply the solution every 7-10 days until the infestation is under control.
• Insecticidal soap: Insecticidal soaps can be effective in controlling small leafminer populations. Mix a mild liquid soap with water and spray it directly onto the affected plants, ensuring that the solution reaches the insects. Repeat the application every few days until the infestation is under control.
• Horticultural oil: Horticultural oils, such as dormant oil or summer oil, can help control leafminers by suffocating them. Mix the oil with water according to the manufacturer's instructions and spray it onto the affected plants, ensuring thorough coverage of leaves and stems. Follow the recommended application schedule to avoid plant damage.
• Maintain plant health: Healthy plants are more resistant to leafminer infestations. Ensure your plants receive proper watering, fertilization, and pruning to promote their overall health and vigor.
• Companion planting: Some plants, such as garlic, chives, and onions, may help repel leafminers due to their strong scent. Plant these as companions to susceptible plants to help deter leafminers.

Squash Bugs

These brown or gray insects feed on the sap of squash, pumpkins, and other cucurbits, causing wilting and yellowing leaves. Squash bugs can transmit disease and lead to plant decline or death.

Here are some strategies to help you get rid of squash bugs and keep them out of your garden:

• Regular monitoring: Inspect your plants frequently for signs of squash bug activity, such as adult insects, clusters of copper-colored eggs on the undersides of leaves, or nymphs feeding on plants. Early detection allows for prompt control measures, preventing the spread of infestations.
• Hand-picking: For small infestations, remove squash bugs manually by hand or with a pair of tweezers. Dispose of them in a bucket of soapy water to kill them. Hand-picking is most effective in the early morning or evening when the insects are less active.
• Trap crops: Plant trap crops, such as Blue Hubbard squash or another susceptible variety, near your primary plants to attract squash bugs. The pests will preferentially lay their eggs and feed on the trap crop, sparing your primary plants from damage.
• Squash bug traps: Create simple traps by placing boards, shingles, or pieces of cardboard on the ground around your plants. Squash bugs will seek shelter under these materials at night. In the morning, lift the traps, collect the hiding insects, and dispose of them in soapy water.
• Neem oil: Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can help control squash bugs without harming beneficial insects. Mix neem oil with water according to the manufacturer's instructions and spray it onto the affected plants. Apply the solution every 7-10 days until the infestation is under control.
• Insecticidal soap: Insecticidal soaps can be effective in controlling small squash bug populations. Mix a mild liquid soap with water and spray it directly onto the affected plants, ensuring that the solution reaches the insects. Repeat the application every few days until the infestation is under control.
• Diatomaceous earth: Sprinkle food-grade diatomaceous earth around the base of your plants to create a barrier that can deter squash bugs. The abrasive particles damage the insects' exoskeletons, leading to dehydration and death. Reapply diatomaceous earth after rain or heavy watering.
• Maintain plant health: Healthy plants are more resistant to squash bug infestations. Ensure your plants receive proper watering, fertilization, and pruning to promote their overall health and vigor.
• Remove plant debris: Clear away plant debris, such as dead leaves and stems, from your garden. This reduces hiding spots for squash bugs and can help prevent infestations.
• Companion planting: Some plants, such as nasturtiums, marigolds, and tansy, may help repel squash bugs due to their strong scent or other properties. Plant these as companions to susceptible plants to help deter squash bugs.

Few Final Words

Garden pests are an unfortunate reality for any gardener, but understanding the most common pests in your region is the first step towards maintaining a healthy, thriving garden.

Early detection and intervention are crucial for ensuring the continued growth and success of your garden, so keep a watchful eye on your plants and take swift action if you notice any signs of infestation.

Most garden pests can be eliminated or even prevented using very similar methods. However, some of them require very specific methods in order to get rid of them and to keep them away from the garden.

Pesticides are a mighty tool in fighting pests, but pesticides don't know what insects are bad and which are good - so use them only if absolutely required and according to instructions.