There’s nothing more annoying than having to see unknown lingering pests and rodents destroy your plants in your garden. Anyone that grows plants should know a thing or two about plant-munching insects that take away the beauty and can cause a lot of damage to your own-grown plants.
It’s crucial for people planning to do a little landscaping for their homes to be aware of the possible destruction and danger a pest can do to their plants. It’s also significant for them to know how to control them in more ways than one. Measures should be in check to maintain the aesthetic of your garden. Here are 5 of the many pests that shouldn’t remain in your garden.
Codling Moth
Codling Moth, also called Cydia pomonella, a caterpillar or worm usually found in apples. It is part of one of the most prominent families of moths. It originally came from Asia Minor and developed in North America for a couple of hundred years. It mainly thrives in places that have temperate climates.
The difference between these moths from other types of moths is from the copper-like tip on their wings. They are about 3.8 inches in length, and they are light greyish brown. These pests are more likely to be found enjoying apples and pears.
However, it’s also possible for them to be having a go at walnuts and quinces. Chemical solutions or organic sprays can be used to lower the chances of them latching on your plants. You can also make traps to catch the pupae.
Rabbits
Who would’ve thought that these long-eared adorable pets could be a potential threat to your landscape and fresh produce? Their species can be found in every region. Their fur can be grey and brown. Rabbits also have a short tail and large ears. They are famous for their cute tails that have a close resemblance to a cotton ball.
They can weigh about 2 to 4 lbs, 15 to 19 inch long, and can survive easily in harsh conditions. They like the early mornings and evenings. When the season of spring is nearing, they try to take shelter. Unlike other pests, they leave your plants with cleanly cut damage.
Their favorites vary from plants and flowers like peas, beans, lettuce, and more. To keep rabbits out of your garden, you can try planting onions which is the kind of stench they strongly loathe. You can also leave traces of sulfur or plain talcum powder around your plants to prevent them from munching around.
Aphids
About more than a couple of hundred million years ago, these pests developed. It was initially found in Canada. They can survive the cold weather. Thus humidity will get rid of them. Aphids come in multiple colors; brown, red, pink, green and yellow.
Their bodies are pear-like. They are diverse or polymorphic, they can either take form with wings or not. They are fond of sucking the sap of plants which leaves the leaflets yellow and can potentially wither. They like to feed on either plants or ornamentals.
And as they’re doing that, they release a substance called a honeydew which will cause of black fungus to appear on your plants. To control these pests, it is recommended to use mixtures that are of a fungicide, miticide and insecticide. A strong splash of water using your hose will help remove lingering aphids away from your greens.
Whitefly
Scientifically, they are also called Aleurodicus dispersus. They are natives in places like Central America and the region of the Carribean but have naturally developed in Southern Florida, West Indies and in the South and Central parts of America. During cold conditions, these pests don’t have a high tolerance and will eventually die.
In appearance, they are small and have wings. They are about 0.12 inches.They are usually found in houseplants and can wreak havoc on ornamental, vegetable plants and on warm-climate ones. Homemade insecticides can be used to dislodge these pests away from its host. A strong blast of water might even work in removing these pests.
Thrips
These pests are susceptible in tropical or hot regions and when it’s the colder seasons, they typically hibernate. They are considered to be one of the smallest classification of pests. Most of their species range from 0.06 to 0.12 inch long.
They are said to be hexagon-shaped, and white, brown or black in color. Thrips eat both plants and parts of it such as its fruit,pollen, twigs, leaves and more. It is good to moisten and plant gladiolus corms to repel thrips. It is also suggested to occasionally trim the weed and grass around the plant to prevent these pests from taking shelter.
Takeaway
It is not guaranteed that you can keep the pests away from your garden in an instant. However, there are a list of ways to cut down their population and even keep them away from your garden. To prevent your plants from being the prey for a number of pests, it is important as a gardener to recognize them and know how to control and repel them.