We have talked about the most common household pests and how can we prevent them from infesting or deter them from our homes. Next, we will focus on the most commonly found garden pests that you should fend against. Every garden needs to be safeguarded from unwanted guests. Here who they are and how to get rid of them.
Commonly used methods
The tried and tested method of using salt on slugs and snails is effective but can be notoriously messy. Plus, you might ruin the soil with salt
Alternative methods
Using bark mulch dries out slugs and snails helping to deter them from your plants. Beer is attracting them a lot, you can use that knowledge and place a snail trap filled with beer.
Typical method
Typically found in pots and plants in containers and can be dealt with using chemical pesticides.
Alternative methods
Encouraging natural predators such as birds, frogs and hedgehogs will minimise the risk of weevils, as well as regularly re-potting plants. Changing the soil on a regular basis is highly effective.
Common method
Can be dealt with using over the counter pesticides. However, this can cause damage to beneficial insects.
Alternative method
Simply picking the beetles off by hand is effective, although be careful as they can fly away!
Typical method
Many off the shelf pesticides can deal with these sap-sucking pests. The pest is quite common and there are lots of different products on the market.
Alternative methods
Again, encouraging natural enemies such as ladybirds, parasitic wasps and larvae is a great natural way of dealing with aphids. Wasps and larvae can lead to other complications, but ladybirds are highly effective.
Commonly used method
A very dangerous and formidable pest in the gardening world which can be avoided by heavy crop rotation.
Alternative method
Another safer and less time-consuming option is to use a horticultural fleece or insect-proof mesh. Covering your plants will limit access to them for many different pests.
Typical method
Like many garden pests, these can be dealt with using pesticides before they damage crops from binding leaves.
Alternative method
Many birds prey on insects such as caterpillars so creating a space where they can nest will help prevent infestation. Don't install too much bird feeders, you don't want to invite crows and pigeons. If you are reading this too late, you might want to check this article.
-PLoS.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
Typical method
Voles can be dealt with by using mice and rat traps in open spaces near food supplies. There are specific traps for voles available on the market, as well, which you can set right above the burrow of the vole. If you are, in fact, dealing with rats in the garden, you will find this article useful.
Alternative methods
Clearing lawns of areas where voles can find shelter. Piles of leaves, fallen branches, thick shrubs and others. Collecting the fallen fruit prevents voles from making their home in your garden because it limits the food supply. By collecting the fallen fruits you will also limit the chance of wasps build a nest nearby.
Keep your garden in neat conditions. Some of those pests could be a huge nuisance, especially if you rely on the crops from your garden. Don't hesitate to get in touch with a professional if there is even a sign, that things are getting out of control.