Pests can be a major problem for gardeners and plant owners, causing damage to leaves, stems, and roots. Preventing pests from taking hold in the first place is much easier and less time-consuming than trying to get rid of them once they have taken hold. In this blog post, we'll take a look at the 5 most common pests you might find on your plants, how to spot the signs, how to prevent them, and how to treat them. We'll also provide some product recommendations from Amazon to help you keep your plants healthy and pest-free.

Aphids

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants, causing yellowing and stunted growth. They often form clusters on the undersides of leaves, and you may also see sticky honeydew secretions on the leaves or nearby surfaces.

Prevention

• Planting companion plants that are known to repel aphids, such as garlic, chives, and basil.
• Encouraging beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies to your garden, as they feed on aphids.
• Regularly washing your plants with water to remove any aphids or eggs.

Treatment

• A mixture of water and dish soap can be effective in removing aphids from your plants.
• Neem oil is a natural pesticide that can be used to treat aphids and other pests.
• Amazon recommends the Monterey LG6135 Garden Insect Spray, which is a broad-spectrum insecticide that can be used to control aphids, mites, and other pests.

Thrips

Thrips are tiny, slender insects that feed on the sap of plants, causing damage to leaves, flowers, and fruits. They leave behind silver or bronze streaks on the leaves and may cause the leaves to become distorted or curled.

Prevention

• Encouraging beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and minute pirate bugs, which feed on thrips.
• Keeping your garden clean and free of debris, which can provide hiding places for thrips.
• Avoiding overhead watering, which can spread thrips from plant to plant.

Treatment

• Neem oil is a natural pesticide that can be used to treat thrips and other pests.
• Amazon recommends the Bonide (BND857) Pyrethrin Garden Insect Spray, which is an organic insecticide that can be used to control thrips and other pests.

Spider Mites

Spider mites are tiny, spider-like pests that feed on the sap of plants, causing yellowing and stippling on the leaves. They spin webs on the undersides of leaves, and you may also see small, round holes in the leaves.

Prevention

• Regularly washing your plants with water to remove any spider mites or eggs.
• Encouraging beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and minute pirate bugs, which feed on spider mites.
• Keeping your garden free of dust, which can interfere with the ability of beneficial insects to find and feed on spider mites.

Treatment

• A mixture of water and dish soap can be effective in removing spider mites from your plants.
• Amazon recommends the Monterey LG6150 Miticide/Insecticide, which is a broad-spectrum insecticide that can be used to control spider mites and other pests.

Mealybugs

Mealybugs are small, cottony pests that feed on the sap of plants, causing yellowing, wilting, and stunned growth. They leave sticky residue on leaves and stems.

Prevention

• Keep plants healthy by providing proper light, temperature, and humidity levels
• Regular inspections of plants to identify and remove infested leaves or stems promptly
• Avoid over-fertilizing, as high levels of nitrogen can attract mealybugs to your plants

Treatment

• Use an insecticidal soap or neem oil, following the product label instructions
• Repeat treatment as needed, typically every 7-10 days until the infestation is under control
• Consider using an insect predator, such as ladybugs, to naturally control mealybugs.

Scale Insects

Scale insects are small, hard-shelled insects that feed on the sap of plants. They can cause yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth, as well as the formation of sticky, sooty mold on the leaves. You will also see small bumps or discolored patches on leaves, stems, and flowers, honeydew (sticky residue)on your plants.

Prevention

• Regular inspections of plants to identify and remove infested leaves or stems promptly
• Keep plants healthy by providing proper light, temperature, and humidity levels
• Avoid over-fertilizing, as high levels of nitrogen can attract scale insects to your plants

Treatment

• Use an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, following the product label instructions
• Repeat treatment as needed, typically every 7-10 days until the infestation is under control
• Consider using an insect predator, such as ladybugs or parasitic wasps, to naturally control scale insects.

It's important to remember that the best way to prevent pests is to keep your plants healthy and remove any infested leaves or stems promptly. Regularly inspecting your plants and using the appropriate treatment method will help ensure that your plants remain healthy and pest-free.