It’s almost officially summer. June 21st is the summer solstice, and insects are setting their greedy eyes on your garden! Below is a list of some of the most common “bad guys” you should look for:
6 Common Vegetable Garden Pests to Keep a Lookout For
SQUASH BUGS
They are light to dark grey and look like stink bugs. Stink bugs prefer tomatoes, though, so if they are on your squash plants, they are more than likely squash bugs. The best thing you can do is keep your garden free of weeds and debris (which give them hiding places), and check the undersides of the leaves for small clusters of 10 or 15 reddish-brown eggs. To remove the clusters, the sticky side of duct tape works great or wipe off what you can and give the plant a spritz of Neem Oil (an effective and ORGANIC spray). Be sure to spray very early in the morning or just before dark as that’s when the bees aren’t usually out.
STINK BUGS
They look a bit like squash bugs but if they’re on something besides squash are more than likely stink bugs. They like tomatoes, peppers, peas, corn. eggplants, etc. You can take care of them like squash bugs.
SQUASH VINE BORER
These are larvae which bore into the stems of the plants. Spray stems with Neem Oil, insecticidal soap, or you can even wrap the stems with soft stretchy tape to prevent them getting to them. If you had a problem with them last year, plant your squash in a different spot this year as the nymphs over-winter in the soil.
TOMATO HORN WORMS
These are large (3 to 4″ long) green caterpillars that feed voraciously on tomatoes. The best method to take care of them is to put on gardening gloves (horn worms can sting) and pick them off. Do remember that horn worms hatch into something called a hawkmoth which IS A POLLINATOR! In my yard, I simply plant an extra couple of tomatoes and if a horn worm shows up, I just move them to “their” plants, since I can’t bring myself to kill a pollinator.
MEXICAN BEAN BEETLES
They resemble yellow/brown ladybugs and lay their yellow eggs in clusters of 20 to 30. You can either get rid of the clusters or eggs or give a spray with Neem Oil.
APHIDS
Small oval bugs in several colors (usually green or pale yellow) that congregate on new growth. They can transmit diseases and are extremely prolific. They ca be easily wash off with a hose or a spray of Neem Oil.
Additional Tips and Other Vegetable Garden Pests to Look Out For
If you had insects last year, it’s best to rotate your crops this year. Be sure to keep your gardens free of weeds and debris so there are NO hiding places for insects. I use hand-picking whenever possible but, if necessary, I will pull out a good organic spray like Neem Oil. Remember not to spray during the day when bees and butterflies are out. Spray just before dark you’ll not only allow the good guys to go home but get more of the bad buys aa that’s when some more come out to feed.
If you’re having a problem with four-legged pest like deer, plant herbs in and around your garden as deer don’t like the smell and since there are some insects that also don’t like the smell, it can help there too. If squirrels are after your green tomatoes they’re looking for the moisture content (that’s why you find the tomato on the ground with one bite taken out of it. Spray your tomatoes with a product called Hot Pepper Wax, then place an easily accessible water source 10 to 20 feet away—a bird bath, even a plastic saucer. You need to do both the Hot Pepper Wax and the water. If we’re in a dry spell and the squirrel needs water, he’ll tolerate the pepper anyway. I have best results when I do both.
If you have any additional questions, stop in to see us. We can help you with all of your vegetable garden pests!