Gardens are the perfect place for small insect garden pests to thrive. Unfortunately, many of these tiny critters can cause significant damage to plants, fruits, and vegetables. In this article, we will explore 12 common garden pests, their identifying features, the damage they cause, and how to prevent and control them.
Table of Contents
Common small insect pests in the garden
Aphids
Identifying aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can be green, black, brown, or even pink in color. They are usually found in clusters on the undersides of leaves and on the stems of plants.
Damage caused
Aphids feed on plant sap, causing leaves to curl, yellow, and wilt. They also excrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which attracts ants and can lead to the growth of sooty mold.
Prevention and control
To control aphids, you can release beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, spray plants with water to dislodge them, or use insecticidal soap.
Fruit Flies
Identifying fruit flies
Fruit flies are small, yellow or brown insects with red eyes. They are attracted to ripe or rotting fruits and vegetables.
Damage caused
Fruit flies lay eggs on fruit surfaces, and their larvae feed on the fruit, causing it to rot and become inedible.
Prevention and control
To prevent fruit flies, remove overripe or damaged fruits, keep produce covered or refrigerated, and use fruit fly traps.
Fungus Gnats
Identifying fungus gnats
Fungus gnats are tiny, dark-colored flies that are attracted to moist, organic matter. They are often found in the soil of potted plants or in compost piles.
Damage caused
Fungus gnat larvae feed on plant roots and can stunt plant growth. Adult gnats can spread plant diseases.
Prevention and control
To control fungus gnats, let the soil dry out between waterings, use yellow sticky traps, or apply a biological control agent like Bacillus thuringiensis.
Leafhoppers
Identifying leafhoppers
Leafhoppers are small, wedge-shaped insects that can be green, brown, or yellow. They are fast-moving and can jump or fly.
Damage caused
Leafhoppers feed on plant sap, causing leaves to yellow, curl, and drop. They can also transmit plant diseases.
Prevention and control
To control leafhoppers, introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, use insecticidal soap, or cover plants with floating row covers.
Leafminers
Identifying leafminers
Leafminers are the larvae of various insects, including moths, flies, and beetles. They create winding, white trails as they feed on the tissue between the upper and lower surfaces of leaves.
Damage caused
Leafminers can cause significant damage to foliage, reducing the plant’s ability to photosynthesize and potentially stunting its growth.
Prevention and control
To control leafminers, remove affected leaves, release beneficial insects like parasitic wasps, or use a systemic insecticide.
Mealybugs
Identifying mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, oval insects covered in a white, powdery wax. They can be found on stems, leaves, and fruit.
Damage caused
Mealybugs feed on plant sap, causing leaves to yellow and drop. They also excrete honeydew, which can lead to the growth of sooty mold.
Prevention and control
To control mealybugs, release beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, use insecticidal soap, or dab individual bugs with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Pea Weevils
Identifying pea weevils
Pea weevils are small, brown beetles with a snout-like mouthpart. They are often found on pea and bean plants.
Damage caused
Adult pea weevils chew small holes in leaves, while their larvae feed on developing seeds inside pea pods, reducing yield and quality.
Prevention and control
To control pea weevils, rotate crops, remove plant debris, and use floating row covers. In severe cases, a targeted insecticide can be applied.
Pepper Maggots
Identifying pepper maggots
Pepper maggots are the larvae of a small, yellow fly. They are found inside pepper fruits, where they feed on the seeds and pulp.
Damage caused
Pepper maggots cause pepper fruits to become discolored, shriveled, and inedible.
Prevention and control
To control pepper maggots, remove and destroy infested fruits, use floating row covers, or apply a targeted insecticide.
Scale Insects
Identifying scale insects
Scale insects are small, immobile pests that often resemble small bumps or scales on plant stems, leaves, and fruit.
Damage caused
Scale insects feed on plant sap, causing leaves to yellow and drop. They also excrete honeydew, leading to the growth of sooty mold.
Prevention and control
To control scale insects, release beneficial insects like ladybugs and parasitic wasps, use horticultural oil, or scrape them off with a toothbrush or other soft tool.
Spider Mites
Identifying spider mites
Spider mites are tiny, eight-legged arachnids that can be red, green, or yellow. They are often found on the undersides of leaves, where they spin fine webs.
Damage caused
Spider mites feed on plant sap, causing leaves to become speckled, yellow, and eventually fall off. Severe infestations can kill plants.
Prevention and control
To control spider mites, release beneficial insects like predatory mites, use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, or spray plants with water to dislodge them.
Thrips
Identifying thrips
Thrips are tiny, slender insects that can be yellow, brown, or black. They are often found on flowers and leaves.
Damage caused
Thrips feed on plant sap, causing leaves to become distorted, discolored, and scarred. They can also transmit plant viruses.
Prevention and control
To control thrips, use yellow sticky traps, release beneficial insects like lacewings and predatory mites, or apply insecticidal soap.
Whiteflies
Identifying whiteflies
Whiteflies are tiny, white insects that resemble small moths. They are often found on the undersides of leaves.
Damage caused
Whiteflies feed on plant sap, causing leaves to yellow and drop. They also excrete honeydew, leading to the growth of sooty mold and attracting ants.
Prevention and control
To control whiteflies, use yellow sticky traps, release beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, or apply insecticidal soap.
FAQ
What bug looks like a tiny black dot?
It could be a black fungus gnat, a common household pest that resembles a small fruit fly and is often found near potted plants.
What do aphids look like?
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can range in color from green to brown or even pink. They have a distinctive pear-shaped body and can often be found in clusters on the leaves and stems of plants.
What gets rid of aphids?
Some effective ways to control aphids include using insecticidal soap, neem oil, or introducing natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings to the affected area.
How do you get rid of thrips?
To get rid of thrips, you can try using sticky traps, applying insecticidal soap or neem oil, or introducing natural predators like mites or lacewings to the affected area.
What mites look like black specks?
Black speck-like mites could be clover mites, which are harmless but can be a nuisance if they invade your home. They are small, reddish-brown or greenish-brown in color, and have a distinctive shape with long front legs.
What is a tiny black bug that looks like a speck of dirt?
It could be a book louse, a common household pest that resembles a tiny, wingless gray or black speck. They are harmless but can be a nuisance if they infest stored food products.
What bug looks like a black sesame seed?
If it is found on a pet, it could be a black tick. If it is found in the bed, it could be a bed bug. Both are blood-sucking pests that can be difficult to get rid of without professional help.
What does mold mites look like?
Mold mites are tiny, white or grayish-black in color, and have a fuzzy appearance due to their long hairs. They are often found in damp areas and feed on mold.
What do pepper mites look like?
Pepper mites, also known as spider mites, are tiny, red or brown in color, and have a distinctive shape with two red spots on either side of their body. They are common pests on pepper plants and can be controlled using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
What insect leaves tiny black droppings?
It could be a bed bug, a common household pest that feeds on human blood and leaves behind small black fecal spots on bedding or furniture. Other pests like cockroaches and fleas can also leave behind similar droppings.