What’s Eating My Georgia Garden?

In Georgia, garden pests are quite common due to the state’s warm and humid weather. The climate provides an ideal environment for many insects and other critters. Here are some of the most common garden pests found in Georgia:

Aphids

• Small, soft-bodied insects that cluster on plant stems and leaves, sucking sap from plants. They can weaken plants, cause leaves to curl, and may spread diseases.

Japanese Beetles

• These shiny, metallic green beetles feed on a wide range of plants, eating leaves, flowers, and fruit. They skeletonize leaves, leaving just the veins.

Spider Mites

• Tiny, spider-like pests that feed on plant sap, particularly in hot, dry conditions. They can cause yellowing leaves and fine webbing on plants.

Stink Bugs

• These pests attack a variety of fruits and vegetables, sucking plant juices and leaving behind damaged, discolored fruit.

Cutworms

• Nocturnal caterpillars that chew through plant stems at the base, often killing seedlings overnight.

Whiteflies

• Small, white-winged insects that cluster on the undersides of leaves, sucking sap and causing leaves to yellow and wilt. They also excrete a sticky substance that can lead to mold.

Slugs and Snails

• Common in moist, shady areas, they feed on a variety of plants, leaving holes in leaves and flowers, and can be particularly damaging to tender young plants.

Fire Ants

• Common throughout the Southeast, fire ants can damage plants by tunneling around the roots, and they also protect harmful pests like aphids by driving away beneficial insects.

Leafhoppers

• Small, jumping insects that feed on plant sap and can transmit plant diseases, such as aster yellows and certain plant viruses.

Thrips

• Tiny insects that feed on flowers, fruits, and leaves, causing stippling, discoloration, and deformation of plant tissues. They can also spread plant viruses.

How do I get rid of unwanted pests?

Proper pest management is crucial in Georgia gardens, which can include a combination of natural predators, physical barriers, and organic or chemical insecticides depending on the severity of infestation.

Getting rid of pests in your Georgia garden requires a combination of prevention, control, and management techniques, tailored to the specific pests you’re dealing with. Here’s a step-by-step approach to help you manage garden pests effectively:

1. Identify the Pests

• • Accurately identifying pests is the first step. Different pests require different approaches. For example, Japanese beetles may require traps, while aphids respond to insecticidal soap.

2. Promote Healthy Plants

• • Healthy plants are more resilient to pests and diseases. Make sure your plants are getting the proper nutrition, water, and sunlight to grow strong.
  • Regularly prune dead or diseased plant material to promote air circulation and reduce hiding places for pests.

3. Use Natural Predators

• • Encourage beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps. These insects feed on common pests like aphids, spider mites, and caterpillars.
  • Avoid broad-spectrum pesticides that kill beneficial insects.

4. Companion Planting

• • Some plants naturally repel pests. Consider planting marigolds, basil, or garlic alongside vulnerable crops to deter pests.
  • Trap crops such as nasturtiums can attract pests away from your main plants.

5. Organic Insecticides

• • Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. These products work by disrupting the pest’s life cycle and are safe for plants and beneficial insects when used properly.
  • Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is a natural bacterium that can target caterpillars like tomato hornworms or cabbage loopers without harming beneficial insects.

6. Handpicking and Traps

• • For pests like Japanese beetles or tomato hornworms, handpicking them off your plants can be effective if done regularly.
  • Use pheromone traps for pests like Japanese beetles or sticky traps for whiteflies and thrips.

7. Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

• • This is a fine powder made from fossilized algae. Sprinkling DE around your plants can help control soft-bodied insects like slugs, snails, and aphids by causing them to dehydrate.

8. Pest-Resistant Varieties

• • Some plants are bred to be more resistant to common pests. Consider planting pest-resistant varieties of crops such as tomatoes, squash, or beans, which are common targets in Georgia gardens.

9. Use Mulch Wisely

• • Mulch helps suppress weeds and retains soil moisture, but it can also hide pests like slugs and snails. Use mulch carefully and consider types like cedar or cypress that naturally repel some insects.

10. Watering Techniques

• • Water plants at the base to avoid creating a moist environment on leaves that encourages pests like spider mites and fungal infections.
  • Avoid overhead watering in the evening, as wet leaves overnight can invite pests and diseases.

11. Chemical Pesticides

• • If all other methods fail, consider using chemical pesticides, but make sure they are appropriate for the specific pest and won’t harm beneficial insects or the environment.
• Follow the instructions carefully to avoid harming your plants, other wildlife, or contaminating nearby water sources.

12. Regular Monitoring

• • Inspect your garden regularly for signs of pest damage. Catching infestations early allows you to address them before they become a bigger problem.

By combining these methods, you can effectively manage and reduce pest populations in your Georgia garden without harming the environment.

Simply Green Lawn Care Plus can help!

For the best solution to pest control, contact Simply Green Lawn Care Plus for a consultation. Simply Green experts teach homeowners all about proactive pest management and the environmental importance of organic and sustainable pest control. If chemical control is the best option, Simply Green’s got the program right for your lawn and garden.