Common Garden Bugs & Protecting Your Plants

If you’re like many Arizona homeowners, you work hard to keep your garden looking its best. However, common garden bugs can quickly make a mess of all that hard work, causing damage to your plants and even posing a health risk to you and your loved ones. There are many garden bugs that call Arizona home. Here’s a look at some of the most common and what you can do about them.

Crickets

At first glance, crickets may not seem like they pose much of a problem. You’re more likely to find their constant chirping to be a bit of an annoyance. However, these little critters can actually wreak havoc on your plants, particularly seedlings. As they eat the young shoots, they make it much more difficult for the plants to establish themselves, which can cause them to die off before they can fully take root. Treating your yard regularly for pests can help keep them at bay. It is also a good idea to keep your yard free of dead plant debris as much as possible.

Millipedes

These many-legged bugs typically feed on decaying leaves and other plant debris, and keeping your yard neat and tidy can help to eliminate possible nesting grounds for them. They won’t turn down fresh plant material either, so be on the lookout for stripping of the outer leaves of plants, especially on younger plants. While these common garden bugs are not generally harmful to humans, as they don’t bite, they can secrete an acidic substance when they feel threatened. This can lead to skin irritation, so it is best not to touch them if you can avoid it.

Earwigs

These common garden bugs, easily recognizable by the pincers at the back of their bodies, eat live and dead plant material. They are especially drawn to fruits, so keep an eye out for them if you have any fruit trees on your Phoenix property. Although there is a common urban legend about earwigs burrowing into your brain, this is actually a myth. Earwigs are not harmful to people, but that doesn’t mean you want them around your home. Spray your yard regularly for common garden bugs, and do your best to minimize any standing water, since moisture attacks these bugs.

Aphids

Aphids are common garden bugs that are typically not harmful to your yard as long as their population remains small. However, when the population reaches a large size, you are likely to begin to notice yellowing of the leaves of your plants. High aphid activity can also stunt plant growth. Because they are so tiny, aphids can be tricky to spot in your yard, so watch out for increased ladybug activity. Ladybugs prey on aphids and other small insects, so an increase in their population could indicate heavy aphid activity. Your pest control specialist can help you get them under control.

Leafminers

These little critters love citrus trees, so beware if you have lemon, lime, or grapefruit trees on your property. They’ll leave swirling paths along the leaves of your tree. While the tree will still be able to get the nutrients it needs despite the damage, its growth can be stunted over time. Leafminers are most attracted to fresh growth, so avoid pruning and fertilizing your trees during times of high activity, typically during the summer and fall.

Call in the Experts

If you are experiencing difficulty with these or any other common garden bugs, reach out to Budget Brothers Termite & Pest Elimination right away. We’ll conduct a thorough inspection of your home and yard to identify any pests that have taken up residence on your property. Then, we will develop a treatment plan to keep your yard as safe as possible. Call now to get started.