Identifying Common Garden Pests: From Aphids to Weevils and How to Spot Them

Know Your Enemy

Plants face pests from microscopic leaf miners to rabbits. Early detection saves crops. Here are the usual suspects:

• Aphids: Sap-suckers, multiply fast, stunt growth.
• Slugs/Snails: Devour stems, leaves, seedlings—nightmare for fruit.
• Caterpillars: Leaf-eaters (future butterflies).
• Thrips (thunder flies): Tiny, cause silver-white mottling.
• Scale insects: Small, on foliage/stems.
• Weevils: White, fat larvae of black beetles. Eat roots—highly destructive.
• Lily beetles: Bright red, black heads.
• Red spider mites: Microscopic, underside of leaves → yellowing.
• Mammals: Rats, rabbits, moles.

Pesticides (chemical/organic) work. Beneficial insects help. Vigilance is your best tool.

For natural control methods, visit pests in the garden.