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Plant Pests

A plant pest is any animal, pathogen, or environmental factor that negatively affects the health or growth of a plant. Plant pests can be classified into several categories, including insects, mites, nematodes, fungi, bacteria, viruses, and abiotic factors such as drought or excess heat. Some common examples of plant pests include aphids, caterpillars, mealybugs, fungus gnats, and various types of fungus.

They can cause a wide range of problems, including damage to leaves, stems, and roots. As well as stunted growth and reduced crop yields. In some cases, pests can even kill plants. To control them, gardeners often use a combination of physical, chemical, and biological methods. Such as handpicking, pesticides, and releasing predatory insects like Ladybugs.

It is important to use these methods carefully, as overuse of pesticides can lead to environmental problems and the development of pesticide resistance in pest populations.

Here you will find information on all types of plant pests for indoor and outdoor plants. How to identify, how to get rid of plant pests and prevent future infestations.

Cucumber Beetle (Striped and Spotted) – GIY Plants

Close up of a spotted cucumber beetle on a plant

Cucumber beetle is the common name given to members of the genus Acalymma and Diabrotica. The most common cucumber beetles are the striped cucumber beetle (Acalymma vittatum). And the spotted cucumber beetle (Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi). These beetles can be serious pests on cucurbit plants in your garden. In this article, we will cover everything you …

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Mealybugs On Houseplants (Get Rid of & Prevent) – GIY Plants

Close up of a Mealybugs on Houseplant leaves

There are more than 2,000 species of mealybugs in the family Pseudococcidae. Thankfully, you’ll likely only find two species of mealybugs on houseplants! Their name refers to the white secretions covering their bodies. That look like finely ground meal[5]. They feed on a wide variety of ornamental plants indoors and outdoors. While mealybugs are not …

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Scale Insects on Houseplants – GIY Plants

Close up of scale insects on a plant leaf

Scale insects on houseplants can be a major headache. There are more than 8,000 different species, all within the superfamily Coccoidea[1]. Around 1,000 scale species can be found feeding on plants in North America. They are extremely diverse in appearance, behavior, lifecycle, and reproductive strategies. Scale bugs are difficult to control due to the protective …

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