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.
Neem oil is a naturally occurring pesticide extracted from the seeds of the neem tree. Rich in beneficial properties, neem oil has been used for centuries to control pests and diseases in plants. In this article, we’ll delve deep into the benefits of neem oil, learn how to use it effectively, and explore its myriad …
Ladybugs and Asian Lady Beetles are insects that are often mistaken for each other due to their similar appearance. However, there are key differences between these bugs that are worth exploring. In this article, we will delve into the world of Ladybugs and Asian Lady Beetles, helping you to tell the difference between these two …
Fungus gnats and fruit flies are two of the most common, and annoying, insects found in homes. Both are in the insect order Diptera and adults are about ⅛ inch long. Even though they’re small, there are several physical characteristics you can use to identify them. They also cause different types of damage and tend …
Gnats Vs Fruit Flies (What’s the Difference?) – GIY Plants Read More »
There are more than 5,000 described species of ladybugs in the insect family Coccinellidae. New species are still being discovered, with a few being described for the first time as recently as 2020. The name ladybug is often misleading since these insects are beetles, in the order Coleoptera, not true bugs which are in the …
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 …
Cucumber Beetle (Striped and Spotted) – GIY Plants Read More »
Japanese beetles (Popillia japonica) are invasive insects in North America that were brought over from Asia in the early 1900s. Since then, they have spread to more than 30 states in the U.S. and into Canada. Adults can cause unsightly damage to many ornamental plants and their offspring are significant pests of turfgrass. Controlling Japanese …
Japanese Beetles (Popillia japonica) – GIY Plants Read More »
Aphids are tiny pests that can cause significant damage to both outdoor garden plants and indoor plants. Their ability to reproduce rapidly means an aphid infestation can get out of hand if not addressed promptly. Approximately 5,000 species of aphids are in the family Aphidoidea, all of which feed on plant sap. They tend to …
How to Get Rid of Aphids (Aphid Control Guide) – GIY Plants Read More »
The tomato hornworm (Manduca quinquemaculata) is a member of the Sphingidae (hawk moth) family. The formal common name is tomato hornworm, but it has been given all kinds of names on the internet including green tomato worm, tomato caterpillar, green caterpillar, and tomato worm moth. Even the adult form has a formal common name, the …
Tomato Hornworm (Manduca quinquemaculata) – GIY Plants Read More »
Thrips can cause a variety of plant damage and are easiest to get rid of using a combination of integrated pest management (IPM) techniques. There are more than 5000 known thrips species in the insect order Thysanoptera. Some species only feed on a few plants while others will feed on a wide variety. Adult thrips …
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 …
Mealybugs On Houseplants (Get Rid of & Prevent) – GIY Plants Read More »
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