Common Pests in Midwest Gardens and How to Manage Them
Gardening in the Midwest is a rewarding endeavor, but it comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to dealing with pests. From the persistent Japanese beetles to the sneaky aphids, our gardens face a variety of threats. Here at Farrill's Sunrise Nursery in Hudson, WI, we believe in equipping our community with the knowledge to keep their gardens healthy and thriving. Let's take a look at some of the most common pests in the Midwest and how to manage them.
Japanese Beetles
Japanese beetles are notorious for their voracious appetite and can quickly decimate plants. They are easily recognizable by their metallic green bodies and copper-colored wings.
Management Tips:
Handpicking: In the early morning, when beetles are sluggish, handpick them off plants and drop them into a bucket of soapy water.
Neem Oil: Apply neem oil to affected plants. It disrupts the beetles' feeding and reproductive cycle.
Milky Spore: This natural bacteria specifically targets Japanese beetle larvae, reducing their population over time.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that cluster on new growth and underside of leaves, sucking out plant sap and excreting honeydew, which can lead to sooty mold.
Management Tips:
Water Spray: A strong spray of water can dislodge aphids from plants.
Ladybugs: Introduce ladybugs into your garden. They are natural predators of aphids.
Insecticidal Soap: Use insecticidal soap to treat infested plants. It’s effective and less harmful to beneficial insects.
Tomato Hornworms
These large green caterpillars can strip tomato plants of their foliage and even chew through stems.
Management Tips:
Handpicking: Remove hornworms by hand and dispose of them.
Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis): This natural bacteria is effective against caterpillars and can be sprayed on plants.
Parasitic Wasps: Encourage or introduce parasitic wasps, which lay eggs on hornworms, ultimately killing them.
Squash Bugs
Squash bugs are shield-shaped insects that feed on squash, pumpkins, and other cucurbits, causing wilting and browning of leaves.
Management Tips:
Trap Crops: Plant trap crops like blue hubbard squash to lure squash bugs away from main crops.
Neem Oil: Neem oil can be effective against young nymphs.
Diatomaceous Earth: Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around plants to deter and kill squash bugs.
Slugs and Snails
Slugs and snails can be a major problem, especially in damp, shady areas of the garden. They leave behind slimy trails and can eat large holes in leaves.
Management Tips:
Beer Traps: Bury shallow containers filled with beer to attract and drown slugs.
Copper Tape: Place copper tape around garden beds; slugs avoid crossing copper due to a reaction with their slime.
Handpicking: Collect slugs and snails by hand in the evening or early morning.
Cabbage Loopers
Cabbage loopers are green caterpillars that chew large holes in the leaves of cabbage, broccoli, and other cruciferous vegetables.
Management Tips:
Floating Row Covers: Use floating row covers to prevent moths from laying eggs on plants.
Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis): Apply Bt to affected plants.
Handpicking: Regularly inspect plants and remove any caterpillars by hand.
Dealing with garden pests? We've got you covered! At Farrill's Sunrise Nursery, we offer a full range of insect killers to protect your plants. From Japanese Beetle Killer and Neem Oil to Copper Soap, we have everything you need to keep your garden thriving. Visit us today in Hudson, WI, and let our experts help you find the perfect solution for your pest problems.
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