10 Common Pests Found in Your Garden

1. Scale insects

   These pests infect trees, ornamental plants, indoor plants and ferns. Their exterior is waxy, which could be black, brown or red in colour. Because they eat plant sap, it can prevent plant growth, create defoliation and can even kill a plant.

   Look for bumps on plants that look like shells. Fruits trees that are infested with scale insects will have distorted fruit or the twigs or branches are dying.

2. Snails and slugs

   Snails and slugs are bigger than most garden pests, so they are easy to spot. However, you still need to look carefully in order to not miss them. Snails are often found in the shade and moist environments. If the leaves have holes, shiny silver trails, snails are likely the culprit. If the infestation is extensive, the garden may be completed ruined.

3. Spider mites

   The most common type of spider mite is the red spider mite, or two-spotted spider mite. They multiply quickly in warm climate and can destroy a garden. Here are signs of spider mite infestation: yellow spots on top of leaves, stripping near the leaf veins and silken weaving. Defoliation is indicative of severe infestation.

   Mites multiply quickly in warm climate and can ruin your garden in a brief span of time.

4. Whiteflies

   These small, flying insects are under the same category as aphids and mealybugs. They are similar in appearance to small moths and usually take cover on the underside of leaves. There are two common whiteflies in Australia: silverleaf whitefly and the greenhouse whitefly.

   Whiteflies drink the juice of plants, causing the plants to become stunted and wilted.

5. African black beetle

   The African black beetle is an introduced species in Australia and are mostly common in Western Australia and the wetter coastal south-eastern regions up to South East Queensland.

   They can infect various plants, including ryegrass, maize, turf, grapevines, olives, ornamental plants and vegetable crops, especially potatoes. African black beetles attack the roots and the underground stems of young plants.

   Look for these signs of African black beetle infestation: vine foliage turning red or yellow; withered potato stems and damaged potato tubers; and dead patches on the lawn.

6. Australian plague locust

   Australian plague locusts attack crops and pastures throughout Australia. The adults are grey to brown, and sometimes green, in colour. They have black-tipped rear wings and red shanks on their hind legs.

   They occur from spring to autumn. Once they gain access to a home garden, their numbers can increase significantly because of the abundance of irrigated plants.

These garden pests are harmful. Luckily, they can easily be managed using simple, organic solutions. Early discovery is important and these entails looking after your garden properly. It’s also important to be proactive about pest control, especially to other common house pests that could damage your home. Professional pest control services can help you address any potential issues.