PestBear’s Blog
Due to Florida’s tropical climate, gardening can be possible all throughout the year. However, that also means pests can wreak havoc on your garden. Each insect has a unique way of destroying leaves, stems, and other plant parts. Most pests do their dirty work unseen, but the damage remains quite visible. Down below are the most common pests that are found in gardens.
Aphids
These pear-shaped insects use their mouths to pierce through plants and suck out their sap. Aphids attack almost every species of plants, making them every gardener’s worst nightmare. Plants affected by aphids tend to have brown, curled leaves. As aphids feed on plants, they can transmit viruses. Aphids secrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which promotes the growth of sooty mold. It doesn’t take long for an aphid infestation to occur, so taking immediate action is the best preventative measure.
Cutworms
Cutworms are moth larvae that spend the day beneath the soil and feed at night. As the name implies, cutworms cut through the base of plants by chewing on them. They feed on young plants by curling their bodies forming a C shape. Cutworms range in color from green to black and gray. The most common cutworm is the black cutworm, which poses a serious threat to vegetable gardens. These insects do the most damage in the early season when plants are tender. You can identify cutworm damage, by checking for wilted plants at the top.
Whiteflies
Like aphids, whiteflies secrete honeydew and feed on the sap of plants. Their name derives from the white waxy film covering their bodies. Due to their bright color, you can easily spot whiteflies. You can see these insects by looking under leaves or near the top of plants. What makes whiteflies so dangerous is their ability to attack a wide variety of plants. Tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplants are just a few examples of what the whitefly eats. If left untreated, whiteflies can result in stunted plant growth and decay.
Caterpillars
The purpose of a caterpillar is to eat… and boy, do they eat a lot. The reason for their large appetite is to have enough energy to transition in their next stage of metamorphosis. Young caterpillars can be hard to see because they blend in well with their surroundings. However, you can look for large holes in leaves or fruits to witness the damages.
Pest Control
Gardeners can face the constant battle of keeping pests away from their garden. Pests can do some serious and even irreversible damage to plants. The good news is that early detection is the best prevention. PestBear Termite & Pest Protection is here to help. Our team of experts provides the necessary pest control service to meet and exceed your expectations. To schedule an appointment, contact PestBear Termite & Pest Protection today!