Pests feeding on perennials can be quite a challenge for gardeners. But, thankfully, there are many ways to combat these three common garden pests: Japanese beetles, aphids, and earwigs.Â
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JAPANESE BEETLES
How do you keep Japanese beetles under control? They can be quite destructive in certain stages of their lives. The grub larvae feed on the roots of turf lawns and the adult Japanese beetle turns perennial foliage and flowers into lace, as they chew voraciously from June to August. Here are a few tips that will help control them in the garden:
1. Remove by hand
The quickest and most environmentally friendly method is to remove the beetles by hand and knock them into a bucket of soapy water to drown them. An empty soda can is an effective container for the water as the beetles will have trouble escaping.
2. Neem oil
Spray Neem oil on plants, especially before the beetles reach their adult stage and deter and prevent them from laying eggs. Neem oil can be effective for several days, but repeated applications may be needed. Caution: Neem oil can be toxic to fish and bees, so apply it early in the morning to minimize harm to beneficial insects.
3. Beneficial nematodes
These microscopic worms can be purchased and applied to the soil to target beetle larvae or grubs. Apply nematodes in the fall or spring. Tip: Nematodes need to be reapplied annually as they don’t build up in the soil.
4. Companion planting
Place plants like catnip, chives, garlic, and certain types of marigolds near your susceptible plants.
5. Inspect your plantsÂ
Look over your plants regularly for signs of beetle activity in order to catch infestations early. By combining these strategies, you can effectively manage Japanese beetle populations and protect your outdoor plants.Â
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APHIDS
To control aphids on outdoor plants, start by physically removing them with a strong stream of water from a garden hose. For more persistent infestations, consider using insecticidal soap, neem oil, or other organic sprays. For best results, follow the label instructions carefully. For natural pest control, plant nectar-rich flowers to encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to drop by. These insects will prey on the aphids.Â
1. Organic spraysÂ
Choose from organic sprays such as insecticidal soaps, Neem oil, soapy water, or homemade organic sprays created from garlic, onion, or chili peppers.Â
2. Encourage beneficial insects
Plant nectar- and pollen-rich flowers such as: marigolds, sweet alyssum, yarrow, cosmos, sunflowers, and fragrant herbs like dill, fennel, cilantro, & parsley to attract beneficial insects.
3. Companion planting
Incorporate plants that aphids don’t like such as marigolds, chives, and garlic. These plants can help by repelling aphids with their scent when planted near targeted plants.
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4. Preventing aphids
Avoid over-fertilizing because aphids are attracted to plants with high levels of nitrogen.
• Keep perennial plants healthy because they are more resistant to aphids. Notice if plants have signs of infestation and begin to use pest controls earlier, rather than later.Â
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5. Chemical control
After failing with organic methods, insecticides like Malthion or Pyrethrins might be an option. However, always carefully follow the directions on the label.Â
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EARWIGS
When trying to control the earwig population, begin with these three items: Reduction of hiding places, trap use, and usage of natural or chemical controls.Â
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1. Eliminate hiding places
• Clean up leaf litter, dead plants, and other garden debris to eliminate hiding spots. Earwigs like damp, sheltered areas created by dead leaves, plants, and other garden debris.
• Replace organic mulch with stone gravel. It’s less attractive to earwigs because it reduces moisture, ensures proper drainage, and will avoid the effects of overwatering. Earwigs thrive in damp conditions.Â
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2. Trapping earwigs
• Newspaper traps: Roll up damp newspaper or cardboard and place it near plants. Earwigs will hide in these traps during the day. Collect and dispose of the traps in the morning.
• Soy sauce traps
Bury small containers filled with a mixture of soy sauce and oil. The earwigs will be attracted to the soy sauce and drown in the oil.
• Other traps
Bamboo tubes or garden hoses can also serve as a trap. Check them daily and dispose of the trapped earwigs.
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3. Natural and chemical controls
•Diatomaceous earth (DE): Sprinkle DE around plants and in areas where earwigs gather. DE is a natural substance that dehydrates earwigs.
•Insecticidal soap: If you spray a diluted form of insecticidal soap on earwigs, it will kill them on contact. First, test soap on a small area of the plant to ensure it won’t cause damage.
• Rubbing alcohol: An equal part solution of rubbing alcohol and water can be sprayed on earwigs to kill them.
• Beneficial nematodes: These nematodes are microscopic organisms that will become parasites on the earwigs.
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4. Prevent future infestations
• Reduce light in areas near your garden since earwigs are attracted to lights.
• Encourage natural predators by attracting more birds, frogs, and other predators that feed on earwigs.
• Check your plants regularly because early detection is the best way to prevent earwig populations from getting out of control.
