Common Garden Pest


Common Garden Pests & How to Deal With Them

PestWhat They AttackSigns of DamageControl Methods
AphidsMost vegetables, flowers, herbsSticky residue (honeydew), curled/yellowing leavesSpray with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or blast with water; attract ladybugs
Cabbage Worms (imported cabbageworm, cabbage looper)Broccoli, cabbage, kale, Brussels sproutsHoles in leaves, green droppingsHandpick, use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), cover with row covers
CutwormsYoung seedlings (especially tomatoes, lettuce)Plants cut off at the soil lineUse collars around stems, keep garden clean of debris
Tomato HornwormsTomatoes, peppers, eggplantLarge bite marks, leaf stripping, green poopHandpick, use Bt or spinosad, attract parasitic wasps
Slugs & SnailsLettuce, spinach, strawberries, hostasRagged holes in leaves, slime trailsUse beer traps, copper tape, diatomaceous earth, or handpick at night
Squash BugsSquash, zucchini, pumpkinsWilting, yellow/brown patches, eggs on leaf undersidesRemove eggs, use neem oil or insecticidal soap, trap with boards
Spider MitesTomatoes, beans, cucumbersYellow speckling on leaves, webbingSpray with water, use insecticidal soap, encourage predatory mites
WhitefliesLeafy greens, cucurbits, tomatoesTiny white bugs, yellowing leaves, sticky residueYellow sticky traps, neem oil, insecticidal soap
Flea BeetlesRadishes, eggplant, tomatoes, leafy greensSmall holes (“shotgun” damage) in leavesUse floating row covers, diatomaceous earth, neem oil
Leaf MinersBeets, spinach, chardWinding, white tunnels inside leavesRemove affected leaves, use row covers, neem oil spray
Colorado Potato BeetlesPotatoes, eggplant, tomatoesDefoliation, orange/yellow beetles with stripesHandpick, use spinosad or neem oil, rotate crops
Japanese BeetlesBeans, roses, fruit treesSkeletonized leaves, shiny green beetlesHandpick, use traps far from garden, neem oil spray
ThripsOnions, garlic, flowers, tomatoesSilvery streaks on leaves, distorted growthInsecticidal soap, neem oil, blue sticky traps

Natural & Organic Pest Control Options

  • Neem oil – disrupts insect hormones; works on soft-bodied insects
  • Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) – natural bacteria for caterpillar pests
  • Insecticidal soap – suffocates pests like aphids and mites
  • Row covers – physical barrier to prevent pest access
  • Companion planting – basil repels thrips; marigolds deter nematodes
  • Encourage beneficial insects – ladybugs, lacewings, parasitic wasps

Types of Insecticides

There are several types of insecticides, each classified by their mode of action, source (chemical or natural), or target pests. Here’s a breakdown of the main types gardeners should know:


1. Chemical (Synthetic) Insecticides

These are lab-manufactured compounds designed to kill or repel insects quickly.

TypeExample IngredientsCommon UsesProsCons
PyrethroidsPermethrin, CypermethrinGeneral use on flowers, vegetablesFast-acting, broad-spectrumHarmful to bees & aquatic life; short residual
OrganophosphatesMalathion, DiazinonFruits, vegetables, ornamentalsEffective against a wide range of pestsToxic to humans/pets; banned/restricted in some areas
CarbamatesCarbaryl (Sevin)Vegetables, lawnsKills chewing and sucking insectsHarmful to beneficial insects; resistance possible
NeonicotinoidsImidacloprid, AcetamipridSoil/systemic use on ornamentalsLong-lasting, systemic protectionHarmful to bees; restricted in many regions

2. Organic/Natural Insecticides

Derived from natural sources (plants, bacteria, minerals). Generally safer for humans, pets, and beneficial insects if used properly.

TypeSourceEffective AgainstNotes
Neem OilNeem tree seedsAphids, whiteflies, spider mites, beetlesDisrupts insect hormones; also fungicidal
Insecticidal SoapFatty acids from plantsAphids, mites, thripsWorks by suffocating; must directly contact pest
Diatomaceous EarthFossilized algae (silica)Crawling insects (ants, beetles, slugs)Cuts exoskeletons; safe for pets when food-grade
PyrethrinChrysanthemum flowersBroad range (fast knockdown)Short-lived; degrade quickly in sunlight
Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis)Soil bacteriaCaterpillars, mosquito larvaeSelective; safe for beneficials & humans
SpinosadSoil bacterium (Saccharopolyspora)Thrips, leafminers, caterpillarsOrganic-approved; toxic to bees when wet
Horticultural OilsMineral or vegetable oilsScale, aphids, mitesSmothers pests; safe when used properly
Garlic or Pepper SpraysHomemade or commercialRepels soft-bodied insectsLess effective than others; short-lived

3. Systemic vs. Contact Insecticides

TypeHow It WorksExamples
ContactKills insects on direct contactInsecticidal soap, pyrethrin, neem oil
SystemicAbsorbed by the plant and ingested by feeding pestsImidacloprid, spinosad (partially systemic), neem oil (mildly systemic)

Pollinator-Safe Tips

  • Spray early morning or evening when bees aren’t active
  • Choose targeted, non-residual products (e.g., Bt, insecticidal soap)
  • Avoid blooming plants when applying any insecticide

Comparison of insecticide products


Insecticide Product Comparison Chart (Garden Use)

Product NameTypeActive IngredientEffective AgainstSafe for EdiblesBee SafeNotes
Neem Oil (e.g., Garden Safe Neem)Organic/NaturalAzadirachtin + oil extractAphids, mites, whiteflies, beetles✅ Yes⚠️ When dryFungicide too; avoid spraying during pollinator activity
Captain Jack’s Deadbug BrewOrganic/NaturalSpinosadCaterpillars, thrips, leafminers, fire ants✅ Yes⚠️ Toxic when wetOMRI-listed; great for organic vegetables
Safer Insecticidal SoapOrganic/NaturalPotassium salts of fatty acidsAphids, whiteflies, mites, mealybugs✅ Yes✅ YesContact only; spray directly on pests
Bonide Pyrethrin Garden Insect SprayOrganic/NaturalPyrethrinsMost soft-bodied insects✅ Yes⚠️ Toxic if bees are exposedQuick knockdown; short residual
Diatomaceous Earth (Food Grade)Organic/NaturalFossilized diatoms (silica)Slugs, beetles, ants, earwigs✅ Yes✅ YesApply dry; avoid breathing dust
Bt (e.g., Thuricide)Organic/NaturalBacillus thuringiensisCaterpillars (tomatoes, cabbage, etc.)✅ Yes✅ YesHarmless to humans, pets, bees; very specific
Sevin (Carbaryl)SyntheticCarbarylWide range (beetles, worms, aphids)⚠️ Check label❌ NoLong-lasting but kills beneficials; banned in some areas
Ortho Bug B GonSyntheticBifenthrin, zeta-cypermethrinMany pests (incl. ants, beetles, caterpillars)⚠️ Edibles version available❌ NoPowerful, broad-spectrum; not pollinator-safe
BioAdvanced Fruit & Vegetable Insect ControlSynthetic/SystemicImidaclopridSucking insects (aphids, whiteflies)✅ Yes (label use)❌ NoSystemic; avoid during bloom

Best Choices by Use Case

NeedRecommended Product(s)
Organic Garden All-PurposeNeem Oil, Captain Jack’s, Insecticidal Soap
Caterpillar ControlBt (Thuricide), Spinosad (Captain Jack’s)
Pollinator-Friendly GardenBt, Insecticidal Soap, Diatomaceous Earth (careful application)
Heavy Infestation (Non-organic OK)Ortho Bug B Gon, Sevin (limited, last resort)
Low Toxicity to Pets & PeopleNeem, Soap, Bt, Diatomaceous Earth

Important Notes:

  • Always read the label to confirm whether a product is safe for edible crops and how it affects beneficial insects.
  • For bee safety, apply sprays in the evening or early morning, and never on flowers in bloom.
  • Rotate active ingredients to avoid pest resistance over time.