Questions tagged [pest-control]

For questions about controlling garden pests. Use this tag with questions about how to keep identified pests at bay. For unidentified pests use the [pest] and [identification] tags. For questions about pesticides use the [pesticide] tag.

Garden pests can include , other invertebrates, mammals, , and domesticated creatures. Although "" indicates that they actively destroy plants and crops, this tag can also be used for (cats/s) that merely cause inconveniences (see example question).

A range of control methods are available including synthetic , organic s, traps, and deterrents. Clearly not all methods are appropriate for all pests or situations, and many methods are illegal for specific pests and jurisdictions.

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How can I keep snails off my Day Lilies?

I have never had a problem with snails, but since planting a large swathe of day lilies I have found between twenty and fifty snails a day in that patch. I have been disposing of every one, to no avail. Are day lilies especially tasty to snails? Is…
Rory Alsop
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What's the best way to kill cucumber beetles after I've started harvesting?

My yellow squash and zucchini are infested with both striped and spotted cucumber beetles. I don't think I can use Sevin Dust anymore because I've already started harvesting them. I tried food grade diatomaceous earth, but I don't think it's…
Tim
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How can I deal with the beetles eating my grapevine?

My mother is in a furor because the grapevine that she planted last spring and which flourished last year is now infested with little black bugs. From what I can tell, they seem to be flea beetles. (Are those thousands of tiny black spots they have…
Synetech
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What is the best way to keep deer away?

I've been contemplating putting up a fence, but I'm not exactly sure how high it should be. Can anyone point me to some instructions on what specs a good deer fence should have as well as how to build it? I have also seen motion sensor sprinklers…
Abe Miessler
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How can I keep earwigs from eating my basil?

Last night I found that earwigs have been eating my newly planted basil plants. They have only been in the ground for a few days, and it didn't take long for the earwigs to find them. The planted ones are lost. I have read this question about…
kmm
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How are fire ants removed without endangering vegetation nearby?

My parents seem to have a large problem with fire ants in their backyard. They're more of an inconvenience than anything. What seems to be the most effective method (chemical, or a technique based, etc; doesn't need to be a specific product) of…
chrisjlee
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Do I have moles?

I know I have voles. I accidentally planted a small running bamboo ;it has spread all over and makes a great buffet for the voles . I have copperheads which like the voles. I get mounds ( 6 inch diameter, 2 inches high) in the grass; are the mounds…
blacksmith37
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Pinus sylvestris yellowing problem

I'm pretty new to gardening and I recently (~2 weeks ago) got a Pinus sylvestris 'Fastigiata' plant and I noticed that some needles started to yellow. Here are a few pics:- The yellowing is mostly on the internal and lower needles, but there is…
Milan
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How can I tell what animal is eating my plants?

Many of my perennial garden plants have been getting eaten by some animal. Possible culprits include deer, rabbits, and groundhogs. I would like to control them, but I have to know what I am controlling. for example, I don't want to start trying to…
J. Musser
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How to get rid of mynah birds?

Mynah birds have taken over my garden, displacing the natural avian fauna. I would like to get rid of them, but my being in Australia means that I can't buy a gun. Any alternative suggestions on how to control them?
Gordon Stanger
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When do cabbage moths lay their eggs?

I just transplanted my kale starts and I'm going to put my cabbage & broccoli plants in next. Last year we had some significant damage & developmental delays from cabbage moth caterpillars and I want to avoid that this year. From what I've been…
doub1ejack
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Translucent spots on leaves

Recently, several of my plants have developed these translucent spots on their leaves: What is causing this? What should I do?
Adam
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How can I combat mealybug in a large garden?

In my friend's large garden, mealybug is the main pest. They spread quickly, often killing whole plants if left unattended. Sometimes they even attack trees. The garden and many of its affected plants are rather large, so the process can't require…
Fiksdal
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Gophers and rabbits

My entire yard has been destroyed by gophers and rabbits. The rabbits and gophers ate all my grass and ground cover that bloomed beautiful pink flowers. I want to replant, but need to get rid of these pests first. Now there is only dirt in my back…
Bear hugg
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How can I get rid of cutworms in my corn and pumpkin patches?

Our corn and pumpkin seedlings appear to have been decimated by cutworms. They're actually caterpillars, and quite destructive ones at that: We're interested in getting rid of them organically, any suggestions greatly appreciated! The plot is 60m…