One of the best parts of summer is the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables. During this time, farmer’s markets are open every weekend, giving you endless opportunities to eat some of the best fruits and vegetables our state has to offer. If you’ve decided to tackle having your own garden this summer, it’s important to remember that we aren’t the only creatures who enjoy those fresh fruits and veggies in the summer. In fact, some pests also have a hankering for something fresh from the garden, too. The Clark Exterminating team put together a list of what to look out for this summer if you’re growing a garden of your own.
Tomato hornworms: If the name didn’t give it away, these green guys like to munch on your tomatoes in your garden, along with any other solanaceous, or nightshade plants. These plants include tomatoes (of course), eggplants, potatoes, and peppers. Tomato hornworms are the largest caterpillars found in vegetable gardens. They are green with diagonal white stripes and a black or red horn on their back. These hornworms eventually turn into Sphinx Moths.
Grasshoppers: Grasshoppers are pretty commonly found everywhere. However, if you find more than one in your garden, that could be bad news. Grasshoppers tend to eat any plants that they come into contact with during their travels. They eat the leaves off of plants, which will destroy your potential crop. If your garden is untilled, that gives grasshoppers the perfect place to lay their eggs. Keeping your garden in tip-top shape is a great way to keep grasshoppers away.
Aphids: Aphids may be small, but they can destroy a garden in a hurry. Their diet consists of the juices they suck out of plants, which damages the shoots of the plants they feed on. When they make it into your garden, they can also transmit diseases from other plants. Ladybugs help control the aphid population. Spraying your plants with a pesticide can help keep the aphids at bay. If you’re looking for a more natural approach, you can actually purchase ladybugs to release into your garden to eat up the pesky bugs that are destroying your veggies.
If pests are making their way into your garden or your home, it might be time to think about a pest control plan for your home. Clark Exterminating has plenty of options for the inside and outside of your home. Give Clark Exterminating a call for a quote today and let us help stop your bug problem before it gets out of hand this summer!
Little Rock: 501-228-0322
North Little Rock: 501-758-0322
Conway: 501-329-0396
Benton: 501-776-1388
Bryant: 501-847-1388
Jacksonville/Cabot: 501-843-1322
Hot Springs: 501-623-2335
