Gardening in the Midwest can be a rewarding experience, with its fertile soil and favorable climate. However, it’s not without its challenges. Midwest gardeners often have to deal with a range of pesky insects and animals that can wreak havoc on their carefully cultivated gardens. Let’s dig into some of the common Midwest garden pests and some effective strategies to eliminate them.
Understanding Common Midwest Garden Pests
Importance of Identifying Midwest Garden Pests
Identifying common garden pests is essential for effective pest management. By recognizing these intruders, you can take timely action to prevent widespread damage. This knowledge empowers you to employ targeted strategies and minimize the use of harmful chemicals (so you and your kids can work in the garden safely).
Impact of Midwest Garden Pests
Garden pests can cause extensive damage to plants, resulting in reduced yields, stunted growth, and even plant death. Additionally, they can attract other pests, disrupt the natural ecosystem, and hinder the overall health of your garden. Let’s explore some notorious pests found in Midwest gardens and how to deal with them.
Japanese Beetles: A Common Garden Nuisance
Identifying Japanese Beetles
Japanese beetles are metallic-green insects with copper-colored wings. They are about half an inch long and have distinct white tufts of hair along their abdomen. These beetles feed on various plants’ foliage, flowers, and fruits.
Damage Caused by Japanese Beetles
Japanese beetles can cause severe damage to a wide range of garden plants, skeletonizing the leaves and leaving them vulnerable to diseases. Roses, grapevines, fruit trees, and vegetable plants are particularly susceptible to their voracious feeding.
Related Article: Everything You Need to Know About Growing Fruit Trees
Effective Ways to Control Japanese Beetles
- Handpicking: Start by physically removing the beetles from your plants early in the morning when they are less active. Drop them into a bucket of soapy water to prevent them from returning.
- Neem Oil: Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can repel and deter Japanese beetles. Dilute it according to the instructions and spray it on the affected plants.
- Milky Spore Disease: This natural bacterium can be applied to your lawn to control the Japanese beetle larvae, reducing their population over time.
- Beneficial Nematodes: These microscopic worms can be introduced to your soil to target and kill Japanese beetle larvae.
- Row Covers: Use lightweight row covers to physically protect your plants from adult Japanese beetles. Be sure to secure the covers tightly to prevent any beetles from sneaking in.
Battling Cabbage Worms in Your Garden
Identifying Cabbage Worms
Cabbage worms are the larvae of white or yellow butterflies known as cabbage butterflies. They are about an inch long and have a green body with velvety hair. These pests primarily attack plants from the cabbage family, including cabbage, kale, broccoli, and cauliflower.
Damage Caused by Cabbage Worms
Cabbage worms feed on their host plants’ leaves, leaving large, irregular holes and extensive damage behind. If left unchecked, they can decimate entire crops.
Organic and Chemical Methods to Combat Cabbage Worms
- Handpicking: Inspect your plants regularly and remove any visible cabbage worms by hand. Drop them into a bucket of soapy water to prevent their return.
- Bacillus thuringiensis (BT): BT is a natural bacterial insecticide targeting cabbage worms. Apply it to your plants according to the instructions.
- Floating Row Covers: Use lightweight row covers to physically block cabbage white butterflies from laying their eggs on your plants.
- Companion Planting: Planting aromatic herbs like rosemary, sage, and thyme can deter cabbage worms. They dislike the strong scents emitted by these herbs.
Related Article: A Guide to Companion Planting Vegetables
Protecting Your Garden from Rabbits & Squirrels
Identifying Rabbit and Squirrel Damage
Rabbits and squirrels are notorious for munching on tender garden plants. Rabbit damage often appears as clean-cut, angled bites near the ground, while squirrel damage may include partially eaten fruits and vegetables.
Creating Physical Barriers
- Fencing: Install a fence around your garden area to keep rabbits out. Make sure the fence is buried at least 6 inches underground to prevent burrowing.
- Wire Mesh: Use wire mesh or chicken wire to create a physical barrier around individual plants or vulnerable areas.
Using Deterrents and Repellents
- Natural Repellents: Some uncommon uses for garlic powder and cayenne pepper include deterring garden pests like rabbits and squirrels. Sprinkle one of these around your plants as they dislike the strong smell and taste.
- Predator Urine: Spraying predator urine around the perimeter of your garden can create a natural deterrent, signaling to rabbits and squirrels that there is a threat nearby. You can purchase predator urine products online or at your local home improvement store.
Deer: A Common Menace in Midwest Gardens
Recognizing Deer Damage
Deer can cause extensive damage to gardens, especially in suburban and rural areas near wooded regions. Signs of deer damage include partially eaten plants, missing leaves and buds, and trampled vegetation.
Implementing Fencing and Barriers
Install a sturdy, tall fence around your garden to keep deer out. The fence should be at least 8 feet tall to prevent them from jumping over. Make sure to secure the bottom of the fence to prevent deer from squeezing through.
Consider installing a double fence if deer are particularly persistent in your area. This involves two parallel fences spaced a few feet apart, which can confuse and discourage deer from entering.
Applying Natural Deer Repellents
- Milorganite: Milorganite is a fertilizer made from treated sewage sludge. Its distinct odor acts as a repellent to deer. Sprinkle it around your garden perimeter or near vulnerable plants.
- Irish Spring Soap: Hanging bars of Irish Spring soap on trees or placing them in mesh bags near plants can deter deer due to the strong scent.
Other Common Midwest Garden Pests
While Japanese beetles, cabbage worms, rabbits, squirrels, and deer are some of the most prevalent garden pests in the Midwest, there are other pests you may encounter. Here are a few additional pests and natural pest control methods to get rid of them:
- Slugs and Snails: Use slug traps, diatomaceous earth, or copper barriers to keep slugs and snails at bay.
- Aphids: Encourage natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings, or use insecticidal soaps to control aphid populations.
- Groundhogs: Install sturdy fences buried at least a foot underground to prevent groundhogs from burrowing into your garden.
- Moles and Voles: Use live traps or castor oil-based repellents to discourage moles and voles from damaging your garden.
Remember, prevention is key when it comes to garden pests. Maintaining a healthy garden with good soil fertility, proper watering practices, and regular inspection can help minimize pest infestations.
Persistence is Power: Get a Bountiful Harvest This Year By Controlling Midwest Garden Pests
Dealing with garden pests can be challenging, but with proper identification and effective control measures, you can protect your Midwest garden and enjoy bountiful harvests. By understanding the habits and characteristics of common pests like Japanese beetles, cabbage worms, rabbits, squirrels, and deer, you can implement targeted strategies to mitigate their damage.
And don’t forget to remain vigilant for other pests and take appropriate measures to prevent and control them. Happy gardening!