Garden pests are just that – pests! From snails munching on your cabbages to citrus leafminer destroying your citrus trees, in the blink of an eye they can wreak havoc in your garden.
Watch: How to build a bug hotel
While in some cases, these garden pests can be very hard to get rid of – it’s not impossible!
What is the most common garden pest?
There are millions of insects, but some are more common than others. Aphids, mealy bugs and gnats are some of the most common bugs you will find on your houseplants, while snails, slugs and caterpillars will enjoy a feast in your veggie garden.
How to get rid of garden pests
The best way to help your plants defend themselves against garden pests is to make sure they are nice and healthy, watered and fed appropriately, so they have a good immune system, as such.
Keep reading for a list of Australia’s most common garden pests and some tried and tested methods for getting rid of them. Additionally, you can read our article on eco-friendly pest control solutions.
9 common garden pests and how to get rid of them
1. 3 natural ways to stop aphids from destroying your garden

Aphids are sap-sucking insects that breed quickly and can get out of hand if left unchecked. Here’s how to identify and get rid of aphids, without using chemicals.
2. How to get rid of mealybugs in indoor plants

They’re a tiny insect, but if left untreated, mealybugs can do a large amount of damage to your plants. Here’s how to spot mealybugs and tips for getting rid of them.
3. 3 of the best ways to get rid of gnats in indoor plants

Gnats usually appear when your potting mix is too moist, but once the flies are around, they’re usually hard to get rid of. Here is some very handy advice for getting rid of gnats in your house plants.
4. How to keep caterpillars out of your garden

Rapidly appearing holes in leaves with lots of droppings left behind can mean only one thing – caterpillars! Here’s three oragnic ways to stop caterpillars from destroying your garden.
5. How to get rid of armyworms

Summer is boom time for army worms. Here’s how to keep them out of your garden.
6. How to detect and treat black beetles in your lawn

Thankfully, there are a number of natural ways to get the population of black beetles down to a more manageable level.
7. The best way to get rid of slugs and snails

Experts don’t recommend using commercial snail baits or insecticides due to the potential risks they pose to other wildlife. Here’s what to do instead.
8. How to get rid of scale insects

Scale insects come in hundreds of different types and attack all types of plants and trees, no matter the size. Here’s what you need to know about getting rid of scale from your plants.
9. How to get rid of citrus leafminer on your trees

Citrus leafminer is a persistent garden pest that will come back yearly to lay its eggs on the leaves of your citrus trees. This is everything you need to know about stopping Citrus leafminer.
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