New England gardens boast stunning landscapes, vibrant flora, and a diverse range of plant life. However, maintaining the health and beauty of these gardens often involves combatting common pests that can wreak havoc on your plants. In this article, we will explore the identification and control techniques for prevalent summertime garden pests in New England.
- Japanese Beetles (Popillia japonica): One of the most notorious pests in New England gardens is the Japanese beetle. These metallic green and copper-colored beetles skeletonize leaves and cause significant damage. Cropley’s, with its wealth of expertise, can assist you in identifying and implementing effective control techniques for Japanese beetles. They provide traditional and organic solutions tailored to your specific needs.
- Aphids (Aphidoidea): Aphids, small soft-bodied insects in various colors, pose a threat to plants by feeding on sap, causing stunted growth and distorted leaves. At Cropley’s, their knowledgeable staff can guide you through the process of identifying aphid infestations and recommend suitable control measures. They offer a range of traditional and organic solutions, including insecticidal soaps and neem oil, to address aphid issues effectively.
- Squash Bugs (Anasa tristis): Squash bugs, flat shield-shaped insects, are a menace to summer squash and pumpkins. They sap plant vitality by feeding on leaves, leading to wilting and decline. When faced with squash bug infestations, turn to Cropley’s for expert advice and solutions. Their helpful staff can recommend control techniques such as handpicking and the use of mulch, while also providing information on insecticides containing pyrethrin as a last resort.
- Cabbage Worms (Pieris rapae): Cabbage worms, the larvae of small white butterflies, commonly affect vegetable gardens, particularly cabbage, kale, and broccoli. These pests chew large holes in leaves, reducing crop yield. When battling cabbage worms, Cropley’s knowledgeable staff can assist you in identifying the larvae and implementing effective control measures. They can recommend natural predators like parasitic wasps or floating row covers to prevent egg-laying.
- Slugs and Snails (Class Gastropoda): Slugs and snails thrive in moist conditions and are known for causing damage to a wide variety of plants, leaving behind irregular holes and slime trails. At Cropley’s, you can seek expert advice on dealing with slugs and snails. Their helpful staff can guide you through the process of removing hiding spots, encouraging natural predators, and using beer traps or iron phosphate-based baits to control these pesky creatures.
When it comes to protecting your New England garden from common pests during summertime, Cropley’s is an invaluable resource. Our knowledgeable staff can assist you in identifying pests, recommending traditional and organic solutions, and providing expert advice tailored to your garden’s needs. By leveraging their expertise and utilizing appropriate control techniques, you can effectively combat garden pests while preserving the health and beauty of your garden. Trust Cropley’s for all your pest control needs and enjoy a thriving garden all season long.