Garden Pest Problems


Garden pests in the shape of moles, rabbits, snails and slugs, pigeons, creepy crawlies and even cats and dogs are really a big threat to the proper maintenance of the gardens. The great deal of work that goes in developing a garden can go to waste if garden pests are not controlled in an effective manner.

Moles are pests which cannot be eliminated easily. Moles exist beneath the ground and dig holes or runs. Certain types are aquatic or semi-aquatic. They possess cylindrical bodies wrapped in fur with tiny or coated eyes and the ears are not commonly observable. They survive on tiny invertebrate creatures that are found beneath the ground.

Moles dig in lawns unsettling the earth and giving rise to molehills which makes the garden ugly. The mole does not in reality chomp the roots of the plants, but it is the burrowing action which displaces the soil from the roots that destroys the plants. A mole can move about 6 kilos or 13lbs of soil in the span of 20 minutes.

Moles can be kept out of an area for up to two years with the help of an organic bulb which once planted produces a scent which is repulsive to the mole.

Slugs and snails are pests are also a major threat to the proper growth of a garden. Slugs usually thrive on rotting vegetation, but will also keenly feed on plants that are young and delicate. In order to tackle the menace of slugs it is advisable to rake the soil which will expose the slug eggs to damage by frost and avert hatching. Always one should make certain to remove leaves that have been shed or damaged from tender plants. In doing so one would be eliminating a major supply of food from the slugs.

Apart from these steps there are products obtainable which make it difficult for slugs and snails to traverse and compels them to leave the desired area undisturbed. These products are eco- friendly and incorporate the utilization of vermiculite and barrier products which can be positioned beneath or close to susceptible plants and are impregnated with copper. The copper subjects the slug or snail to a minor shock akin to the shock felt during an amalgam filling and this makes the slug to feel awkward and to search for its food elsewhere.

There are as well biological control products that consist of nematodes which target the slug and destroy it. These products are totally natural and can be safely used devoid of damaging effects on wildlife, children or pets.

Greenhouse pests

  • In the greenhouse or conservatory White Fly is a common pest and it can diminish the vitality of plants resulting in early leaf drop ultimately destruction of the plants.
  • in order to tackle this menace one needs to disinfect and clean the entire greenhouse or conservatory which will definitely entail that one would have to shift the plants out for a day or two.