Garden Pest Control

Bug killers are not all bad but lots are.  It all depends on how they work and how they are applied. Organic sprays like Soft Soap and ones approved for organic growing like SB Plant Invigorator are free of nasty chemicals that stay on the plant.  They are contact based insecticides, they gum up the breathing holes of the insects they are sprayed on. They are based on plant extracts, plant oils or other safe compounds and have to be sprayed directly on the to the pest that you are trying to control.  As such they will take more than one application over several days to remove all pests. Because you have to spray they directly on to the pest insect you can also be sure that you are not killing any beneficial insects like bees and ladybirds by first checking they are not on the plant.  If you spray in the evening they are less likely to be around. Sprays that promise prolonged protection after spraying are dangerous to bees and other beneficial insects.  The following pesticides (from by the Pesticide Action Network) contain neonicotinoids that are harmful to bees: Westland Plant Rescue Bug Killer; active ingredient Thiamethoxam Provado Vine Weevil Killer; active ingredient Thiacloprid Bug Clear Ultra Vine Weevil Killer; active ingredient Acetamiprid Bug Clear Gun!; active ingredient Acetamiprid Provado Ultimate Bug Killer Spray; active ingredient Thiacloprid Provado Ultimate Bug Killer Ready to Use; active ingredient Thiacloprid Provado Ultimate Bug Killer Concentrate; active ingredient Thiacloprid If you have recently used any insecticides you may need to wait 6 weeks before introducing the predators we sell on this site.  Please contact us if you need help on this. Switch to one of our contact insecticides now - Shop here For more on the above from Monty Don - here

So you've planned your plot, read up on the best growing conditions and have a host of tips ready to deploy to make this year the best yet in your veg plot but have you made a plan for stopping the insects getting to your harvest before you do?  Here's a quick rundown of the pest you might come across and what you can do to stop them in their tracks. Aphids Crops affected - aphids love most edibles, you'll find them on Tomatoes, Carrots, Chillis, the list goes on... How to get rid of aphids - being quick off the mark is going to make things easier.  If you had an aphid problem last year then start spraying with a contact insecticide like Horticultural Soap or introduce predators just before you noticed the problem in previous years.  This could be any time from April on the whole. Aphid controls can be found here. Whitefly Crops affected - whitefly are typically found in glasshouses and polytunnels where they enjoy the warmth and light.  Whitefly attack brassicas, tomato plants, cucumbers and peppers. How to get rid of whitefly - use a contact based insecticide 3 times a week to get control of an infestation.  Use parasitic wasps, Encarsia Formosa once the temperature is consistently above 20°C. Whitefly controls can be found here. Caterpillars Crops affected - Caterpillars eat holes in your crops, especially brassicas.  Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, turnips, swede among others can be obliterated by hungry caterpillars. How to get rid of caterpillars - a mix of nematodes that are contained in the Fruit and Veg nematode pack can be used to control caterpillars, find them here. Root flies Crops affected - Cabbage, other brassicas and onions suffer from root damage from the larvae/maggots of these pests feeding.  They kill recently transplanted young plants and seedlings.  Many crops are made inedible from this family of pests.   How to get rid of root fly - nematodes contained in the Fruit and Veg product will clear these pests from the soil.  The mix of nematodes cover a wide range of fly larvae.  Find the product here. Slugs Crops affected - as we all know, slugs really aren't fussy and you will find holes and slimy trails all over your crops.  What you might not be immediately aware of is the damage being done underground.  Over 90% of the slugs in your garden/plot/patch are underground feeding on root material. How to get rid of slugs - use nematodes especially for slugs (Nemaslug) as soon as the soil temperature reaches 5°C and every 6 weeks throughout the growing season.  Find the nematodes here. There are a range of other pests including thrips, red spider mite and others that can chomp away on your tasty treats, if you have a pest you can't identify or would just like some advice email plantcare@ladybirdplantcare.co.uk.  If you are new to growing vegetables then the RHS and Gardeners World have some great advice to get you from seed to harvest.  Visit Shop