Questions tagged [pest-control]

For questions about controlling garden pests. Use this tag with questions about how to keep identified pests at bay. For unidentified pests use the [pest] and [identification] tags. For questions about pesticides use the [pesticide] tag.

Garden pests can include , other invertebrates, mammals, , and domesticated creatures. Although "" indicates that they actively destroy plants and crops, this tag can also be used for (cats/s) that merely cause inconveniences (see example question).

A range of control methods are available including synthetic , organic s, traps, and deterrents. Clearly not all methods are appropriate for all pests or situations, and many methods are illegal for specific pests and jurisdictions.

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How to keep chipmunks out of my garden?

Forget rabbits, I have a fence around the garden, my real pest problem is chipmunks. I've got a fence, with some below ground barriers, to keep larger pests out and to keep them from digging but the chipmunks still get in. Chicken wire doesn't…
MichaelF
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How does vacuuming beetles work?

I've seen advice in books and online that I can deal with my striped cucumber beetle infestation by vacuuming. Unfortunately they don't get into details. I'm ready to drag the shop vac into the garden, but I'm wondering if there are any gotchas...…
bstpierre
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How can I discourage wasps?

We built our house last fall, and I've already found one wasp next in a corner of the eaves. I know that one of our neighbors has a huge problem with wasps, and has a large amount of exterior exposed wood (multiple decks, wood trim, a large…
Scivitri
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Where do Asiatic Garden Beetles spend their days?

(Asiatic Garden Beetles are a new pest in the mid-atlantic and northeast US. They look like a smaller, cinnamon-colored European Chafer, the size and shape of a coffee bean. The grubs do the usual grub thing. The adults are nocturnal and feast on…
Ed Staub
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What are the best plants to attract Ladybugs and Praying Mantis, from your experience?

I have looked around and I have seen some recommendations for plants to attract ladybugs, for example, a few sites list that alyssum works well. I am hoping to find out others experiences about certain plant choices and how well or not well desired…
user2072
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How to rid a colony of ants from my yard

The photo is deceiving: It looks like just a few ants. Actually there is a million of them over a 200sf section of my lawn. I believe a can of ant spray will not do the trick outside. How can I kill these pests???
Marinaio
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How are fire ants removed without endangering vegetation nearby?

My parents seem to have a large problem with fire ants in their backyard. They're more of an inconvenience than anything. What seems to be the most effective method (chemical, or a technique based, etc; doesn't need to be a specific product) of…
chrisjlee
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Do I have moles?

I know I have voles. I accidentally planted a small running bamboo ;it has spread all over and makes a great buffet for the voles . I have copperheads which like the voles. I get mounds ( 6 inch diameter, 2 inches high) in the grass; are the mounds…
blacksmith37
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How can I keep spiders out of the shed?

I've got a small shed in my garden, and it used to be a great home for many spiders (and two mice). Walls are thin wood, floor is solid concrete, and eternit roofing. A few months ago, my father helped me to clean it out completely and apply drywall…
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Control aphids on a linden tree

We have a 30 year old Little leaf linden (Tilia cordata) on the north side of the property. Although it is apparently healthy every year it gets galls on the leaves and aphids. The aphids secrete a sticky sap which covers the car from June through…
kevinskio
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Getting rid of moles in the lawn?

I've seen this question which seems to be our canonical mole page but I have additional questions/details I hope you can answer here. I'm not a native English speaker so forgive my expressions. In particular, it seems that "moles" are ones that make…
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Brussel sprouts pest

Help! I am a new gardener and am trying to grow Brussel sprouts in the VA mountains. My plants are being eaten by some very hungry bugs. I have not found any cabbage worms but i see a bunch of bugs shaped like stink bugs that are orange and black.…
Elena
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What to add to water that is safe for plants, but deters mosquitos

I stay in Singapore, where mosquitos are a real danger due to dengue. I have a number of plants that need watering, so I am putting in an automated irrigation system. Of course I am cautious that the water tank might become a breading ground for…
Lucas Kauffman
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How to Get Rid of Aggressive Ground Bees

What is the easiest and safest way to get rid of very aggressive ground bees? I am not able to mow the lawn or doing any gardening around my flower bed at the front of my house, as these bees will sting and there are many of them.
Carrie
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How do I get rid of Snails, Slugs, and Earwigs

My garden has a huge problem with earwigs, Snails, and Slugs, and many of my plants are dying. How can I effectively eliminate these pests.
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