Pests and How to Deal with Them: Common Unwanted Insects in the San Luis Valley

There are about 10 quintillion insects on the planet, with about 1.4 million per 1 human. Luckily, they’re not all in our gardens at once! But even small unchecked pest infestations can wreak havoc on your plants. Fortunately, with a little knowledge and some organic methods, you can keep these pesky critters at bay and ensure a bountiful harvest.

Here's a look at some of the most common garden insect pests in the San Luis Valley, along with organic solutions to keep them under control. For information on deer and rabbits, read our past article on keeping them out of your garden.

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1. Aphids: These tiny, soft-bodied insects gather on the undersides of leaves, sucking sap and leaving behind sticky honeydew. They weaken plants and attract sooty mold growth.

• Organic Control: Blast them off with a strong stream of water from your hose. For a more potent solution, combine 1 tablespoon of dish soap with 1 gallon of water and spray directly on affected leaves. Introduce natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings by planting dill, fennel, or yarrow in your garden – these fragrant herbs attract them naturally.

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2. Fungus Gnats: Adult bugs are similar in appearance to mosquitoes. However it is the larvae that live in the soil that do the damage. They feed off fungi and organic matter in the soil and chew on the roots of plants. Adults emerge from the soil and while they are an annoyance, they are harmful to neither plants nor humans. Seeing gnats flying around the soil of plants, or around light sources is a good indicator of larvae in the soil.

• Organic Control: The best preventions for these pests are water management and keeping the area clean of decomposing debris. Let the plant dry out and keep the top of the soil clean of dead leaves and chunks. To remove larvae from soil, place a chunk of cut potato in soil. It will attract and trap the larvae away from the roots. Replace potato chunk every few days.

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3. Leaf Hoppers: These bugs are slender and wedge shaped with toxic saliva. Not only can they cause damage such as white specks, yellowing, leaf curl, stunting and distortion, but they can also transfer disease from plant to plant.

• Organic Control: Start getting rid of them with a strong stream of water. Then sprinkle diatomaceous earth (DE) around the base of your plants. DE is a powder made from fossilized algae that dehydrates insects with its abrasive texture.

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4. Squash Bugs: These grayish-brown, shield-shaped bugs suck the sap from squash, pumpkins, melons, and other cucurbits. Their feeding stunts plant growth and can cause wilting or death.

• Organic Control: Handpick and squash them (wear gloves!). Look for their eggs on the undersides of leaves – they appear as clusters of small, bronze-colored spheres. Destroy them on sight. Row covers made of floating fabric can effectively prevent adult squash bugs from reaching your plants.

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5. Mealybug: These bugs have a soft body covered in white waxy threads to protect from predators. They move very little once they find a feeding spot and may look just like white fuzz. These bugs mostly affect houseplants and their damage causes leaves to turn yellow and droop.

• Organic Control: Start by trying to wash them away. Dab smaller infestations with a Qtip dipped in rubbing alcohol. If you have larger infestations, prune off what you can and use neem oil for the remaining.

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6. Potato Beetles: Both the adult Colorado potato beetle and its orange larvae with black spots can wreak havoc on your potato plants. They devour the leaves, leaving behind skeletonized foliage.

• Organic Control: Handpick and destroy both the adults and larvae. Diatomaceous earth is effective against potato beetle larvae as well. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings by planting dill or fennel nearby. These predators will help to keep potato beetle populations in check.

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Beyond Organic Solutions: Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

While organic methods are a great first line of defense, sometimes a multi-pronged approach is necessary. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a holistic strategy that combines organic solutions with cultural practices and, in some cases, minimal amounts of low-impact pesticides. Here are some key IPM principles:

1. Prevention is Key: Start by creating a healthy environment for your plants. This includes:

• ‍Planting disease-resistant varieties. Many seed companies offer varieties specifically bred to resist common pests and diseases.
• ‍Providing adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients. Healthy plants are naturally more resilient to pest attacks.
• ‍Practicing good garden hygiene. Regularly remove plant debris and fallen leaves, as these can harbor pests and diseases.  
• ‍Rotating your crops. Planting different crops in the same bed each year disrupts the life cycle of pests that may have overwintered in the soil.

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2. Monitor Your Garden Regularly: Regularly scout your garden for signs of pest damage. Early detection allows you to take action before the problem gets out of hand.

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3. Identify the Pest: Knowing exactly what you're dealing with is crucial for selecting the most effective control method. At North River Greenhouse, we can also help you identify common pests.

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Conclusion

Pests in the garden can cause problems, but it does not have to be a death sentence for your plants. Prevention and early identification are key. We at North River Greenhouse are here to help you with whatever your garden needs and questions you may have. Don’t hesitate to call or stop by!

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