Common Summer Pests
The Most Common Summer Garden Pests (And How to Control Them Without Chemicals)
When you choose to grow a pesticide-free garden, pests come with the territory. It’s not a matter of if you’ll encounter them, it’s a matter of when. And that’s okay! Chemical-free gardening is all about working with nature, not against it. That means staying observant, proactive, and supporting your plants with the right beneficial insects when pests show up.
At NaturesGoodGuys, we believe every pest problem has a natural solution. Whether you’re growing veggies, ornamentals, herbs, or fruit trees, this guide will help you identify the most common summer garden pests and show you how to manage them effectively using beneficial insects and other natural solutions.
General Predators for Common Summer Pests
Ladybugs – Control aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies, mites, thrips & more
Green Lacewing Larvae – Control aphids, small caterpillars, mealybugs, whiteflies, mites, scale, thrips & more
Orius insidiosus (Minute Pirate Bug) – Targets all life stages of thrips, mites, moth eggs, aphids & more
1. Aphids
What They Do
Small, soft-bodied insects that suck plant sap, causing leaves to curl, yellow, and distort. They also attract ants and encourage mold growth.
Specialized Aphid Predators
One of the most effective biological controls for aphids, especially in greenhouses or indoor grow setups. These tiny parasitoids create a self-replicating system by laying eggs inside aphids, mummifying them.
Aphidius colemani – Small-bodied aphid specialist
Aphidius ervi - Large-bodied aphid specialist
Aphelinus abdominalis - Extended lifespan and egg laying period
Aphidoletes aphidimyza - Midge larvae directly consume aphids
Physical/Mechanical Aphid Control
Yellow Sticky Traps – Monitor and detect infestations early
Beneficial Insect Netting – Keep good bugs in and bad bugs out
Diatomaceous Earth – Helps create unfavorable conditions for soft-bodied pests
2. Spider Mites
What They Do
Microscopic arachnids that thrive in heat and dry air. They feed on leaf undersides, causing speckling, yellowing, and webbing.
Specialized Spider Mite Predators
Predatory mites provide a natural and effective solution for spider mite infestations in gardens, greenhouses, or grow rooms. Recommended species include:
Phytoseiulus persimilis – Two-spotted spider mite specialist
Neoseiulus californicus – Generalist predator that tolerates high heats
Amblyseius andersoni – Generalist predator that tolerates high heats
Amblyseius swirskii – Spider mite, thrips, and whitefly control
Amblyseius cucumeris – Thrips larvae and spider mite preventative control
Neoseiulus fallacis – Survives cooler climates and catches mites in hibernation
Special Blend Mix – A mix of species to provide maximum spider mite control
Application Tips
Bottled Mites
Best choice for an active infestation.
High percentage of hungry adults
Introduce weekly or bi-weekly as needed
Introduce directly on infested areas
Slow Release Sachets
Don't fight pests, prevent them.
Preventative and maintenance programs
Inexpensive and easy application
Steady flow of predators for 2-4 weeks
3. Moth Eggs & Caterpillars
(cabbage loopers, tomato hornworms, cut worms, fruit worms, and more)
What They Do
Leaf-chewing larvae that can defoliate plants rapidly. They also can infiltrate your pantry and ruin the clothes in your closet.
Specialized Moth Egg and Caterpillar Predators
Trichogramma Wasps – Tiny parasitoids that target moth eggs before they hatch
Beneficial Nematodes – Works best on moth species that have a soil-dwelling stage, such as when caterpillars drop to the ground to pupate or feed at the soil line
Physical/Mechanical Caterpillar Control
Use traps to monitor adult moths and reduce egg-laying activity (suitable for both indoor and outdoor use).
Chemical Caterpillar Control
As a last resort, apply Btk sprays or neem oil to target caterpillars.
4. Whiteflies
What They Do
Tiny flying insects that feed on plant sap, causing leaf yellowing, wilting, and mold due to honeydew excretion.
Specialized Whitefly Predators
Encarsia formosa – Ideal for light infestations in greenhouses or indoor spaces
Delphastus pusillus and Eretmocerus eremicus – Effective for moderate to heavy infestations
Amblyseius swirskii – A preventative predator.
Physical/Mechanical Control
Yellow Sticky Traps – Monitor and reduce adult populations.
5. Cucumber Beetles
What They Do
Small beetles that chew leaves, stems, and fruit—while also spreading bacterial wilt and mosaic virus.
Targeted Cucumber Beetle Predators
Beneficial Nematodes – Applied to soil to target eggs and larvae.
Physical/Mechanical Control
Cucumber Beetle Traps Lures – Attract and capture adult beetles
Beneficial Insect Netting – Prevents adult beetles from accessing plants
Diatomaceous Earth – Apply around the base of plants as a deterrent
6. Leafminers
What They Do
Larvae that tunnel inside leaves, leaving squiggly trails. Damage is usually cosmetic, but can cause leaf drop if uncontrolled.
Specialized Leafminer Predator
Diglyphus isaea – A parasitic wasp that targets larvae.
Triple Blend Beneficial Nematodes – Apply to soil to control eggs and pupae.
Physical/Mechanical Control
Blue Sticky Traps – Help monitor for early signs.
7. Earwigs
What They Do
Nocturnal feeders that chew on leaves, petals, and fruit. They can help control pests, but large numbers can cause damage.
Physical/Mechanical Control
Diatomaceous Earth – Apply near base of plants to deter crawling pests.
Sluggo Plus – for more aggressive control.
8. Squash Bugs
What They Do
Brown, shield-shaped bugs that pierce and feed on squash, zucchini, pumpkin, and melon vines—causing wilting, yellowing, and plant collapse.
Specialized Leafminer Predator
Beneficial Nematodes (SF or HB) – Apply to soil early to target overwintering stages
Physical/Mechanical Control
- Hand-pick eggs, nymphs, and adults (use tape to remove eggs gently).
- Vacuum bugs off plants for a non-chemical removal option.
- Dispose of pests in soapy water.
9. Grubs (Lawn Beetle Larvae)
What They Do
These are the larvae stage of beetles (including Japanese beetles and May/June Beetles). They feed on grassroots and can damage lawns and garden beds.
Specialized Grub Predator
Beneficial Nematodes Hb – Apply to soil to control grubs
IPM Tips
Grubs are a key target in early spring and late summer. Incorporate mechanical controls by removing adult beetles when spotted (e.g., Japanese beetles), and scout for grubs in the soil. Applying Beneficial Nematodes in spring and fall ensures seasonal coverage in an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach.
10. Mealybugs
What They Do
Cottony, sap-sucking insects that hide in plant joints and leaf undersides. They weaken plants and leave behind sticky honeydew.
Specialized Mealybug Predator
Mealybug Destroyer Beetles (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri) – Highly specialized predator for mealybug infestations.
Work With Nature, Not Against It
Seeing damage in your garden can be frustrating, but remember that pests are a normal part of any healthy ecosystem. The key is not to get discouraged. With the right strategies (and the right bugs on your side), you can protect your plants, support pollinators, and grow strong, resilient gardens without reaching for harsh chemicals. Here’s to healthy plants, thriving soil, and letting the good bugs do the work!