Garden Pests

ill bugs, those familiar little roly-polies, are actually crustaceans, not insects, and they play a genuinely useful role in the garden by breaking down decaying organic matter and improving soil health. In moderate numbers, they're worth keeping around. The trouble starts when populations explode and they run out of dead plant material to eat, turning their attention to tender seedlings instead. The good news is there are natural ways to restore balance: SC nematodes work through the soil to parasitize pill bug populations over time, while food-grade diatomaceous earth creates an immediate physical barrier around vulnerable plants. Reducing damp, dark hiding spots — like excess debris near garden beds — also goes a long way toward keeping numbers in check without eliminating them entirely.

Summer brings plenty of garden joy, and plenty of pests along with it. But in a chemical-free garden, that's not a reason to panic; it's a cue to call in the right reinforcements. This guide covers the 10 most common summer garden pests, from aphids and spider mites to squash bugs, mealybugs, and grubs, with natural solutions for each. Beneficial insects like ladybugs, predatory mites, parasitic wasps, and nematodes can target specific pests at every stage of their lifecycle, while physical controls like sticky traps, diatomaceous earth, and insect netting offer additional backup. The goal isn't a pest-free garden, it's a balanced one where the good bugs do the work.

Knowing you have a pest problem is one thing, knowing exactly which beneficial insect will solve it is another. These short, guided quizzes take just a minute or two and match you with the most effective natural predator based on your pest type, growing environment, and whether you're looking for preventative control or tackling an active infestation. Currently available for thrips, aphids, and spider mites, with more quizzes on the way.

Squash bugs are notoriously tough to deal with. Their hard shells protect them from most predators, and they tuck their eggs under leaves where they're easy to miss. Unlike many soil-dwelling pests, they aren't affected by beneficial nematodes, so a hands-on approach is the most effective strategy. The good news is that a simple combination of duct tape to lift and remove eggs, soapy water to drown dislodged adults, and either diatomaceous earth or neem oil applied to the plants can keep populations in check. Repeat weekly and stay consistent, and your squash, zucchini, and pumpkins have a much better chance of making it to harvest.

Flies aren't just annoying — in barns, stables, and backyards, they can spread disease and stress livestock. Traditional traps and hanging bags often harm beneficial insects without ever addressing the real problem: larvae in the breeding sites. Fly Exterminators from NaturesGoodGuys take a different approach, targeting flies at the larval stage before they ever mature and multiply, effectively controlling houseflies, stable flies, and garbage flies — which together make up the vast majority of fly populations. They're harmless to livestock, pets, and pollinators, and work best when released early in the season and maintained with regular follow-up releases throughout warmer months. Priority spots include barns, kennels, chicken coops, and compost areas.