GARDEN PESTS

Here are some suggestions to reduce pest problems in your vegetable garden:

• Plant vegetable varieties recommended for East Texas.

• Keep garden and surrounding area free of weeds and grass to cut down on possible insect locations.

• Each morning, pick cutworms, hornworms etc. as needed. Helps stay ahead of problems and reduces need for insecticides.

• Avoid overhead watering and reduce disease problems.

• Use insecticides strictly according to container recommendations.

• Common garden pests and recommended controls are:
  • Cabbage looper and other caterpillars - Use Bacillus thuringiensis spray or dust

  • Cutworms - Sevin.

  • Snails, slugs - Sevin bait.

  • Squash bugs - Sevin spray or dust.

  • Spider mites - Watch for stippled or mottled leaves. Use miticide labeled for young, affected vegetables. General purpose insecticides are only fair.

J.T. McKennon, Smith County Master Gardener

---

Vegetable & Herb Index
Gardening Tips for Northeast Texas Index
East Texas Piney Woods Gardening Home Page