KTBS 3 Garden Club: Beat the Bugs Before They Take Over Your Garden

By mid-August, several generations of insects are active at the same time. Some are feeding, others are reproducing, and the combination of hot, dry weather creates ideal conditions for pest populations to explode. Those same conditions can also reduce the number of beneficial insects, like ladybugs, that naturally help keep pests under control.

Here are four common garden pests to watch for:

Mealybugs

Mealybugs are often mistaken for fungus because of their fuzzy, white appearance. These insects feed on plants and can spread quickly if left untreated.

McGimsey recommends treating mealybugs with Rose Shield to help control the infestation.

Scale

Scale insects are especially common on sasanquas and ligustrums. Signs of an infestation include yellowing leaves and black sooty mold that grows on the sticky residue the insects leave behind. If you look underneath the leaves, you'll often find the insects attached to the plant.

Treatment options include:

• Insecticidal soap
• Neem oil for an organic approach
• A systemic insect spray for more severe infestations

Be sure to spray the undersides of the leaves, where scale insects tend to hide.

Spider Mites

Spider mites are tiny and difficult to spot. Instead of seeing the mites themselves, you'll likely notice fine webbing or leaves that appear faded or washed out. The pests are typically found underneath the leaves.

McGimsey recommends using Rose Shield or Neem Max to treat spider mites.

Azalea Lace Bugs

Like spider mites, azalea lace bugs cause leaves to appear pale or faded because they feed on plant tissue.

A systemic insect spray is the best treatment option for these pests.

A Few Summer Spraying Tips

If you're using neem oil or other horticultural oils, apply them early in the morning to reduce the risk of leaf burn during the heat of the day.

McGimsey says Neem Max may be a good choice this time of year because it contains a horticultural sunblock designed to help protect plants during hot weather.

The key is to catch infestations early.

"Keep an eye on the pests before they start to control you," McGimsey said.

For more gardening tips and seasonal advice, watch the KTBS 3 Garden Club every week.