It can be very frustrating to know that your plants are being eaten or damaged but not have any idea what the problem is.
- First of all it helps if you can catch whatever it is 'in the act'. Look carefully at the plant, including under the leaves and in the the mulch around the base of the plant. Keep in mind that some insects move quickly to vacate the premises, after all, they don't want to end up as someone's dinner and so are ready to take evasive action when the plant is disturbed. Some insects try very hard to camouflage themselves as part of the plant, running your fingers lightly along the underside of a leaf may trigger the culprit to reveal themselves. Try taking a good torch and checking the plants at night, move quietly to reduce the chances of the 'midnight muncher' making off before you spot them.
- Try to check whether there are any natural enemies present, feeding on the pest such as lizards, frogs and birds. Learning to recognise the many 'good bugs' is useful and interesting and prevents you from accidentally wiping them out.
- Then you need to decide what to do. When is a pest not a pest? Small numbers of pests can be useful in attracting predators and keeping them in your garden, ready to respond to any sudden pest increase. If ladybeetle larvae are present happily munching aphids, destroying the aphids will simply starve the ladybeetles. So the next step is deciding what level of damage you can tolerate and if you are going to control a pest. Our personal view is that if a pest is going to stop us harvesting a fruit or vegetable then we will do something about it but a few chewed leaves are not a problem in a home garden.
Other Useful Organic Strategies to help with the control of pests and disease
How do you choose the right product?
How to create a pest-free, beautiful organic garden?
Organic Citrus Care
Organic Rose Care
Plant Disease Control
Safe way to spray