As summer is approaching an end, and the temperature is simmering down, a variety of insects and pests begin seeking out shelter in your garden.
To make sure you keep them away, there are some precautions to take.
Even with the right precautions, some will find ways to sneak around your garden and yard.
Common pests to expect
Spiders
With autumn being their mating season, your garden will be spider-infested when precautions aren’t taken. The spider will come out in search of food and mates. To discourage them from settling around your garden, remove webs promptly and turn off the exterior lights at night. Lights attract insects, which in turn attract spiders searching for food.
Aphids
These little pests love sucking on tender, young plants like pansies or any ornamental seedlings. They weaken your freshly planted plants and stunt their growth. Aphids will also be out and about during this upcoming season. They usually pop up after rain showers on ornamentals or new plant growth. Always check on your young, growing plants each time after it has rained to make sure they are still growing healthy.
Snails
The west coast of the country will start getting wet and rainy in the upcoming season. This is the perfect breeding ground for snails to flock to your garden. These slimy pests thrive in dark, cool, and damp places. They will munch on your growing plants, pick roots and bulbs, and eventually destroy your garden. So, take your garden back from these slimy pests by investing in pest control products.
Rodents
Mice and rats are some of the most active rodents during the autumn season as they are preparing food for the upcoming freezing season. They will search for food and warmth around any debris in your garden. This is why autumn garden maintenance is key. Make your garden a haven by sealing all gaps and openings that you can find. Clear up any debris you may find.
Most of these pests will try and hide in dark, warm places around your garden. Their main objective is to find food and warmth.
Compiled by: Chumasande Matiwane
First published by Garden & Home
Also see: Surprising uses of a steamer
