Pests are just that – pests!
Every gardener is the victim of them at some time, but at SGA we advocate prevention where possible. Healthy vigorous plants are much more resistant to disease, so, if the pests have descended, as well as trying to get rid of them, it’s worth thinking about what you can do prevent the next lot of nuisances. Make sure that your soil is healthy, there is good air movement around plants and there is a good range of predator insects e.g. lady birds, praying mantis, visiting or dwelling in your garden. Companion planting and having a diversity of flowers and scents can attract them and also attract birds which regard many pests as food.
Garden Predators
There are plenty of garden critters that are useful predators of plant pests, and SGA encourages home gardeners to reduce their chemical use, in…
Good Flies
Not all flies are bad! We are used to being concerned when we see a blowfly, thinking it carries disease, or being annoyed by those pesky common…
Codling Moth
If you want to protect your apple or pear trees prepare for this pest! He introduces himself here: Hi, my name is: Codling Moth Describe yourself:…
Pear and Cherry Slug
While most babies are cute, cuddly and adorable, this is definitely not the case for the offspring of the Black Sawfly Caliroa cerasi. The larvae,…
Citrus Leafminer
Describe yourself: I’m the tiny larvae of a beautiful silver moth, and am very rarely seen. That said, you can sure see my silvery trail of…
Aphids (Inside a Colony)
Being an enthusiastic gardener, I welcome spring with open arms and can't wait to get out into the garden to watch it come to life. And it's not just…
Root Knot Nematode
Hi, my name is: Root Knot Nematode Describe yourself: For some reason, heaps of people are really scared of me. I don't know why, I'm just a…
Queensland Fruit Fly
Queensland Fruit Fly (Bactrocera tryoni) Queensland Fruit Fly was found in metropolitan Melbourne in January 2008. This is a matter of very great…
European & English Wasps
(Vespula germanica and Vespula vulgaris) These closely related wasps are the scourge of Australian gardeners and barbecuers alike, with the ability…