Top 5 Garden Pests and How to Control Them Naturally

A beautiful garden can quickly become a battleground when pests invade. From devoured leaves to stunted growth, garden pests cause frustration for even the most seasoned green-fingered homeowners. The good news? You can keep them under control without resorting to chemical treatments. Here’s our guide to the top 5 garden pests in the UK—and how to manage them using natural methods.

1. Slugs and Snails

Slugs and snails are among the most destructive garden pests, especially after rain. They leave behind slimy trails and ragged holes in leaves, often targeting tender plants like lettuce, hostas, and dahlias.

Natural Control Methods:

• Beer traps – Bury a shallow dish filled with beer at soil level; slugs are attracted and drown.

• Crushed eggshells or sand – Sprinkle around plant bases to deter soft-bodied pests.

• Copper tape – Creates a mild electric charge that slugs avoid.

• Encourage natural predators – Frogs, hedgehogs, and ground beetles help keep populations down.

2. Aphids

Aphids (greenfly, blackfly, and whitefly) feed on plant sap and breed rapidly. They’re often found in clusters on stems, flower buds, and the underside of leaves, causing wilting and stunted growth.

Natural Control Methods:

• Blast with water – A strong spray from a hose dislodges them from plants.

• Soapy spray – Mix mild washing-up liquid with water and spray directly on aphids.

• Introduce ladybirds – Ladybirds and their larvae feed on aphids and are natural allies.

• Plant companion herbs – Chives, mint, and coriander help repel aphids.

3. Vine Weevils

These pests damage plants at both the larval and adult stages. Adults eat leaves, while larvae feed on roots, especially of container plants and ornamental shrubs.

Natural Control Methods:

• Manual removal – Check plants at night and remove adults by hand.

• Nematodes – Microscopic worms available from garden centres that target vine weevil larvae in soil.

• Avoid overwatering – Larvae thrive in soggy soil, so allow containers to dry slightly between watering.

4. Cabbage White Caterpillars

The caterpillars of cabbage white butterflies can decimate brassicas, leaving behind skeletonised leaves.

Natural Control Methods:

• Crop covers – Use fine netting or mesh to stop butterflies laying eggs on leaves.

• Hand-picking – Inspect the undersides of leaves regularly and remove eggs and caterpillars.

• Companion planting – Nasturtiums attract caterpillars away from crops, acting as a natural decoy.

5. Red Spider Mites

These tiny pests are hard to spot but leave visible webbing and mottled, discoloured leaves. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can be devastating to greenhouse plants.

Natural Control Methods:

• Increase humidity – Misting plants regularly can help deter spider mites.

• Spray with neem oil – A natural treatment that suffocates mites and disrupts their lifecycle.

• Introduce predatory mites – Available online and through garden suppliers, these natural enemies help reduce populations.

Conclusion

Garden pests are a fact of life—but that doesn’t mean you need to turn to harmful chemicals. With the right natural solutions, you can maintain a healthy garden while protecting pollinators, pets, and the environment. For ongoing pest issues or advice on more stubborn infestations, get in touch with GEM Services—your local experts in eco-friendly pest control.