Some Common June Pest Problems and Solutions

Small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant juices. They attack leaves, stems, and flowers and multiply very quickly so infestations can rapidly get out of control. Aphids love to hide in new growth because it is especially succulent so be sure to check the underside of leaves. Infected parts will curl, develop contorted and stunted buds, yellow, and become sticky with aphid “sap.”

Solutions: Neem oil, insecticidal soaps, horticultural oil, and Triple Action have proven to be effective in controlling aphids. Be sure to follow the application instructions provided on the packaging.

There are many species of flea beetle which attack different plants but you will see the majority of these jumping insects on vegetable crops. The beetles are small and shiny with large back legs and can vary in color and patterning. The eggs are laid at the base of a plant in early summer and the larva feed on the roots. The adult beetles emerge from the soil and attack the foliage of the plant. New leaves are usually damaged first, and they will have a lacy appearance. Besides feeding on your plants, flea beetles spread fungal and bacterial diseases from plant to plant.

Solutions: Safer Yard and Garden, neem oil, diatomaceous earth.

Small insect with metallic heads and copper backs. They begin feeding in June and attack plants in groups so damage can be severe. They eat a wide variety of plants but their favorite plants include roses, beans, grapes, and raspberries. Your rose leaves will look “skeletonized” if you have an infestation. Japanese beetle grubs overwinter in soil and can cause damage to the roots of lawn grass as well as garden plants.

Solutions: Safer Yard and Garden, neem oil, Triple Action.

Most garden slugs and snails are gray to dark brown and around an inch long. They will hide in dark, damp places during the day and come out to feed only at night. Their populations can grow rapidly in cool and moist conditions since they lay their eggs in moist soil or compost. Slugs and snails eat almost anything in the garden and the damage is identifiable by the large irregularly shaped holes in foliage.

Solutions: If you need a slug repellent to keep slugs away from tender plants, circle them with diatomaceous earth.

A fungal disease that appears as circular brown spots on stems and leaves. Spots enlarge and eventually cause the plant to lose all of its lower leaves and die. Spores spread through splashing water.

A fungal disease of trees, especially fruit trees (including ornamental varieties). Infected blossoms and leaves shrivel and turn brown and shoots begin to die back in spring and early summer. Spores remain in dead fruit over winter and release in spring.

A powder-like mildew that covers the leaves of your plant, weakening the plant and destroying crops and blossoms. It spreads easily from plant to plant and the spores easily travel through the air.

This fungal disease overwinters in infected canes and fallen leaves. The spores germinate in spring and then are spread by splashing water. It doesn’t kill the rose on its own but rather weakens the plant, leaving it very susceptible to other disease and pests.

Rust is a fungal parasite that appears in moist conditions. It needs living plants to survive and spores are spread through wind or water. Surfaces need to be wet for infection.