Wrong treatment wastes time. Identify correctly first.
Aphids
Tiny, soft, cluster on new growth. Curled leaves, sticky honeydew. Control: water spray, ladybugs, insecticidal soap.
Japanese Beetles
Metallic green/copper. Skeletonize leaves. Hand-pick mornings into soapy water. Milky spore for grubs. Avoid traps.
Tomato Hornworms
Large green, 4 inches. Devour tomato family. Hand-pick (look for droppings). Bt spray.
Slugs/Snails
Night active. Irregular holes, slime trails. Beer traps. Copper tape. Iron phosphate bait.
Cabbage Worms
Green on brassicas. White butterflies are adults. Row covers. Bt spray.
Spider Mites
Nearly invisible. Fine webbing, stippled leaves. Water spray. Neem oil. Predatory mites.
Squash Vine Borers
Bore into stems. Sudden wilting. Foil wrap stems. Row covers. Slit stem if caught early.
Prevention
Healthy plants resist better. Companion flowers for beneficials. Crop rotation. Regular inspection.
