Not every insect in the garden is a pest. Many insects pollinate flowers, prey on plant-feeding species, or simply pass through without causing meaningful damage. The first step in pest control is deciding whether the insect is actually harming the plant.
That means looking at both the insect and the symptoms on the plant before reaching for a spray.
Beneficial Predators
Lady beetles and their larvae feed on aphids and other soft-bodied insects. Lacewing larvae also prey on aphids, mites, whiteflies, and small caterpillars. Hoverfly larvae can consume aphids while adult hoverflies visit flowers for nectar and pollen.
University of California Integrated Pest Management’s natural enemies guide explains how predators and parasitoids help regulate pest populations in gardens and landscapes.
Pollinators Are Garden Partners
Bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, and other insects help pollinate many flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Our pollinator-friendly garden guide covers flowers, habitat, and safer pest-management practices.
Common Plant-Feeding Pests
Aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects, Japanese beetles, and some caterpillars can damage plants when populations become high. Look for curling leaves, stippling, sticky honeydew, webbing, skeletonized foliage, or obvious chewing.
Identify Before Treating
Many pest problems can be reduced with hand removal, pruning infested growth, water sprays, sanitation, or barriers. Our natural pest-control guide explains how to choose lower-impact methods before using a pesticide.
Protect Beneficial Insects
Avoid broad, routine spraying when only a small part of the plant is affected. If treatment is needed, choose a product labeled for the pest and plant, follow the label, and avoid applications when pollinators are actively visiting flowers.
For more on choosing and using pest-control products carefully, see our neem-oil use guide.