11 Annoying Garden Pests And How I've Learned To Keep Them Away

Gardening can be super fun and rewarding, but let’s be honest: it’s not all blooming flowers and perfect veggies. Sometimes, it feels like every critter in the neighborhood has an open invitation to feast on your plants. Whether it’s sneaky slugs or rabbits, dealing with garden pests is just part of the green-thumbed life.

These are 11 of the most common and annoying pests and how to keep them out of your garden.

Rabbits

If you’ve ever found your garden suddenly short a few plants, you might have rabbits to thank for that. These little nibblers aren’t picky. They’ll happily devour your flowers and veggies down to the nubs. If you have space to spare, consider planting extras that you’re okay with losing to keep the bunnies busy.

Not everyone has the luxury of space, though. If your garden is more petite, fencing is your best bet. A bit of chicken wire or hardware cloth can work wonders in keeping those fluffy trespassers out.

And if you’re not a fan of the “cagey” aesthetic, a quick paint job can help your barriers blend right in with the scenery. Also, if you have a dog, letting them roam the yard can provide a natural deterrent.

Aphids

Ever notice sticky leaves or distorted foliage on your plants? You might be hosting an aphid party. These tiny, pear-shaped pests are real suckers—literally. They feast on the sap of plants, causing leaves to curl and drop while also encouraging the growth of sooty mold with their sticky honeydew. Oh, and they’re pretty generous with spreading viral diseases too.

But don’t worry, getting rid of aphids can be easy. A strong blast of water from your hose can knock them right off. To keep them from coming back, invite some natural enemies to the garden party—aphid midges, lacewings, and lady beetles love to snack on aphids.

For tougher cases, consider natural repellents like hot-pepper or garlic sprays. And when things get really bad, a good dose of horticultural oil, insecticidal soap, or neem oil can clear them out.

Caterpillars

Caterpillars might look cute with their squishy bodies and tiny gripping feet, but they’re not so adorable when they’re chomping through your garden. These leaf-loving larvae feast on a variety of plants, from veggies to ornamentals, leaving a trail of hole-riddled leaves in their wake.

Managing caterpillars is all about balance. Encouraging their natural predators is a great first step—many birds and parasitic insects are more than happy to help control the population. For those who prefer hands-on gardening, you can literally pick them off your plants.

If you’re looking for a less direct approach, floating row covers can provide a protective barrier without harming them. Just cover up those plants, and let the caterpillars find their snacks elsewhere!

Woodpeckers

Have you been hearing lots of knocking on your trees? That’s likely a woodpecker doing its thing. These birds are actually nature’s pest control, targeting insects lurking under the bark. If they’re frequenting your yard, it might be a sign your trees are ailing. While their drilling can look rough, it’s often beneficial for other wildlife—creating nesting opportunities and such.

Many people get flustered trying to deter woodpeckers with home remedies like wrapping trees in tin foil or insulating foam—please don’t. Not only do these methods look bizarre, but they can also harm both the tree and the local wildlife.

If a tree is too far gone, try removing it to encourage the woodpeckers to move elsewhere. You can also try offering them a preferred food source like suet cakes to redirect their attention and keep them from hammering away at your trees.

Deer

When fall rolls around, watch out for deer, especially during their rutting season. They’re on the prowl for young trees to rub the velvet off their antlers. To protect your saplings, try wrapping the trunks with corrugated plastic pipe. These handy protectors split down the middle and snugly encircle the tree. You can also try rigging a physical barrier with stakes and hardware cloth—a fine mesh tougher than your typical chicken wire.

In the chillier winter months, deer switch their menu to nibble on the tender buds of young trees. You might not need to go all out with mesh. Instead, placing tall stakes around the trees could be enough to deter them. They tend to steer clear of obstacles in their path.

Moles

Ever noticed random little hills and tunnels crisscrossing your lawn? Those are from moles. They’re not really out to ruin your green grass, they’re just hunting for insects underground. If you’re seeing a lot of activity, the easiest fix might be to call in the pros to handle it.

If you’re up for a bit of DIY, setting mole traps can be effective and humane. Just make sure you set them up right; otherwise, you’re just decorating your lawn with useless metal. Avoid poisons, though—moles are clever enough to dodge these.

Squirrels

To keep squirrels from turning your garden into a buffet, you might want to mimic the chipmunk strategy: encase your plants in fine-mesh hardware cloth.

Squirrels are mostly harmless to your trees, but they can be annoying, snipping off branches to build their high-rise nests. Sealing up your home is important too. These critters love to stash their finds, like acorns, in any cozy corner they can find, including your attic.

Feeding them might seem fun, but trust me, it’ll just invite more to the party. So maybe invest in some plants you don’t mind sacrificing or get used to a little clean-up duty.

Slugs

Slugs might be slow, but they can quickly turn your hostas into a mess. They thrive in cool, shady spots, making your lush, ornamental plants their favorite buffet. You’ll spot their slimy trails in the morning, especially under leaves or in moist areas where they’ve been feasting all night.

Here’s a quirky and effective trick to manage them: old beer. Yep, just set out a shallow dish or jar of stale beer at night. The slugs will tumble in and won’t be able to climb back out.

You can also try removing their favorite hangouts by drying up damp spots or clearing out shady areas. Or, if you’re hands-on, feel free to pluck them off yourself and end their garden tour on your terms.

Voles

Voles are little rodents that might make you think of outdoor mice. They love munching on plants with juicy tubers and thick roots. You’ve likely seen the damage or their small tunnels crisscrossing through your grass.

Keeping voles at bay can be simple with a bit of preparation. Burying hardware cloth in the planting zones can stop them from reaching your plants.

You could also try cloche. It’s like a mini glass dome for your plants—effective at keeping not just voles, but also squirrels, chipmunks, and birds from munching on your greenery.

Japanese Beetles

Japanese beetles are the bane of many North American gardens. They love to chow down on your plants, leaving them looking like skeletal versions of their former selves. Since their larva feed underground on roots, tackling the grubs is key to control.

Steer clear of those pheromone traps that just invite more beetles to the party. Instead, try introducing beneficial nematodes to your soil in late July. They will target and eliminate the grubs.

A targeted application of a commercial insecticide can also do the trick—just be sure to follow the label instructions closely to protect your garden and the environment.

Chipmunks

These little critters are notorious for taking a single bite out of your tomatoes and vanishing. The best way to keep chipmunks from turning your veggies into a snack bar is to cover them with fine mesh netting. Make sure it’s secure at the base to block any tiny intruders.

If chipmunks are turning your container plantings into digging grounds, circle them with hardware cloth to discourage their burrowing habits.

Keep an eye on potential indoor gateways too, like under your garage door. A solid rubber gasket can block their entry.

Scent-based repellents can be hit or miss, especially since rain can wash them away. If you do go that route, pair it with another deterrent method.