Remove Weeds and Fallen Leaves

Clearing weeds and debris eliminates hiding places for a variety of pests, including aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. These pests often use overgrown areas and plant litter for shelter and breeding.

Wash Plants Regularly

Spraying plants with water not only dislodges stink bugs but also helps remove aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, and even some caterpillars that feed on plant leaves. Washing can also disrupt pest eggs before they hatch.

Plant Natural Deterrents

Plants like marigolds, garlic, and buckwheat are known to repel more than just stink bugs. Marigolds, for example, help deter nematodes, aphids, whiteflies, and even mosquitoes. Garlic acts as a repellent for a wide range of pests, including caterpillars, beetles, and aphids.

Handpick Young Bugs

Handpicking is effective for stink bugs and other beetles, but can also be useful against other larger pests, such as caterpillars (like tomato hornworms), and leafhoppers, especially when the insects are still young or congregated in clusters.

Apply Insecticides

Insecticides that target beetles are often broad-spectrum, meaning they can also affect other pests like aphids, caterpillars, and leafhoppers. However, it's important to use insecticides carefully to avoid harming beneficial insects.

Use Biological Control

Predators and parasites that attack beetle eggs, like parasitic wasps, also target other garden pests such as caterpillars, whiteflies, and leafhoppers. Encouraging these beneficial insects supports a balanced ecosystem in your garden.

Harvest Early

Early harvesting is more about preventing damage from any bug, including tomato hornworms, fruit worms, and leaf-footed bugs, which feed on tomatoes.

By implementing these methods, you'll likely reduce the presence of several common garden pests while protecting your crops.