Common Pests in the Garden

Many gardens in the Netherlands and Belgium experience visits from insects and other small creatures. The most common pests include aphids, slugs, caterpillars, and sometimes spider mites or whiteflies. Not every insect is harmful, but some can cause visible damage to leaves or stems.

How to Recognise Pest Damage

• Chewed leaves: Irregular holes or missing edges often point to slugs or caterpillars.
• Sticky residue: Aphids and whiteflies can leave a sticky substance (honeydew) on leaves.
• Discoloured or curled leaves: May indicate sap-sucking insects like aphids or spider mites.
• Visible insects: Look for clusters of small green, black, or white insects (aphids), or trails of slime (slugs).

What Can You Do About Pests?

Most garden pests can be managed with simple, non-chemical methods. Remove visible pests by hand where possible, especially slugs and caterpillars. Encourage natural predators like birds and ladybirds by keeping your garden varied and not too tidy. Avoid using pesticides unless absolutely necessary, as they can harm beneficial insects as well.

For mild infestations, rinsing leaves with water or removing affected parts can help. If damage is severe or spreading quickly, review your plant's health and growing conditions—stress can make plants more vulnerable to pests.

When Is Action Needed?

Not every pest requires immediate intervention. If only a few leaves are affected and the plant is otherwise healthy, you can often wait and observe. Take action if you see rapid spread, severe leaf loss, or if young plants are at risk. Always try to identify the pest before deciding on further steps.