Nighttime Garden Pests: What You Need to Know and How to Protect Your Garden

Nighttime garden pests can be a real problem for homeowners and gardeners. They can wreak havoc on your hard work and leave you with a disappointing harvest. With so many different types of pests out there, it can be difficult to know which ones are causing damage to your garden. In this article, we will look at 37 nighttime garden pests and provide some tips on how to prevent and control them. 

1. Aphids- These small, soft-bodied, insects feed on the sap of plants and can cause the leaves to curl and turn yellow. Use a mixture of neem oil and water to spray the infected plant. Neem oil is a natural insecticide that repels and kills aphids. For prevention, plant marigolds near the infected plant. The scent of marigolds repels aphids.

2. Armyworms- These caterpillar-like insects consume the leaves of plants and can cause extensive damage. Mix 3 to 4 garlic cloves in a blender, add a little water, and let it rest overnight. Strain it, add more water, and spray it on plants. Garlic spray repels insects like armyworms, and it provides a strong smell that keeps them at bay. For prevention, planting marigolds, mint, and basil repels insects like armyworms.

3. Bagworms- These moth larvae construct protective bags from plant material and can cause damage to trees and shrubs. These little destructive worms can destroy entire trees. One natural way to get rid of bagworms is to manually remove them from the affected trees or plants. This can be done by physically picking off the bags and crushing them, or by using a stick or other tool to scrape them off. For prevention, attract natural predators such as birds, which feed on bagworms. Additionally, applying a solution of neem oil or garlic extract to the affected plants can help repel bagworms.

4. Borers- These insects are particularly fond of trees and can kill a tree by burrowing in the wood. Place sticky traps near the affected plants to trap the adult borers. This prevents them from laying eggs on the plants. Introduce beneficial nematodes to the soil. These microscopic organisms feed on the larvae of borers. Prune any damaged or infested branches on the affected plants to prevent the borers from spreading.

5. Boxelder Bugs- These bugs feed on the sap of trees and can be found in large numbers on a single tree. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth powder around the perimeter of your house, garden, and other areas where you see boxelder bugs. The powder will dehydrate the bugs and kill them. Peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree oils are known to repel boxelder bugs. Mix a few drops of these oils with water and spray the solution around the areas where the bugs are present.

6. Cabbage Looper- These caterpillars feed on cruciferous plants and can consume entire leaves. Cover your cabbage plants with row covers to prevent cabbage loopers from laying their eggs on the leaves. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt): This is a natural bacteria that can be sprayed on your cabbage plants to kill cabbage loopers. Bt won't harm beneficial insects or humans, making it a safe and effective option.

7. Cabbage Worms- These caterpillars are commonly found on cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower plants. The most effective way to get rid of cabbage worms is by physically removing them from the plants. You can handpick them and drop them in a bucket of soapy water. To prevent cabbage worms from infesting your plants, rotate your cabbage family crops with non-brassica crops like beans, peas, and carrots to prevent the worms from laying eggs. Plant aromatic herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage around your cabbage family plants. The strong smell of these herbs repels cabbage worms.

8. Carpenter Ants- These ants burrow into wood and can cause structural damage to buildings and homes. One natural way to get rid of carpenter ants is to use diatomaceous earth. Sprinkle a thin layer of diatomaceous earth around areas where you have seen ant activity, such as windowsills and baseboards. The microscopic sharp edges of the diatomaceous earth will cut through the ants' exoskeletons, causing them to dehydrate and die. Another option is to use a mixture of equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray directly on the ants. The strong smell of the vinegar will deter the ants and disrupt their pheromone trails. You can also use essential oils like peppermint, tea tree, and lemon oil to repel ants. Mix a few drops of these oils with water and spray on areas where you see ants. 

9. Chinch Bugs- These small insects can destroy large areas of grass and can be difficult to control. You can purchase beneficial nematodes at gardening stores and use them to control chinch bug populations in your lawn. These small, parasitic worms will infect and kill chinch bug larvae without harming other life in your yard. Mixing essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, and tea tree in water and spraying the mixture into your lawn can help repel chinch bugs.

10. Cutworms- These caterpillars cut off the stems of plants at ground level. Sprinkling diatomaceous earth around the base of plants can help to kill cutworms. Planting herbs like dill, cilantro, or thyme near vulnerable plants can repel cutworms. Choosing plant varieties that are naturally resistant to cutworms can help prevent infestations. Cutworms prefer feeding on certain plants, so rotating crops each year can help reduce their numbers.

11. Earwigs- These insects feed on both live and dead plants and can be found hiding in moist areas. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of your home where earwigs are present. This will dehydrate the earwigs, eventually killing them. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water and spray it directly on the earwigs to kill them. Peppermint, lavender, and tea tree oil are natural insect repellents. Mix a few drops of any of these oils with water and spray it around the earwig-infested areas.

12. Flea Beetles- These beetles can cause damage to leaves, stems, and fruit of plants. Spray neem oil on the affected plants to repel and kill flea beetles. Planting plants such as marigolds, basil, or catnip near the plant that has flea beetle infestation can repel the pests. Place yellow sticky traps near the infested plants. Flea beetles are attracted to the color yellow, and the sticky trap will catch them.

13. Grasshoppers- These insects can cause extensive damage to crops and can be difficult to control. Some plants are known to repel grasshoppers, including garlic, onion, and cilantro. Planting these around your garden can help keep grasshoppers away. Neem oil is a natural insecticide that is safe for plants and animals. Spraying a neem oil solution on your plants can deter grasshoppers from feeding on them. Encouraging birds, such as chickens or guinea fowl, and small mammals, such as hedgehogs, to your garden can help control the grasshopper population.

14. Japanese Beetles- These insects are known for feeding on foliage of plants and can defoliate entire trees. Plant basil, catnip, chives, and other herbs around your garden, as these plants naturally repel Japanese beetles. Use row covers to protect your plants while the beetles are most active, usually in early summer. Apply milky spore to the lawn area where the grubs are feeding. This will help to kill the grubs and prevent future Japanese beetle infestations.

15. Lace Bugs- These bugs can cause discoloration and damage to the leaves of plants. One natural way to get rid of lace bugs is to introduce natural predators to the area, such as ladybugs or lacewing insects. Planting companion plants that repel lace bugs, such as garlic, chives, or petunias, can also help keep them away. Lastly, regularly removing dead or damaged leaves and debris from the plant can prevent lace bugs from infesting and breeding.

16. Leaf-Footed Bugs- These bugs can be found on fruit and vegetable plants and can cause the fruit to rot. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and praying mantises to your garden to help control the leaf-footed bugs. Neem oil contains compounds that repel and disrupt the feeding and mating patterns of leaf-footed bugs. Rotate your crops, so the leaf-footed bugs do not become established in your garden.

17. Leafhoppers- These insects can be found on a variety of plants and can cause damage to leaves. Spray the affected plants with water to knock off the leafhoppers from the plants. Introduce natural predators like ladybugs, lacewings, and praying mantises into your garden to feed on the leafhoppers. Plant companion plants such as marigolds, petunias, and basil which repel the leafhoppers.

18. Mealybugs- These small, white insects can be found on the leaves and stems of plants. Add a few drops of neem oil to water and spray on the affected plants. Repeat every week until the mealybugs are gone. Mix equal parts of rubbing alcohol and water in a spray bottle. Spray the affected areas every three days until the mealybugs are gone. Prune away heavily infested areas of the plant. Dispose of the infested material properly, away from your healthy plants.

19. Mites- These tiny insects can cause damage to leaves, flowers and fruit. Some essential oils such as tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, lavender oil, and clove oil have natural antifungal and anti-parasite properties that can help get rid of mites. Mix a few drops of essential oils with a carrier oil like coconut oil and apply it to the affected area after diluting it properly. Diatomaceous earth is a type of sedimentary rock that can be used to kill mites. Sprinkle some diatomaceous earth in areas where mites are present.

20. Mole Crickets- These insects can destroy large areas of grass by feeding on the roots. Mix garlic and water in a spray bottle and spray it on the affected area to repel mole crickets. Apply beneficial nematodes to the soil that will attack and kill mole cricket larvae. Apply milky spore to your lawn, which is a bacteria that kills mole crickets.

21. Mosquitos- These pests can transmit diseases to humans and animals. Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so make sure to eliminate any areas of standing water around your home. Empty and refill pet water bowls regularly and fix any leaky outdoor faucets or hoses. Some plants, like citronella, catnip, and peppermint, naturally repel mosquitoes. Plant these herbs in your garden or in pots near areas where you spend time outside. Essential oils like citronella, lemon eucalyptus, and lavender can be used as natural mosquito repellents. Mix a few drops of your preferred oil with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil and apply to exposed skin.

22. Moths- These insects can be found in gardens and can cause damage to plants. Cedarwood is a natural moth repellent cedar chips, blocks, and oil are all effective options. Sachets or sprays containing lavender have been known to repel moths, as well as bay leaves, which have a strong scent that repels moths. Mothballs are toxic and can be harmful to humans and pets. It's best to avoid using them and opt for natural solutions instead.

23. Scale Insects- These insects can cause damage to trees and shrubs by feeding on the sap. Use a soft-bristled brush or a cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol to gently wipe the scale insects away from the plant. Scale insects thrive in humid conditions. Increase the airflow around the plant by removing any objects that may block air circulation. Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can kill and repel scale insects. Mix 2 teaspoons of neem oil with 1 gallon of water and apply with a sprayer.

24. Slugs- These gastropods can cause damage to leaves, flowers, and the fruit of the plants. Slugs don't like to crawl over copper, so putting copper strips or tape around the perimeter of your garden or planters can prevent them from getting in. Bury small bowls or containers in the soil and then fill them with beer. Slugs will be attracted to the beer, crawl inside, and drown. Sprinkle used coffee grounds around the base of plants. The caffeine in the coffee is toxic to slugs, and the gritty texture of the grounds will deter them. Crushed eggshells sprinkled around the base of plants create a barrier that slugs don't like to crawl over.

25. Snails- These gastropods can cause damage to leaves, flowers, and the fruit of the plants. Seaweed mulch contains salts and minerals that snails detest, and it will also help improve soil fertility. Encouraging natural predators such as birds, beetles, and frogs can eat snails in your garden.

26. Spittlebugs- These bugs secrete a foam-like substance on plants and can be found in large clusters. Blast the plant with a strong stream of water to dislodge the spittlebugs. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to the garden as they feed on spittlebugs. Apply a natural insecticide like neem oil or insecticidal soap to the plant to kill the spittlebugs.

27. Spotted Lanternflies- These insects can cause damage to trees by feeding on the sap. Wrap sticky bands around the trunks of trees and plants to physically stop the spotted lanternflies from climbing up and down. Wrap a bubble wrap or cloth band around the trunk of a tree to capture and kill the spotted lanternfly. Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle and spray on the spotted lanternflies to repel or kill them. Look for spotted lanternfly egg masses on trees and other surfaces and remove them to prevent the hatchlings from emerging.

28. Squash Bugs- These bugs can cause damage to fruit and leaves of squash plants. Squash bugs are easy to spot, and you can get rid of them by handpicking them off the plants. Look for their eggs on the leaves, which are tiny and bronze colored. Remove and destroy them. Planting mint, marigolds, and catnip plants can help repel squash bugs. Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can be used to kill squash bugs. Mix a tablespoon of neem oil with a gallon of water and spray directly on the plants and the soil.

29. Stink Bugs- These bugs can cause damage to fruit, vegetables, and ornamental plants. Some natural repellents to stink bugs include garlic, peppermint oil, hot pepper spray, and vinegar. These can be applied to plants and other areas where stink bugs congregate. Certain plants like marigolds, nasturtiums, and garlic are known to repel stink bugs. Planting them alongside your crops can help keep stink bugs away.

30. Thrips- These insects can cause damage to flowers and can transmit diseases to plants. Cut off any parts of the plant that are heavily infested with thrips and dispose of them. Using reflective silver mulch can disorient thrips and prevent them from finding the plants. Planting herbs such as chives, garlic, and mint can deter thrips from your garden.

31. Tomato Hornworms- These caterpillars can cause damage to tomato plants. One natural way to get rid of tomato hornworms is to handpick them off your plants and dispose of them. Another method is to attract natural predators like parasitic wasps, ladybugs, and birds to your garden. Planting herbs like parsley and dill near your tomatoes can also help to repel tomato hornworms. Using a mixture of neem oil, garlic, and soap can also be effective in controlling these pests.

32. Whiteflies- These small insects can be found on the leaves of plants and can cause damage by sucking the sap. Certain plants, such as marigolds and petunias, can repel whiteflies. A natural insecticide, neem oil can help control whiteflies. Mix one tablespoon of neem oil with one gallon of water and spray the affected plants. Sticky traps can attract and hold adult whiteflies, reducing their numbers.

33. Wireworms- These pests can cause damage to the fruit and roots of plants. Rotate your crops to a different location every year. This will help reduce the population of wireworms. Cover the soil with a clear plastic sheet so that the heat trapped inside kills the wireworms present in the soil. Plant resistant crops like flax seed, wheat, rye, or lupins as they are less attractive to wireworms. 

34. African Black Beetles- These insects feed on the roots of plants and can cause damage to turfgrass. Crush a few garlic cloves and mix with water in a spray bottle. Spray it on the plants, as the scent of garlic repels insects. Plant herbs like basil, mint, or cilantro near your vegetables to deter beetles. These herbs have strong scents that can mask the scent of your plants, making them less attractive to beetles. Rotate your crops each season, as beetles tend to lay their eggs in the same spot year after year. By rotating your crops, you can disrupt the beetle life cycle and prevent infestations.

35. Alfalfa Weevil- These pests can cause extensive damage to alfalfa hay. Plant companion plants that can repel alfalfa weevils, such as tansy, catnip, and coriander, in the garden. Rotation of alfalfa with other non-host crops can break the life cycle of larvae and adult weevils. This method also prevents the buildup of the weevil population. Mix crushed garlic and water to make a spray which can repel and deter alfalfa weevils.

36. Corn Earworms- These caterpillars can cause damage to corn plants. One natural way to get rid of corn earworms in the garden is to use beneficial insects such as parasitic wasps and ladybugs to prey on the earworm larvae. Another method is to handpick the worms off corn ears and dispose of them by drowning or crushing them. Planting companion crops such as basil, marigold, and borage can also help to repel earworms. Additionally, rotating crops and removing and destroying any affected plants can help to prevent infestations from year to year.

37. Hessian Fly- These pests can cause damage to wheat and barley crops. Some wheat varieties have a natural resistance to the Hessian fly, so choosing those varieties can reduce infestations. Ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps are natural predators of Hessian fly larvae. Planting flowers that attract these insects can help control fly populations. Essential oils like neem oil, clove oil, and peppermint oil can act as natural insecticides to kill Hessian fly larvae without harming other beneficial insects. Just make sure to follow the instructions on the label and use them in moderation.