One good resource for garden pests is the University of Florida's IFAS - Institute of Food and Agricultural Services. Another one is Jerry Baker, I have one of his books entitled Terrific Gardening Tonics. He uses such things as baby shampoo, dishwashing liquid, and even mouthwash for these pests.

[b]Member Experience: Diatomaceous Earth vs. Permethrin Dust[/b]
I wanted to share my personal results with pest control. I bought a 50 lb bag of diatomaceous earth (DE) and, in my opinion, it was a waste of money. I saw little to no difference in pest reduction with DE. Now, I use dust with permethrin and have had much better success keeping pests under control in my garden.

[b]Everyone’s Experience Is Different[/b]
I know some gardeners swear by diatomaceous earth (DE), but for me, it just didn’t work out—I saw little to no effect. That’s the thing about gardening: what works for one person’s garden (and pests) might not work for another. I had much better luck using permethrin dust.

[b]Have you used DE or something else?[/b]
I’d love to hear from others about what’s has worked, or what has not in your gardens. Sharing both successes and failures helps everyone learn!

[b][i]This topic is for sharing help, photos, and advice on garden pests of all kinds—bugs, animals, and more. Whether you’re new to gardening or a seasoned grower, all experiences and questions are welcome![/i][/b]

[b][size=130]1. Common Garden Pests[/size][/b][list]
[*][b]Aphids:[/b] Tiny green, black, or white insects found on new growth; cause curling/wilting.
[*][b]Squash Bugs:[/b] Brown/gray bugs, attack squash and pumpkin.
[*][b]Tomato Hornworms:[/b] Large green caterpillars with a horn; eat tomato leaves and fruit.
[*][b]Slugs & Snails:[/b] Slimy, leave holes in leaves; visible in damp, shady spots.
[*][b]Cucumber Beetles:[/b] Yellow-green beetles with black stripes or spots.
[*][b]Cutworms:[/b] Fat caterpillars that chew stems near soil line; seedlings topple.
[*][b]Flea Beetles:[/b] Small, black jumping beetles; “shot hole” damage in leaves.
[*][b]Colorado Potato Beetles:[/b] Yellow/orange with black stripes; defoliate potatoes, eggplant.
[*][b]Whiteflies:[/b] Tiny white flying insects on undersides of leaves.
[*][b]Leaf Miners:[/b] Larvae making winding tunnels in leaves.
[*][b]Others? Add your pest to this thread![/list]

[b][size=130]2. Signs & Symptoms[/size][/b][list]
[*]Chewed or ragged leaves
[*]Holes, yellowing, wilting
[*]Sticky residue (“honeydew”)
[*]Black spots (sooty mold) or white powder/mildew
[*]Droppings or visible pests on plants[/list]

[b][size=130]3. Natural & Organic Solutions[/size][/b][list]
[*][b]Hand-picking[/b] and destroying large pests
[*][b]Row covers[/b] for seedling protection
[*][b]Neem oil[/b] or [b]insecticidal soap[/b] sprays
[*][b]Diatomaceous earth[/b] sprinkled around plants
[*][b]Companion planting:[/b] Marigolds, nasturtium, etc., to deter pests
[*][b]Encourage beneficial insects:[/b] Ladybugs, lacewings, birds
[*][b]Regular garden clean-up/clipping[/b] for prevention[/list]

[b][size=130]4. Animal Pests[/size][/b]
[list]
[*]Deer, rabbits, squirrels, birds, voles
[*][b]Solutions:[/b] Fencing, netting, motion-activated sprinklers, pinwheels, safe repellents[/list]

[b][size=130]5. Chemical Solutions (As a last resort)[/size][/b]
[list]
[*]Use only if organic or physical controls fail.
[*]Always follow label instructions and keep safe from pets, kids, wildlife.
[*]Post your experiences or questions here about any product.[/list]

[b][size=130]6. Share Your Experience![/size][/b]
[list]
[*]Post clear photos of pests or damage for ID—someone here can help!
[*]Share what natural or creative solutions worked (or flopped) for you.
[*]Ask questions or start a “What’s bugging your garden this week?” thread.[/list]

[b][i]Happy gardening! Let’s keep our plants healthy—together![/i][/b]