Pests & Disease

Welcome to my Pests & Disease page—I know, that just sounds SOOOOO inviting lol

In this corner of the garden, we get to talk about all the problems any gardener—distinguished or brand new—is going to face. Bugs and disease are a fact of life, something we all have to deal with, but how we deal with them is what matters.

Before we dive in, I want to say this: while there are many ways to combat pests and diseases, I prefer to let nature do most of the work. While I’m not an organic gardener, there are a number of reasons I stay away from insecticides whenever possible. 

For one, I find it far less stressful to plant in abundance and hand-pick caterpillars or worms than to spray chemicals and worry about things like Pre-Harvest Intervals (PHI) or whether a product is even appropriate for a particular crop.

I also think about the beneficial insects that aid in controlling the nasty ones. Spraying something that kills off the nasties will most likely harm the friendlies just as much. 

It’s true—this method doesn’t always save plants, and that's ok. It’s actually rare that I end the season with less harvest than I desire. 

That being said, let’s take a stroll through the rogues’ gallery and meet the troublemakers.

Fire Ants

Fire ant myths, facts, and real solutions. A clear, humorous guide to what kills fire ants, what doesn’t, and how to protect your garden.

Glassy-winged sharpshooters

Glassy‑winged sharpshooters explained with humor—what they do, why they spit, the real plant risks, and how gardeners can cope with this nuisance.

Roly-Poly Pill Bugs

Friend or foe? Learn why roly-poly pill bugs are actually land-based crustaceans that clean your soil, and how to manage them around young seedlings.

Squash Bugs & Vine Borers—Two Very Determined & Serious Pests

Squash bugs and vine borers hit hard and fast. Understand their habits, spot the signs early, and use practical methods to keep your squash thriving.