Home Vegetable Gardens & Pest Control
Home gardens are a source of pride, fresh food, and a connection to nature—but they’re also vulnerable to unwanted pests like aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, and caterpillars. Instead of reaching for chemical sprays, many gardeners are turning to biological control—introducing beneficial insects like nematodes, predatory insects, and predatory mites that target common pests without harming pollinators or the environment. Nematodes can be applied to the soil to control root-dwelling pests like grubs and weevil larvae. By using biocontrols, home gardeners can create a healthier, more balanced ecosystem right in their backyard—protecting their vegetables while supporting the long-term health of the garden.
Monitoring & Mass Trapping
Weekly monitoring is the most important component of any outdoor pest management program, especially in home gardens where early detection is key to effective biocontrol. While Horiver sticky cards and roller tape are useful for monitoring pest presence, they are not suited for mass trapping outdoors due to the chance of them capturing natural insects. Instead, growers should rely on pest-specific tools such as pheromone traps and lure-based delta or bucket traps, which are designed for targeted mass trapping of species like moths, weevils, or flies. These traps use species-specific attractants to draw in large numbers of pests, helping to reduce population pressure while providing accurate data on pest trends. Regular weekly scouting combined with the strategic use of specialized traps allows for timely intervention and ensures biocontrol programs stay aligned with actual pest activity in the garden.
Incorporating flowering plants into and around home gardens is a powerful way to attract and support natural insect allies. Nectar- and pollen-rich species such as alyssum, dill, yarrow, and buckwheat provide essential food sources for beneficial insects like hoverflies, parasitic wasps, and lacewings—many of which are important natural enemies of aphids, thrips, and caterpillars. These supportive plantings help build local populations of beneficials and increase their activity and effectiveness within the crop. By creating a more biodiverse environment, growers can enhance natural pest suppression and improve the overall resilience of their integrated pest management (IPM) program. Choosing flower species that bloom throughout the season ensures a steady supply of resources for beneficial insects, encouraging them to stay and reproduce near the crop where their impact is needed most.
Jump-to:
Thrips Control Products
Thripex-V
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Preventative:
- 300 predatory mites per square meter
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Elimination:
- 500 predatory mites per square meter
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Repeat Applications:
- Bi-weekly or as needed
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Notes:
- Feeds on 1st instar thrips larvae. Apply weekly until plants are sold or the first frost has hit the flowers in the field. Best applied using the Mini Air Bug applicator.
Chrysopa
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Preventative:
- N/A
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Elimination:
- 50 insects per square meter
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Repeat Applications:
- Weekly or bi-weekly as needed
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Notes:
- Aphids are extremely difficult to eradicate using biologicals only.
Entomite
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Preventative:
- 50-100 predatory mites per square meter
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Elimination:
- 200 predatory mites per square meter
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Repeat Applications:
- Once at planting
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Notes:
- Feeds on the thrips pupae that are in the soil.
Entonem
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Preventative:
- N/A
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Elimination:
- 500,000 nematodes per meter square
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Repeat Applications:
- Bi-weekly or as needed
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Notes:
- For fast results, use in conjunction with Entomite. Works thrips pupae. Apply once the plants are planted out in the field.
Entomite
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Preventative:
- 300 mites per square meter
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Elimination:
- 400 mites per square meter
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Repeat Applications:
- Once per crop cycle
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Notes:
- Feeds on thrips pupae. Apply after plants have been planted in the field.
Whitefly Control Products
Swirski
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Preventative:
- N/A
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Elimination:
- 300 predatory mites per square meter
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Repeat Applications:
- Weekly or bi-weekly as needed
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Notes:
- Swirski only feeds on eggs and larvae of whiteflies.
Swirski Ulti-mite
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Preventative:
- N/A
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Elimination:
- One sachet per plant
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Repeat Applications:
- Every 4 weeks
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Notes:
- Swirski only feeds on eggs and larvae of whiteflies.
Spider Mite Control Products
Spidex Vital
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Preventative:
- 100 per square meter
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Elimination:
- N/A
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Repeat Applications:
- Bi-weekly or as needed
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Notes:
- Feeds on all stages of spider mites, but does not do well in webbing.
Spical Ulti-Mite
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Preventative:
- One sachet per meter square
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Elimination:
- N/A
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Repeat Applications:
- Every 4 weeks
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Notes:
- Feeds on all stages of spider mites, but does not do well in webbing.
Spidex Red
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Preventative:
- N/A
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Elimination:
- 100-150 predatory mites per square meter
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Repeat Applications:
- Bi-weekly or as needed
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Notes:
- This product feeds on all stages of spider mites. Apply directly into the spider mite hot spot.
Aphid Control Products
Caterpillar Control Products
Growth Promotion & Root Disease Products
Home Vegetable Gardens Solutions by Pest:
