🌿 Protecting Your Garden from Common Desert Pests

Early Summer Pest Watch in Phoenix, AZ

As temps climb into the mid-80s (and rising!), things start waking up in the garden—and we’re not just talking about plants. The warmer weather in the low desert brings out a handful of persistent garden pests that can quickly stress your plants if left unchecked.

But here’s the good news: you don’t need harsh chemicals to keep your plants healthy. With the right mix of awareness and natural strategies, you can manage summer pests without upsetting the balance of your garden.

🐜 Common Pests to Watch for in Early Summer

Aphids

These tiny, soft-bodied insects love tender new growth and tend to cluster on stems and the undersides of leaves. They suck sap from plants and can cause curling, yellowing, and stunted growth.

Natural control: Spray them off with a blast of water, encourage ladybugs (they eat them!), or use a neem oil or insecticidal soap spray.

Spider Mites

These microscopic pests thrive in hot, dry weather and are common on stressed plants. Look for speckled or dusty-looking leaves and tiny webs along stems.

Natural control: Increase humidity around the plant with regular misting, spray with neem oil, or introduce predatory mites (available at some garden centers).

Whiteflies

Like aphids, these flying pests feed on plant sap and often hang out on the undersides of leaves. You’ll notice a cloud of tiny white bugs when disturbed.

Natural control: Yellow sticky traps can help monitor and reduce their numbers. Neem oil and insecticidal soap work well with repeated applications.

Leaf Miners

If you see squiggly lines or blotchy trails on your leaves, you’re probably dealing with leaf miners. These pests are larvae that tunnel between the leaf layers.

Natural control: Prune off heavily affected leaves and apply neem oil early in the life cycle to disrupt the larvae.

Mealybugs

These cottony-looking pests cluster on stems, leaf joints, and roots. They feed on sap and excrete a sticky substance that attracts ants.

Natural control: Wipe them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or use insecticidal soap on light infestations.

🧪 General Tips for Natural Pest Prevention

• Keep plants healthy. Stressed or overwatered plants attract more pests. Water early in the day and use mulch to retain moisture without overdoing it.
• Use companion planting. Marigolds, basil, and nasturtiums can help repel pests and attract beneficial insects.
• Encourage natural predators. Ladybugs, lacewings, and birds are your best allies—don’t chase them off!
• Avoid over-fertilizing. Too much nitrogen can trigger soft, fast growth that pests love.
• Inspect plants regularly. Early detection is key. Flip leaves over and check new growth every few days.

🌸 Keep It Natural. Keep It Thriving.

At The Green Goddess, we believe your garden should be beautiful and balanced. We stock a variety of natural pest control products and can help you identify issues before they become problems.

Stop by and chat with our team—we’re always happy to help you create a healthy, pest-resistant garden that thrives in the Arizona heat.