How to Keep Annoying Garden Pests Away This Summer

Summer’s perfect for enjoying the garden – until garden pests show up and start causing trouble. From chewed-up leaves to sticky stems, they know exactly how to spoil the mood.

The thing is, most common summer garden pests only need a bit of moisture or mess to move in. But don’t worry – harsh chemicals aren’t the only option.

This guide walks you through simple, nature-friendly ways to stop bugs in their tracks. Whether it’s a bit of clever planting or switching to artificial grass, you’ll find plenty of ideas to keep your garden pest-free all season long.

Recognise the Most Common Garden Pests in Summer

So, first things first – who exactly are you up against? Knowing what’s eating your plants (literally) helps you stop the problem before it spreads.

Here are a few common summer garden pests that tend to show up once the weather warms up:

• Aphids – These tiny, soft-bodied bugs like to cluster on new growth. If your plants look sticky or the leaves are curling inwards, aphids might be the culprits.
  
  

• Slugs and snails – Often found after rainfall, they leave slimy trails and big, uneven holes in leaves, usually overnight.
  
  

• Ants – While not always harmful, ants can farm aphids, making the problem worse. You'll notice them moving in lines or building small soil mounds.
  
  

• Whiteflies – Small, white, moth-like insects that hide under leaves and fly up in clouds when disturbed. They drain plants and leave behind sticky residue.
  
  

Spotting early signs – like yellowing leaves or honeydew – can be just enough of a heads-up to take action fast.

Understand What Draws Pests to Your Garden

Some gardens practically invite pests in – without even trying. Damp patches, cluttered corners, and rotting plants make it easy for bugs to settle down and multiply.

Soggy soil or waterlogged pots are ideal for slugs and mosquitoes. Piles of leaves or old containers give ants and beetles somewhere to hide. And anything decaying? That’s dinner, as far as pests are concerned.

Tidy, dry, and well-kept spaces are far less tempting. If certain spots in your garden rarely see the sun or stay damp, those are the ones to fix first.

Keep Things Clean: Tidy Spaces Deter Pests

It might sound obvious, but just keeping things neat really does make a difference. Pests don’t like tidy gardens – there’s less shelter, fewer hiding spots, and not as much food lying around.

Here’s a quick checklist to keep your space less pest-friendly:

• Trim back overgrown plants and hedges

• Rake up fallen leaves and petals

• Clear away dead or damaged plants

• Store tools and pots off the ground

• Sweep up debris from patios and pathways

• Regularly check for signs of rot or water pooling

These small jobs, done often, stop clutter from building up and give pests fewer places to settle. It also helps you spot any problems early, before an aphid or ant army sets up camp. So, a quick tidy here and there? Totally worth it.

Use Natural Remedies Like Herbs and Oils

Not keen on spraying chemicals all over your garden? You're not alone. Natural pest control can be surprisingly effective – and a lot kinder to your plants, pets, and the planet.

Here are a few natural go-tos:

• Peppermint oil – Mix with water and spray around doorways or garden furniture. Most bugs can’t stand it.

• Neem oil – Great for stopping insects from feeding and laying eggs. Just dilute and mist your plants.

• Garlic spray – Pungent but effective, it masks plant scents and puts off a wide range of pests.

Certain herbs are brilliant too. Try growing these near your problem spots:

• Lavender – Repels moths, flies, and beetles

• Basil – Keeps mosquitoes and whiteflies away

• Rosemary – Helps deter slugs and cabbage moths

So, if you're after a safer way to tackle unwanted guests, nature often has it covered.

Try Companion Planting to Ward Off Insects

Companion planting for pests is like gardening with a bit of strategy. Some plants just don’t get on with bugs, and when placed next to others, they can offer a kind of natural protection.

For example:

• Marigolds give off a scent that confuses aphids and whiteflies. Plant them alongside tomatoes or beans.

• Basil does double duty – it deters mosquitoes and flies, and it’s a great match next to peppers.

• Chives can help keep away aphids when dotted near carrots or lettuce.

It’s a simple way to protect your garden without doing much extra work. You're growing plants anyway – they might as well help each other out.

Consider Artificial Plants and Lawns as Low-Risk Options

Here’s the thing – pests love soil, moisture, and organic matter. Take all that away, and they’re far less interested. That’s one reason artificial grass and plants are becoming popular with anyone tired of garden pests.

No real roots means no food source for insects like ants, beetles, or slugs. And with no damp soil or mulch to hide in, you’ll get fewer surprise visits from unwanted guests.

Tuda Grass has a few options that cut down on pest problems while keeping your garden looking lush:

• Artificial grass
  With no soil or natural thatch, it’s not exactly bug-friendly. Great for high-traffic areas where you’d rather not deal with muddy patches or insect trails.

• Artificial living walls
  These add texture and greenery without the upkeep. No watering means no soggy spots where pests can breed.

• Topiary balls
  All the shape and structure of traditional topiary, none of the clipping or bug-attracting bark. Just place and enjoy.

• Artificial trees
  A bit of height and visual interest, minus the mulch, leaf drop, or nesting spots pests tend to go for.

Here’s what you get:

• No muddy mess

• No seasonal browning

• No bug-attracting decay

• Minimal maintenance

• Year-round greenery

For anyone after pest-resistant garden ideas that actually last, going artificial could be the easiest win.

Limit Damp Spots and Still Water Around the Garden

Still water is basically a party invitation for mosquitoes and a few other flying pests. If it hangs around long enough, it becomes the perfect breeding ground.

It’s usually the little things – trays under pots, clogged gutters, buckets left out after a clean-up. Even watering too often can cause problems if the soil stays wet.

To keep things in check:

• Empty containers after rain

• Fix dripping taps and hoses

• Space out watering so soil dries properly

• Use gravel or stones to improve drainage

Simple tweaks like these can really help deter garden insects without changing your whole setup.

Use Nets, Covers, and Simple Barriers

Sometimes, keeping garden pests out is as easy as putting something in their way. Physical barriers don’t rely on sprays or scents – they just block access.

Here are a few handy ones to try:

• Fine netting over fruit and veg beds to stop birds and insects

• Row covers that let in light and water but keep bugs out

• Raised beds which make it harder for crawling pests to reach your plants

• Cloche tunnels for younger or delicate crops

They’re not fancy, but they work – especially when combined with natural pest control and regular garden upkeep.