How to prevent seven common Autumn bugs from ruining your garden

Britons are being told of the most common bugs found in gardens during Autumn and how to prevent them from ruining the space.

Gardening experts at GardeningExpress.co.uk have identified six pests that will start appearing in gardens this Autumn.

The change in season and shift to colder weather will result in a new flock of bugs and pests appearing in backyards over the coming weeks.

While some cause little harm and can provide a healthy ecosystem to the space, nobody wants to discover that an infestation has resulted in damage to their plants.

Bugs such as spiders, green shield bugs, slugs and even cockroaches are commonly found in gardens during Autumn.

The experts are advising how to prevent the pesky bugs from ruining gardens without causing them any harm.

Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress.co.uk said: “As we head into the Autumn season, it’s likely many Brits will find a new array of bugs in their gardens.

“Creepy crawlies like spiders, cockroaches and slugs are common in gardens at this time of the year. Each have their own benefits in the garden and at times can be left alone to promote a healthy ecosystem.

“But nobody wants them ruining their garden by eating plants or damaging grass. That’s why we want to offer advice on how to deter them from the garden without causing them any harm.”

Here is how to keep autumn bugs and pests away from gardens:

1. Spiders 

September is prime spider mating season which results in many creepy crawlies spawning in gardens. They hate the scent of peppermint and mint, so it’s worth either planting them around the garden or spraying their essence to deter these insects away

2. Green shield bugs 

Green shield bugs known as green stink bugs like to lay their eggs on plant leaves. They’re attracted to lights, so try to keep any outdoor ones dimly lit when it gets dark

3. Wasps 

Plant herbs like basil and mint around areas you don’t want wasps to invade as the strong scent will deter them away.

4. Fleas 

Fleas can ruin a garden by damaging the lawn and creating bare patches. Make sure to keep on top of general garden care like weeding and mowing to remove any potential hiding spaces. It’s also worth checking your pet’s fur in case the fleas have latched on while they run around the garden.

5. Slugs 

Don’t be surprised if you start to see an array of them in your garden as mid-Autumn is the start of slug mating season. To lower the chance of them eating your plants, reduce evening watering so the top soil is not as wet at night, as slugs thrive in damp conditions

6. Cockroaches

Gardens are home to many cockroaches in autumn as the weather begins to get colder. To limit this presence, make sure there are no food sources for them to have a reason to stay. Pick up any fallen fruit or any scraps in the garden.

7. Aphids

Aphids are most active during the Spring and Autumn months and can damage a range of plants, causing discolouration and stunted growth. The scent from planting things like onions and garlic can help keep them away.