Surreal illustration of garden pests invading a lush garden

Uninvited Guests: How to Identify and Manage Common Garden Pests

Mira Elwood in Climate & Environment August 2025 • 3 min read.

"Protecting Your Plants: A Practical Guide to Dealing with Pests"

Gardening can be a rewarding hobby, but it also comes with its challenges. One of the most common frustrations for gardeners is dealing with pests. These uninvited guests can wreak havoc on your plants, causing damage and stunting growth. Understanding how to identify and manage these pests is essential for maintaining a healthy and vibrant garden.

This article will guide you through the identification and management of several common garden pests, including woodlice, millipedes, nematodes, slugs, and snails. By learning about these pests and the damage they cause, you can take proactive steps to protect your plants and ensure a thriving garden.

We'll cover everything from recognizing the signs of infestation to implementing effective control measures. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to tackle garden pests head-on.

Woodlice: Identifying and Managing These Common Crustaceans

Surreal illustration of garden pests invading a lush garden

Woodlice, also known as pillbugs or roly-polies, are small crustaceans that thrive in damp environments. They are often found in gardens, greenhouses, and other areas where moisture is abundant. While they primarily feed on decaying organic matter, they can sometimes damage young plants and seedlings.

There are several species of woodlice commonly found in gardens. Two of the most prevalent are:

Armadillidium nasatum (Blunt Snout Pillbug): Characterized by a blunt snout, this species is often found in heated greenhouses and can cause damage to ornamental plants.
Armadillidium vulgare (Common Pillbug): This species is commonly found in unheated greenhouses and garden frames, causing damage to plant roots and seedlings.

To manage woodlice effectively, consider the following tips:

Cultivate a Thriving Garden, Pest-Free

By understanding the habits and identifying the signs of common garden pests, you can take proactive steps to protect your plants and create a thriving garden ecosystem. While dealing with pests can be frustrating, remember that a little knowledge and effort can go a long way in keeping your garden healthy and beautiful. Whether you're battling woodlice, millipedes, nematodes, slugs, or snails, the strategies outlined in this guide will empower you to manage these challenges effectively and enjoy the fruits (and vegetables, and flowers) of your labor.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/b978-0-12-398515-6.50004-5, Alternate LINK

Title: Miscellaneous Pests

Journal: Pests of Ornamental Trees, Shrubs and Flowers

Publisher: Elsevier

Authors: David V Alford

Published: 2012-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What are woodlice, and how do species like Armadillidium nasatum and Armadillidium vulgare impact gardens?

Woodlice, such as *Armadillidium nasatum* (Blunt Snout Pillbug) and *Armadillidium vulgare* (Common Pillbug), are crustaceans that thrive in damp environments. While they primarily feed on decaying organic matter, they can cause damage to young plants and seedlings. *Armadillidium nasatum* is often found in heated greenhouses and can harm ornamental plants, while *Armadillidium vulgare* is common in unheated greenhouses and garden frames, damaging plant roots and seedlings.

Why is it important to protect plants from common garden pests such as woodlice, millipedes, nematodes, slugs, and snails?

Protecting plants from pests like woodlice, millipedes, nematodes, slugs, and snails is crucial for a thriving garden. Identifying these pests and understanding their habits allows gardeners to take proactive steps, ensuring a healthy and vibrant garden ecosystem. Effective management strategies can empower gardeners to tackle these challenges head-on and enjoy the rewards of their labor.

How can understanding the habits of common garden pests like woodlice, millipedes, nematodes, slugs, and snails help in creating a pest-free garden?

To create a pest-free environment, understanding the habits of pests like woodlice, millipedes, nematodes, slugs, and snails is essential. By identifying signs of infestation and implementing effective control measures, gardeners can protect their plants and foster a thriving garden ecosystem. This proactive approach minimizes damage and promotes healthy plant growth.

What is the broader impact of pests like Armadillidium nasatum and Armadillidium vulgare on garden health and productivity?

The impact of *Armadillidium nasatum* and *Armadillidium vulgare* extends beyond mere nuisance. Their feeding habits can stunt the growth of young plants and seedlings, potentially leading to significant losses in ornamental plants and crops. Gardeners must implement effective control measures to mitigate these effects and maintain a healthy garden ecosystem. This proactive approach ensures the vitality and productivity of the garden.

How do the strategies for managing garden pests like woodlice, millipedes, nematodes, slugs, and snails contribute to the overall health and beauty of a garden?

While managing pests like woodlice, millipedes, nematodes, slugs and snails can be challenging, the strategies discussed provide gardeners with the knowledge and tools needed for effective control. Understanding the habits and signs of infestation, coupled with proactive measures, empowers gardeners to maintain a healthy and beautiful garden, ensuring the fruits, vegetables, and flowers of their labor thrive. However, the article lacks the specific strategies for each type of pest.