Summer Pest Survival Cheat Sheet
A quick-action plan for zone 9b (and warm zones): scout fast, treat smart, protect beneficials, and keep harvests rolling all summer.
Download the Printable Cheat Sheet (PDF)
Covers: aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, caterpillars (including hornworms), squash bugs, leaf miners, thrips, flea beetles.
Quick ID (What am I seeing?)
| Signs | Likely Pest |
|---|
| Sticky leaves, ants farming, curled tips | Aphids |
| Tiny white “snow” when disturbed | Whiteflies |
| Fine webbing, speckled/yellowing leaves | Spider mites |
| Chewed leaves/fruit, frass (black crumbs) | Caterpillars / Hornworms |
| Signs | Likely Pest |
|---|
| Yellow specks → lace-like holes | Flea beetles |
| Squash wilting + brown eggs on leaves | Squash bugs |
| White squiggles inside leaves | Leaf miners |
| Silvery streaks, distorted blossoms | Thrips |
Fast Action Plan (IPM)
- Scout Daily: Flip leaves; check tender growth, undersides, and blooms.
- Knock Back: Blast with water (AM) to dislodge soft pests; repeat 2–3×/week.
- Spot-Treat Smart:
Soap spray for aphids/whiteflies,
Neem (azadirachtin) at dusk for chewing/sucking pests,
BT (k.) for caterpillars only.
- Protect Beneficials: Spray at dusk; avoid blooms; spot-spray vs. blanket.
- Break the Cycle: Remove heavily infested leaves; destroy eggs; sanitize tools.
- Feed & Water Right: Avoid over-fertilizing (soft growth invites pests); keep plants evenly watered.
By-Pest Quick Treatments
Aphids
- Water blast undersides; repeat.
- Soap spray (castile/insecticidal): cover pests, rinse in morning sun.
- Introduce/protect lady beetles & lacewings.
- Full Aphid Action Plan →
Whiteflies
- Shake leaves; vacuum or water blast.
- Yellow sticky traps; soap spray at dusk.
- Neem for hotspots; repeat weekly ×2–3.
Spider Mites
- Fine mist + water blast; raise humidity.
- Insecticidal soap; rotate with neem oil.
- Focus on leaf undersides; repeat every 3–5 days.
Caterpillars / Hornworms
- Hand-pick at dusk; check for white parasitoid cocoons (keep those hornworms).
- BT (kurstaki) on chewed areas; reapply after sun/rain.
Squash Bugs
- Remove bronze egg clusters (leaf undersides) into soapy water.
- Hand-catch nymphs early; use boards as traps overnight.
- Neem on nymph clusters at dusk.
Leaf Miners
- Pinch off mined leaves; bag & trash.
- Use row cover on new plantings.
- Neem as a preventative on new leaves.
Thrips
- Blue/yellow sticky traps; remove spent blossoms.
- Soap or neem at dusk; repeat weekly ×2–3.
Flea Beetles
- Row cover early; trap crops (radish).
- Kaolin clay film or neem rotation; keep plants vigorous.
Weekly Summer Schedule (At-a-Glance)
| Day | Scouting | Action | Notes |
|---|
| Mon | Full garden scan | Water blast soft pests | Focus on undersides |
| Tue | Hotspot check | Spot-treat: soap | Rinse in AM sun if residue |
| Wed | Night check | Hand-pick caterpillars | Use headlamp |
| Thu | Re-scan | Neem at dusk (as needed) | Avoid blooms; protect bees |
| Fri | New growth check | Refresh traps / BT on chewed leaves | Reapply after rain |
| Sat | Deep clean | Remove infested leaves | Bag & trash—don’t compost |
| Sun | Rest + review | Adjust plan | Note what worked |
