After clearing land, putting down soil, and planting seeds, your beautiful garden will start to produce delicious vegetables and vibrant foliage. Unfortunately, ants, flies and other insects can destroy what you’ve worked so hard to grow. There are some clear signs that the unwanted critters have invaded—here are several to pay attention to and how the right gardening supplies can stop them in their tracks.

4 Ways to Tell If Insects Are Destroying Your Garden

Tunnels in Fruits & Vegetables

Pay attention to tunnel patterns in your garden’s produce. Certain species of caterpillars are known to slowly eat their way through fruits and vegetables. The insects also like to chew along the edges of leaves.

Stem Damage

Cutworms will attack stems from their bases, right above ground. Without that protective covering, stems are vulnerable to disease. The worms are also vociferous chewers of new sprouts. If you notice any of these signs, cutworms are the likely culprits. 

Small Holes in Leaves

Another red flag that insects have taken over your garden is a proliferation of small, round holes in leaves. Flea beetles leave their calling card this way. The critters are also known to devour plant roots, which can cause stems to brown and collapse. Certain gardening supplies serve as deterrents for these destructive beetles.

Wilted Leaves & Produce

When insects suck the sap and nutrients from plants, leaves and produce will both wilt. Called “plant bugs,” these insects drink the juices from fruits, vegetables and leaves. Unfortunately, young seedlings don’t stand a chance to grow into mature plants.

From repellents and weed killers to mulch, there is a wide range of gardening supplies available to protect your garden. Racine’s Feed Garden & Supply, Inc. in Robertsdale, AL, continues to be the go-to source for the area’s largest inventory of products, including organic brands. Stop by today for assistance with solutions for keeping unwanted insects away. If you’re looking for a certain product, call (251) 947-3003 and a friendly representative will gladly assist. Visit the website for extensive information on the store’s gardening supplies.