Slugs and snails back as most troublesome pests
12 January 2012
Slugs and snails are once again number one in the top 10 of garden pests in 2011. Viburnum beetle temporarily knocked the gastropods off the top spot in 2010, but the latter have made a return to number one last year.
The RHS Entomology team, based at RHS Garden Wisley, compile their annual list of garden pests based on enquiries by RHS members to its Advisory Service during the last year. It comments; 'nearly all gardens suffer from slugs and snails and since they damage a wide range of plants it is not surprising that they often generate most enquiries.'
The 2011 RHS list features two pests making their debut in the top 10; fuchsia gall mite, at number six and leek moth, at number eight (see below).
Are your fuchsias affected by gall mite?
Fuchsia gall mite was discovered in a garden in Hampshire in 2007 and sent to RHS Members' Advisory Service. Subsequently it has become established along the south coast and is moving northwards. 'This is a devastating, microscopic pest of fuchsias that will probably eventually spread throughout Britain,' says RHS Principal Entomologist Andrew Halstead. 'Unfortunately there are no effective pesticides for garden use. Because the damage cannot be controlled, it may lead to a decline in the popularity of this valuable garden plant.'
Top Ten reported pests