Warm weather and active plant growth make summer a busy period for many garden and flying pests. Regular inspections are often more useful than waiting until damage or insect activity becomes difficult to ignore.
Monitor box tree moth activity
Continue checking box plants for webbing, caterpillars, droppings and fresh feeding damage. Inspect inside the plant as well as the outer leaves. If you use a pheromone trap, check it regularly and replace the lure at the interval stated in its instructions.
Shop box tree traps and lures or learn how to recognise box tree caterpillar damage.
Check fruit and ornamental plants
Look for holes, discolouration, webbing, distorted growth and insects on both sides of the leaves. Different pests can produce similar-looking damage, so identify the likely cause before choosing a treatment or trap.
Explore sticky insect traps, garden moth traps and other plant-protection products.
Manage fly activity
Flies may be attracted to food, waste, compost, animal areas and open doors or windows. Keep food covered, clean spills promptly and empty bins regularly. Choose traps that are appropriate for the intended indoor or outdoor location.
Browse fly-control products.
Use wasp traps carefully
Wasps can become increasingly noticeable around bins, fallen fruit, sweet drinks and outdoor dining areas. Outdoor traps should be placed according to the manufacturer’s instructions and away from areas where people regularly sit or eat.
Shop wasp traps and lures. Do not disturb an active nest; seek professional assistance when a nest presents a risk.
Continue slug and snail checks
Inspect vulnerable plants after damp weather and look beneath pots or other sheltered areas. Remove hiding places where practical and choose a slug and snail control product suitable for the location.
For more seasonal guidance, return to our seasonal pest-control advice hub.
