Discover Native Gardening with Carla McMahon: Tame That Jungle!
- Carla McMahon
- May 14
- 3 min read
In Florida, everything grows like weeds—until it doesn’t! Our plants can become compromised and weakened by a myriad of issues, which typically end in a pest problem. We can also be inundated with invasive plants that we try to control, but the reseeding is often faster than we are. The heat, humidity, and frequent rain create the perfect environment for both plants and pests to thrive. There are chemical solutions made by manufacturers, and those will work if used per the instructions, but the vast majority will eventually be harmful to the environment. However, there are more natural options available. They may require a little more research and diligence from Florida gardeners, but they will be more environmentally friendly and beneficial in the long run.
The top three best options for any pest control are cultural, biological, and mechanical before resorting to chemical control. This gardener likes to try the options that will cause the least harm to the environment! Let’s look at how that plays out in your garden.
Your plant has become weak, and the leaves are showing damage or discoloration. Is this plant struggling due to excess or lack of water? Is it in too much or too little sun? Research how this plant grows and see if you can start by moving the plant or supporting it with water or shade. This option uses a cultural approach to remedying stress and possible infestation of pests to come. A weak plant is like a beacon for pests. In the tradition of southern hospitality, they are basically saying, “Hey, over here, come for lunch and stay for supper.”
Somehow, you missed the cues that your plant was in a compromised situation and now has aphids or mealybugs. Did you know that the cute, seemingly harmless ladybug is their worst enemy? These pesky pests are a delicacy to ladybugs, so attracting ladybugs or purchasing them to release in your garden will be a great option for biological control. Lacewings, another natural predator, are also highly effective at keeping aphids in check, making them another excellent ally in your garden.
Biological control can even work for invasive plants.
Water hyacinth is pretty, but it harms waterways by spreading quickly into dense mats that block sunlight, preventing it from reaching submerged aquatic plants, leading to their decline and death. As these plants decompose, they deplete dissolved oxygen in the water, harming fish and other aquatic life. It is difficult to control by any other method but biological. There are actually a number of insects that help to control this. Here are a few: mottled water hyacinth weevil, water hyacinth moth, and the water hyacinth planthopper. They all sound like they are voracious feeders!
Scientists have even identified a specialized thrip, a tiny insect with fringed wings, that feeds exclusively on the dreaded Brazilian pepper trees that spread so easily here. These thrips feed in groups on the new growth and do impressive damage. Scientists from the United States Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) collaborated with University of Florida and Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services researchers to mass-produce and release thrips throughout 567 sites in Florida between May 2019 and December 2021. While these methods take time to establish, they provide a long-term, sustainable solution to invasive species control.
Mechanical control would be an option to stop pests before they can do any damage. A net over your fruit tree can keep pests away, or using a yellow sticky paper can attract and trap the insects before they get out of control. Handpicking pests like caterpillars or beetles can also be surprisingly effective for small-scale infestations.
As always, please research first and attempt natural control methods before using chemicals or products that are harmful to other insects or animals and eventually wind up in our waterways. By choosing eco-friendly solutions, you not only protect your garden but also contribute to the health of Florida’s delicate ecosystems. It’s a jungle out there, but you got this! Go Grow!
Carla McMahon is a local resident with a passion for Florida gardening. She works at McKee Botanical Gardens, is a member of Florida Native Plant Society, holds an AS in Horticulture from IRSC and completed her Master Gardener Certification with the Indian River County Extension Office. When she doesn’t have her hands in the sandy soil she can be found paddle boarding in local waters.