Strange are the ways of nature, but when we look closely, there seems to be logic behind every little natural activity; and all we need is attention to detail to understand nature’s secrets.

Humans might loathe insects, but no garden should be insect free because plants need insects for pollination. But then not all insects are required to be seen in our gardens. So, there’s no denying some insects are garden pests.

It’s a learning experience when we are trying to identify which insects are welcome and which ones to get rid off. It might be easy and tempting to reach for that bottle of spray whenever you see insects in your garden, but it will pay to assess the situation before spraying, as you might be terminating the services of the beneficial ones.

Slugs and snails are the one of the most common visitors to our gardens. They affect a wide range of plants, damaging them by eating foliage and fruits. One of the natural ways to get rid of them is to use diatomaceous earth.

Other methods of controlling them include: hand picking slugs, or sprinkling them with salt, creating a protective border with sand, lime, or ashes, using mulch with wood shavings or oak leaves, placing saucers of beer around the garden as traps, and using copper bands or plastic traps.

In recent years scientists have discovered that slugs and snails detest caffeine. Pouring the dregs of your morning coffee on the ground will drive them away. You can even add coffee grounds to your mulch or potting mix to do the trick.

Adequate care is required when using slug bait as it is poisonous to birds and dangerous for children. Plants in pots can be protected with a thick band of vaseline applied right around the rim of the pot, and that’s impossible for slugs and snails to cross.

It’s beneficial in every way to have healthy plants as they can face pests better than the weak, struggling ones. Make sure to feed your plants well and ensure that they get adequate water. Encouraging birds into your garden to control pest populations, and not spraying allows insect predators to get to work.

There are a number of other garden pests that can and do  harm our plants. We will have a look at some of them in the next column, including their activities and how to control them.