Pests can include both insects and plant diseases, and can vary by the specific region and type of crop or plant. The top 25 pests in Oklahoma, the following is a list of common pests in the region, both for agriculture and in-home infestations:
- Aphids: These pests can be found in many garden plants and can cause significant damage if not controlled.
- Bagworms: These pests are commonly found in coniferous trees, but can also infest deciduous trees.
- Termites: Termites can cause significant structural damage to buildings and homes.
- Japanese Beetles: These pests can severely damage grass, crops, and ornamental plants.
- Squash Bugs: These pests can be a problem for gardeners growing squash and related plants.
- Tomato Hornworms: These caterpillars can cause significant damage to tomato plants.
- Grasshoppers: These insects can cause extensive damage to many types of plants and crops.
- Armyworms: These caterpillars can damage a wide variety of crops, including wheat, corn, and grass.
- Cutworms: These pests attack the stems of young plants at the soil surface.
- Bedbugs: These pests are notorious for infesting homes and biting humans.
- Ants: Some species of ants can be a nuisance in homes and can also harm plants.
- Cockroaches: These pests can infest homes and are a significant health concern due to the diseases they can carry.
- Mice and Rats: These rodents can cause damage to property and crops and can also carry diseases.
- Spider Mites: These tiny pests can damage a wide variety of plants.
- Fire Ants: These ants can deliver painful bites and can also damage plants.
- Ticks: Ticks can be a nuisance to humans and pets due to the diseases they can transmit.
- Fleas: Fleas can infest homes and pets, causing discomfort and potential health problems.
- Chinch Bugs: These bugs are a common pest of lawns, particularly those with St. Augustine grass.
- Moths: Certain species of moths can damage crops and also infest homes, where their larvae eat and damage fabrics.
- Weevils: These beetles can be a serious pest for grain crops.
- Whiteflies: These tiny insects can cause significant damage to a wide variety of plants.
- Borers: Certain types of beetles and moths bore into trees, causing extensive damage.
- Nematodes: These microscopic worms can harm a variety of plants by attacking their root systems.
- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease affects a wide range of plants.
- Rust Fungi: These fungi infect many types of plants, leading to discoloration and reduced plant health.
Remember, the best way to control pests is through integrated pest management (IPM), which uses a combination of biological control, using pests’ natural enemies, and careful use of pesticides. You should also regularly monitor your plants and crops for signs of pest damage.