In this video, Matt the garden guy experiments with various pest control methods to combat garden pests. He tries techniques like using cantaloupe rind, diatomaceous earth, sticky tape traps, and nematodes, providing viewers with practical insights. The central theme revolves around finding effective and sustainable ways to manage pests in the garden. The video also explores innovative solutions like toilet paper tube collars and discusses the rhubarb app for community-based pest tracking. Ultimately, viewers will learn about different pest control options and their effectiveness, empowering them to protect their gardens.

Battling Garden Pests: What Actually Works?

Hey friends, it’s Matt the Garden Guy!
If you’ve been following along, you know pests can do some serious damage to your garden if left unchecked. I’ve been testing out different pest control methods lately—some recommended by you—and I wanted to share what’s worked (and what hasn’t) so far.

Nematodes: Nature's Tiny Warriors

One of the big hitters in this test was beneficial nematodes. These microscopic critters go after soil-dwelling pests like grubs and larvae. Mine came shipped on dry ice and went straight into the fridge until I was ready to apply.

💡 I used 10 million nematodes, enough to treat about 400 square feet of garden.
🪣 Applied using a watering can—you could also use a hose-end sprayer or dedicated applicator.

Sticky Tape Traps: Instant Feedback

Next up, I tried sticky traps. I placed a few of them around different areas of the garden and checked back after a few hours. These give you quick insight into what's lurking—and flying—around your plants.

👀 Noticed a few gnats and even some leafhoppers, which was super helpful.

Diatomaceous Earth: Be Careful with This One

This is one a lot of you suggested—diatomaceous earth (DE). It works by drying out soft-bodied insects like pill bugs, but it’s not selective. It’ll kill beneficial bugs too, so be careful where and when you use it.

🕛 Pro tip: Apply it at night, when bees and other helpful insects aren’t active.
🌱 I sprinkled it lightly around the base of my most affected plants.

The Rhubarb App: A Handy New Tool

I recently started using the Rhubarb app, and it’s been a game-changer. You can identify pests based on your location and even get tailored suggestions.

📲 There's a free membership option, and I’ve dropped the link below if you want to check it out. Or here

https://www.mattthegardenguy.com/rhubarbapp

Evening Bug Hunts: Surprisingly Effective

As the sun goes down, the bugs come out. That’s when I go on my evening pest patrol. I placed some cantaloupe rinds out overnight and inspected the traps in the morning.

🍈 The results? A few bugs showed up in the rinds and sticky traps—not a massive catch, but enough to know it's working.

Morning Recap: What's Actually Helping?

The next morning, I reviewed everything:

✅ Sticky traps: Definitely doing their job
✅ Cantaloupe rinds: Attracting some pests
✅ Diatomaceous Earth: Likely helped dry a few out overnight

DIY Pest Barrier: Toilet Paper Tubes

Tried a new trick—toilet paper tube collars around the base of my seedlings. The goal? Keep crawling pests from reaching tender young plants. So far, they’re holding up!

📏 Still keeping sticky tape and rinds out for ongoing monitoring.

Wrapping It Up: What’s Your Go-To?

This was a fun round of experiments, and I’ll keep testing more methods as the season goes on.
I’d love to hear from you—what pest control tricks work best in your garden?

💡 Bonus tip: Try wrapping aluminum foil around your plant bases to deter certain pests. It’s easy and surprisingly effective.

Keep growing,
— Matt the Garden Guy 🌱

🔗 Products & Tools Mentioned: (Some may contain affiliate links—thanks for supporting the channel!)

🔹 Diatomaceous Earth on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3FweZiZ
🔹 Sticky Traps - https://amzn.to/4dEpihN
🔹 Beneficial Nematodes - https://amzn.to/43iE3Dl
🔹 Moder Sprout - https://collabs.shop/9cm4yi Code MATTTHEGARDENGUY for 10% off
🔹 My Favorite Garden Hose Reel – Giraffe Tools - https://giraffetools.com?sca_ref=7875878.kLmLv2eUzKPen Coupon Code MG 5% off 🌱 Community Tools I Use & Recommend:

💬 Join me on the Rhubarb App! Let’s build a garden-loving community where we can report pests, share solutions, and support each other in real time. Rhubarb makes it easy for us to crowdsource help and grow stronger together. 🔗 @joinrhubarb I’m offering a **FREE membership** for a limited time, based on your phone:
📱 iPhone users: **1 year free** with code MATTTHEGARDENGUY2025
🤖 Android users: **90 days free (we can extend) ** with code MATTGARDENGUY25