The July Pest Damage Gardeners Mistake for Heat Stress

A gardener inspects the underside of summer vegetable leaves to find tiny pests hiding beneath the surface. Close examination can reveal insect damage that looks similar to heat stress during July – Shutterstock

Hot July weather can make plants look miserable, but scorching temperatures do not always deserve the blame. Many gardeners grab the watering can when they see curled leaves, yellow patches, or drooping stems, only to discover tiny pests have been quietly hosting a garden buffet.

Knowing the difference between heat stress and insect damage helps gardeners protect plants faster and avoid wasting time on the wrong solution. A tomato plant with crispy edges might need shade during the afternoon, or it might need a closer inspection because hungry bugs have already moved in.