The eastern yellowjacket is a ground nesting species found throughout most of the eastern United States - from North Dakota to Texas and east to the Atlantic coast. It is very common in woodlands, pastures, parks and lawns. CONTINUE SOURCE: … [Read more...]
Native and Solitary Bees in Virginia
Although honey bees are well known for theirbeneficial pollination and honey production, othernative bees found in Virginia sometimes impacthumans in various ways that range from beneficial toannoying. Even when their presence is undesirable,native … [Read more...]
Five Things You May Not Know About . . . Virginia’s official pollinator
You may have heard Virginia now has an official state pollinator – the European honey bee (Apis mellifera). How, you ask, did the EUROPEAN honey bee get the designation? What about our natives? CONTINUE SOURCE: Master Gardeners of Northern … [Read more...]
TREES OF LIFE
American Beech - Fagus grandifolia The American Beech's symmetrical, stately bearing makes it a great native choice for a landscape that needs shade and beauty. It also features a muscular trunk with smooth gray bark said by some to look like … [Read more...]
Winter’s impact on insects and plants
A common question after such a hard winter is how it will impact pest levels this summer. My answer is usually not as positive as some people want it to be. Contrary to common belief, a hard winter does not have much impact on most insect levels. … [Read more...]
As temperatures fall, home-invading insects come knocking
Chilly mornings and shorter days signal to humans an impending winter. Bugs get the same message, and they head out to figure out where they are going to settle in for the winter. Continued: Source: … [Read more...]
NC State Extension Master Gardener Volunteers Assist Pollinator Research
As the perils facing pollinators continue to rise, many people want to know what they can do in their home landscapes to protect them. In addition to planting pollinator-friendly plants that provide nectar and pollen resources, how you manage plants … [Read more...]
Despite its innocently furry appearance, the puss caterpillar’s sting is brutal
The puss caterpillar bears a striking resemblance to Cousin Itt from the Addams Family, a fuzzy little bug that one can't help but want to touch. However, beneath its hairy surface are poisonous barbs that pack a powerful sting, which can result in … [Read more...]
Asian Longhorned Beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis)
Invasive PestsInvasive pests (plants, insects, diseases, and others) cause enormous economic damage, as well as environmental damage. These displace or destroy beneficial and native plants and animals, reduce biodiversity. The annual economic cost is … [Read more...]
Sirex Wood Wasp (Sirex noctilio)
Invasive Pests Invasive pests (plants, insects, diseases, and others) cause enormous economic damage, as well as environmental damage. These displace or destroy beneficial and native plants and animals, reduce biodiversity. The annual economic … [Read more...]