Pollinators are in trouble. These important wildlife move from plant to plant while searching for protein-rich pollen or high-energy nectar to eat. As they go, they are dusted by pollen and move it to the next flower, fertilizing the plant and … [Read more...]
Water and Shelter for Pollinators
All living creatures need water to survive. They use it for: HydratingCleansingModerating body temperatureReproducing If you are not fortunate enough to have a pond or stream near your garden, you can create an adequate water source by … [Read more...]
Planting Natives to Attract Pollinators and Birds
Native plants attract a variety of birds, butterflies, pollinators, and other wildlife by providing diverse habitats and food sources. Native plants feed the insects that are the base of the food web, and insects that are especially important as food … [Read more...]
The Importance of Pollinators
Pollinators like native bees, moths and butterflies, birds, bats and other animals are hard at work providing vital but often unnoticed services. They pollinate crops like apples, bananas, blueberries, strawberries, melon, peaches, potatoes, vanilla, … [Read more...]
Fireflies: A Beneficial Insect
Whether you call them lightning bugs or fireflies, you must admit light-producing insects are fascinating. These light producing insects are not a true fly nor a true bug. They are actually beetles in the family Lampyridae. There are approximately … [Read more...]
NATURAL ENEMIES: PREDATORS AND PARASITOIDS
Though most people cringe at the sight of an insect, there are countless species of beneficial insects. One such group of insects is referred to as natural enemies. These are insects that prey upon other insects that frequently cause damage in the … [Read more...]
Allium Leafminer
This European pest was first recorded in North America in Lancaster Co. PA in 2015. Allium leafminer (ALM) was first observed in Maryland in 2017 and is now widespread through Central and Northern Maryland. Continued: … [Read more...]
Woolly Bear Caterpillar – Winter Predictor Or Not?
According to folklore, the amount of black on the woolly bear in autumn varies proportionately with the severity of the coming winter in the locality where the caterpillar is found. Read more: … [Read more...]
How To Remove Spotted Lanternfly Eggs
Learn first-hand how to scrape and destroy spotted lanternfly egg masses, which are visible between October and July. Continued: … [Read more...]
Ground Beetles – Beneficial Insects
QUESTION Client requested identification of a large beetle found in her yard. DIAGNOSIS / RECOMMENDATION Harpalus pensylvanicus, common name Pennsylvania dingy ground beetle. It is a beneficial insect. ADDITIONAL … [Read more...]