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...]
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...]
Our guide to vegetable garden pests: 15 of the worst offenders
Every vegetable gardener faces pest issues from time to time, and learning how to manage the little leaf-munching menaces without using synthetic chemical pesticides is an essential step in growing a healthy, productive garden. To help gardeners with … [Read more...]
Tiny pollinators have massive impact: National Pollinator Week is June 22-28
RICHMOND—They can’t drive a tractor or milk the cows, but native pollinators put in a hard day’s work on Virginia farms. Native bees, butterflies, beetles, ants and flies are the stars of National Pollinator Week, June 22-28. The U.S. Senate … [Read more...]
Birth of an Assassin!
The wheel bug, Arilus cristatus, is North Carolina’s largest assassin bug. It gets its name from the prominent spiny “wheel” found on the thorax. Both nymphs and adults are generalist predators that feed on a variety of insects including aphids, … [Read more...]
JAPANESE BEETLES HOW TO IDENTIFY AND GET RID OF JAPANESE BEETLES IN THE GARDEN
What are those iridescent green garden beetles eating your plants? Here are tips on how to identify and get rid of Japanese beetles. More... … [Read more...]
Squash Bug: Management in Home Gardens
Squash bug (Anasa tristis) can be the most destructive insect pest of winter squash and pumpkins. Feeding damage results in wilting of vines, often with plants being prematurely killed. Problems are most common in the warmer areas of the state and … [Read more...]
Carpenter Bees Xylocopa virginica
People who complain about bumblebees flying about under the eaves of their homes are probably being annoyed by carpenter bees. Carpenter bees resemble bumblebees in both size and appearance, but are not social insects... More … [Read more...]