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Many inexperienced gardeners are wary of insects because insect pests are known to cause damage to vegetables, fruits, flowers, or ornamental plants, while others may sting or bite. However,...
Background South Carolina is home to at least 61 different species of mosquitos, providing a food source for birds, fishes, frogs, bats, and other animals. Mosquitos are close relatives of flies in...
The Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) is a large, striking insect that is black with white spots, 1 to 1 ½” long, has long black and white striped antennae and bluish feet. This beetle is in the family...
Carpenter bees (Xylocopa virginica) are very active from early spring through summer around houses and other wooden structures. These insects bore one-half inch wide holes that appear to be...
Cutworms Cutworms damage a few plants in most gardens every year, but some gardens are so heavily infested as to warrant control by the grower. Bottom land (low-lying land, creek bottoms, etc.) is...
Clover mites, Bryobia praetiosa, are more closely related to ticks than they are to insects. They feed on grasses and over 200 different plants in the landscape. When they occur in large numbers,...
There are many sprays, dusts, and bait products on the market for homeowners to use to control pests. However, it is not always possible for homeowners to inspect and treat their own house without...
Many insects feed on a variety of foods. For some insects such as the carpet beetles and clothes moths, their nourishment comes from eating items made of organic materials. The most commonly...
In the insect world, appearances can be deceiving. A cute, fuzzy, or brightly colored exterior may hide a painful surprise when handled carelessly. Caterpillars are the immature stages of...
Swarms of Honey Bees “If a swarm of honey bees is seen, call a beekeeper, not an exterminator!” Few things will grab attention as quickly as the buzzing of thousands of bees clustered on a tree...
Boxwoods (Buxus spp.) are adapted to a wide range of light conditions, and prefer fertile, moist, well-drained soil, which is amended with organic matter. For information on species, varieties and...
Black Twig Borer (Xylosandrus compactus) is a species of a scolytid beetle and is one of the few ambrosia beetles that will infest healthy or stressed plants. The adult beetle is solid black, shiny,...
