Boxwood Diseases & Insect Pests
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...
Category: Entomology
Rosy Maple Moth (Dryocampa rubicunda)
The rosy maple moth (Dryocampa rubicunda) is a silk moth in the family Saturniidae. Found throughout North America, this moth is not generally considered a pest, though its caterpillars have proven...
Black Twig Borer
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,...
Asian Longhorned Beetle
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...
Zinnia Insect Pests & Diseases
Insect Pest Prevention & Control: Zinnias are excellent sources of pollen and nectar for many beneficial insects; therefore, it is not recommended that insecticides, other than insecticidal...
Hints and Tips for an Effective Fire Ant Management Program in Home Landscapes Using Broadcast Baits
When it comes to do-it-yourself (DIY) fire ant control, there is a myriad of home remedies that have been sworn to “get rid of fire ants”. One of the most popular and wide-spread notions is that...
Cucumber, Squash, Melon & Other Cucurbit Insect Pests
Cucumber Beetles The spotted, striped and banded cucumber beetles are very harmful to cucurbits (members of the gourd family, including cucumbers, melons, pumpkins and squashes), particularly young...
Eggplant Insect Pests & Diseases
Insect Pests Aphids and Whiteflies Aphids and whiteflies both have piercing, sucking mouthparts used to suck the sap out of eggplant leaves and stems. Both pests are primarily found on the...
Luna Moth
The Luna Moth (Actias luna), with its incredible size (3-4.5-inch wingspan), sea-foam green to yellow color, and long tails, is one of the most spectacular moths found in North America. Also known...
Insect Communities in the Garden and Landscape: The Power of Observation
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,...
Importance of Reducing Mosquito Breeding Sites
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...
Carpenter Bees
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...