Question of the Week – Hover Fly Larva
What is this maggot-looking insect on the bottom of this strawberry leaf? This is a hover fly larva. Hover flies (Syrphidae), also called syrphid flies, are common bee-mimicking flies that are often...
Category: Entomology
Tick Talk
Anybody who has spent time in the woods or other wild surroundings is familiar with ticks, those blood-sucking arachnids that seek out creatures, including we humans, on which to feed. Most of us...
Incorporating Beneficials Into the Gardener’s Toolkit
Many insect species are present in home gardens and landscapes. Groups like butterflies and moths catch the eye on a regular basis and tend to dazzle us with beauty and grace. Bees, native and...
Pesticide Safety
Pesticides are chemicals used to kill, repel, or control organisms that are considered pests. “Pests” are defined as organisms that prey on, kill, and feed on desirable plants, animals, and humans....
Granulate Ambrosia Beetle (Xylosandrus crassiusculus)
Introduction The granulate ambrosia beetle (Xylosandrus crassiusculus; GAB), also once known as the Asian ambrosia beetle, is a tiny beetle that can cause damage in many different woody plant...
Spiders in the Garden, Oh My!
I don’t have to tell you that some people are terrified of spiders. I chalk it up to fear of the unknown. Like snakes, the best way to lose your fear is by learning about them and how to identify...
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Termite bond + Formosan subterranean termites
“I’ve received a letter from my pest control company about my home’s termite bond for Formosan subterranean termites, Coptotermes formosanus. What do I do?” According to Dr. Eric Benson’s article on...
What Is It? Wednesday – Spined Soldier Bugs
Eggs and nymphs of a predatory stink bug called the spined soldier bug (Podisus maculiventris) are on this strawberry leaf. These beneficial insects feed on over 100 pest species of insects and can...
What Is It? Wednesday – Lady Beetle Eggs
These orange-colored things stuck to the bottom of a collard leaf are a cluster of lady beetle eggs. Lady beetles are great insects to have around, especially if you have problems with aphids, their...
SC Fruit and Vegetable Field Report- May 15, 2023
Statewide Tony Keinath – Extension Vegetable Pathologist The Emerging Viruses in Cucurbits Working Group (EVCWG) is a national effort to improve the detection and management of virus diseases on all...
Elm Zigzag Sawfly
Introduction The elm zigzag sawfly, or EZS, (Aproceros leucopoda) is an invasive pest that defoliates native and nonnative elm (Ulmus) species. Originally from East Asia, this pest has affected elms...
Pesticide Application Tips
These tips will help you apply pesticides safely and easily! Read the label of the pesticide product before you buy it. Be sure you are buying the right pesticide product for your need. Decide if...