Based on grower accounts during our winter Extension meetings in various counties, brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) problems have increased in many areas within the state. The mild winter also favored higher survival of BMSB, as well. So, home gardeners…
Blog Archives
Stink Bugs are Common on Many Crops
Stink bugs are becoming more numerous as we move into the mid-summer months; they are feeding on a wide range of agronomic and horticultural crops. Producers are encouraged to be on the lookout for stink bugs and their close relative,…
Posted in General Pests
Millipedes
Millipedes play an important role in breaking down decaying plant matter. These multi-legged arthropods accumulate where there is some moisture coupled with mulch, fallen leaves, or a significant thatch layer. Large numbers of millipedes can appear suddenly to cover sidewalks,…
Posted in General Pests
What The Rains Bring…
Several arthropods reliably appear in force following a series of spring rains. For the most part, they are short-lived, so control measures are rarely needed. Gnats Many species of non-biting gnats develop in moist decaying organic matter, temporary mud pools,…
Posted in General Pests, Lawn & Turf
Insects Off and Running Early for 2016
Since arthropods are cold-blooded animals, temperature plays a major role in their growth and development. There is a threshold temperature for each species; 50oF is that value for many of our common insects. No development occurs when daily temperatures remain…
Posted in General Pests
Japanese Beetle Management
Japanese beetles (Figure 1) rarely cause the rampant destruction they inflicted 15 to 20 years ago; their populations now fluctuate around more tolerable levels. However, there are often sufficient numbers to damage plants that are particularly attractive to them, so…
Posted in General Pests, Landscape Trees & Shrubs
Red Velvet Mites
The large size and vivid color of red velvet mites (Figure 1) make them hard to overlook as they crawl across sidewalks, driveways, or soil. The red color of these mites is sometimes mistaken for blood and people fear that…
Posted in General Pests
