With the hot weather, there has been a large increase in numbers of reports of spider mite activity, particularly in greenhouses and high tunnels where foliage stays much drier. Two-spotted spider mite is a common pest of many vegetable and…
With the hot weather, there has been a large increase in numbers of reports of spider mite activity, particularly in greenhouses and high tunnels where foliage stays much drier. Two-spotted spider mite is a common pest of many vegetable and…
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…
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,…
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,…
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,…
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…
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…