Black bears and human populations commonly coexist in many parts of North America. Black bears occur throughout most of the Commonwealth, and residential areas of Virginia are encroaching into forested lands and habitats commonly used by wildlife as … [Read more...]
EFFECTIVE DEER FENCES Dr. Leonard Perry, Horticulture Professor Emeritus University of Vermont
If you've tried various forms of sight, sound, taste, and touch repellents for deer, yet still have them feeding on your choice garden plants, perhaps it's time to consider a fence. Just because you have a fence doesn't mean it will be effective at … [Read more...]
Purple Eye Leaf Spot on Maples
The client called in with a concern about a leaf spot on maple leaves. The Virginia Tech Plant Diagnostic Lab identified the leaf spot as purple-bordered (or purple eye) leaf spot (Phyllosticta minima). This is a very common disease of maples … [Read more...]
I Found a Caterpillar. What Will it Turn Into?
Did you find a caterpillar outside, and you're wondering what kind of butterfly or moth it will turn into? Would you like to raise it to an adult? Find out the name of your caterpillar, what it eats, and what it turns into with the help of this quick … [Read more...]
Permethrin-Treated Clothing May Disable Ticks, Study Finds CDC research suggests that wearing these items might stop the insects from biting you
Shirts, pants, hats, and other clothing treated with the insecticide known as permethrin have been touted for 15 years as a way to prevent the tick bites that can lead to Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and more. … [Read more...]
Three SURPRISING Things I Learned About Asian Longhorned Ticks
Late in the evening Sunday August 12. Only 4 more TickSpotters pictures left to look at today. But wait, what’s THAT one. This TickSpotter had sent in something different; a simple picture of a suspicious-looking tick found on their dog … [Read more...]
Pool pests
The two most common water pests are the backswimmer and the water boatman. The water boatman is oval-shaped and does not bite. It feeds on algae and other vegetation growing in the pool, particularly in the traps, filters and drains. This is also … [Read more...]
Dogwood Borers
The client sent photos of a pink dogwood tree with bark peeling from ground up. The photo showed extensive bark loss well up the tree. The client wanted to know what caused the problem and how to take care of the tree. Dogwood borer … [Read more...]
KILLING TREE STUMPS
Did you know that many tree stumps will not die - they just fade away. Stumps that will not die exist in many yards and gardens in our area. It just doesn’t seem fair that when you go to all the trouble of cutting down a tree, often a big one, it … [Read more...]
ORNAMENTAL GRASSES AND GRASS-LIKE PLANTS
Ornamental grasses and grass-like plants are valued in home landscapes for their hardiness, ease of care, dramatic appearance, and the wide variety of colors, textures, and sizes available. More: … [Read more...]