The widow spiders, genus Latrodectus, are found worldwide in the warmer regions of most continents. The taxonomy of these spiders is challenging and as few as six to as many as twenty-eight species are recognized. Read More: SOURCE: … [Read more...]
CHIGGERS
Chiggers are not insects but mites in the Trombiculidae family. Though their bites can lead to intense itching, chiggers are generally harmless as they do not spread disease. Read more: SOURCE: … [Read more...]
The problems ticks pose, according to an expert
The pleasures of hikes through woodlands or picnics in the grass are many — and there’s nothing quite like the sight of a blood-seeking tick scrambling up one’s leg to spoil the ambiance. Continued: SOURCE: … [Read more...]
Squash Bug in Virginia Home Gardens
Squash bug, Anasa tristis, is a common pest of squash and other curcubits in the home garden. They strongly prefer summer squashes and pumpkins, and damage plants by removing plant sap from the leaves and developing fruits. Read more: SOURCE: … [Read more...]
Eastern Yellowjacket
The eastern yellowjacket is a ground nesting species found throughout most of the eastern United States - from North Dakota to Texas and east to the Atlantic coast. It is very common in woodlands, pastures, parks and lawns. CONTINUE SOURCE: … [Read more...]
Native and Solitary Bees in Virginia
Although honey bees are well known for theirbeneficial pollination and honey production, othernative bees found in Virginia sometimes impacthumans in various ways that range from beneficial toannoying. Even when their presence is undesirable,native … [Read more...]
Five Things You May Not Know About . . . Virginia’s official pollinator
You may have heard Virginia now has an official state pollinator – the European honey bee (Apis mellifera). How, you ask, did the EUROPEAN honey bee get the designation? What about our natives? CONTINUE SOURCE: Master Gardeners of Northern … [Read more...]
TREES OF LIFE
American Beech - Fagus grandifolia The American Beech's symmetrical, stately bearing makes it a great native choice for a landscape that needs shade and beauty. It also features a muscular trunk with smooth gray bark said by some to look like … [Read more...]
Winter’s impact on insects and plants
A common question after such a hard winter is how it will impact pest levels this summer. My answer is usually not as positive as some people want it to be. Contrary to common belief, a hard winter does not have much impact on most insect levels. … [Read more...]
As temperatures fall, home-invading insects come knocking
Chilly mornings and shorter days signal to humans an impending winter. Bugs get the same message, and they head out to figure out where they are going to settle in for the winter. Continued: Source: … [Read more...]