RICHMOND—They can’t drive a tractor or milk the cows, but native pollinators put in a hard day’s work on Virginia farms. Native bees, butterflies, beetles, ants and flies are the stars of National Pollinator Week, June 22-28. The U.S. Senate … [Read more...]
Asian Giant Hornet
Hello, everyone, I’d like to say a few words about another invasive insect that has been in the news lately, and is generating questions (I promised myself I would not say generating a lot of buzz, and I’m going to hold to that!). This is … [Read more...]
Cold Weather and Pests
COLD WEATHER AND PESTS The Entomological Society of America reminds us that most insects, including pests, have evolved ways to cope. Dr. Lewis at Iowa State University has more. Not even deep freeze can put unwanted pests on … [Read more...]
Spotted Lanternfly
Learn about the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF), and what action you can take to stop the spread of this invasive insect that is threatening the northeastern United States, especially southeastern Pennsylvania. Call our hotline at 1-888-422-3359 with … [Read more...]
How to deal with fall webworms
The signs of fall are all around us: shorter days, cooler temperatures, pumpkin-spiced foods and an abundance of silky nests in hardwood trees and shrubs. That last sign is the often-unwelcomed indication that the fall webworm has arrived. The … [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...]