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...]
Pollinators need more than pollen and nectar to survive and help produce food for people
To survive, pollinators need more than just flowers as sources of pollen and nectar. They also need water, bare ground for nesting, shelter and nesting materials. In natural areas, these items are readily available. But in urban and residential … [Read more...]
Holes in the Lawn
When holes and excavations mysteriously appear in lawns, it is helpful to note the season, location, and size. These are helpful clues when trying to identify the culprit and prevent further damage. The following information should help match the … [Read more...]
DEER DETERRENTS–SCENTS
Deterrents are easy and inexpensive, and so are usually the first line of defense of gardeners against unwanted deer in their gardens. Of the various methods that surprise or offend their senses from smells, tastes, hearing, or touch, odor … [Read more...]
JAPANESE BEETLES HOW TO IDENTIFY AND GET RID OF JAPANESE BEETLES IN THE GARDEN
What are those iridescent green garden beetles eating your plants? Here are tips on how to identify and get rid of Japanese beetles. More... … [Read more...]
Tree of Heaven & Spotted Lantern Fly
If you’re hosting this incredibly common plant, you could be hosting #SpottedLanternfly before you know it. Ailanthus trees, more commonly known as tree-of-heaven, are the preferred host of everyone’s least favorite #BadBug. Learn … [Read more...]
Squash Bug: Management in Home Gardens
Squash bug (Anasa tristis) can be the most destructive insect pest of winter squash and pumpkins. Feeding damage results in wilting of vines, often with plants being prematurely killed. Problems are most common in the warmer areas of the state and … [Read more...]