Garden Insects / Pests

Biology and Management of Hessian Fly in the Southeast

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 09:39:00 -0500

Integrated Pest Management for Plant Diseases in the Home Garden and Landscape, Learning Module II: The Plant Disease Triangle

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 15:47:00 -0500

Integrated Pest Management for Plant Diseases in the Home Garden and Landscape, Learning Module I: Integrated Pest Management

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 15:47:00 -0500

Pest Management Guide: Home Grounds and Animals, 2013

Thu, 14 Feb 2013 01:40:00 -0500

Widow Spiders

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 11:47:17 -0500

Second Edition Mid-Atlantic Guide to the Insect Pests and Beneficials of Corn, Soybean, and Small Grains

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 14:12:00 -0400

The pest caterpillars of cole crops in Virginia

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 11:47:43 -0500

Caterpillars, or the larval stage of Lepidoptera, are probably the most damaging of insect groups that
feed on cole crops, such as collard, kale, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kohlrabi, Brussels sprouts, and
Chinese cabbage. Caterpillars typically feed on foliage reducing marketability or outright killing plants.
The most common and damaging caterpillars in Virginia cole crops are diamondback moth (DBM),
cabbage looper (CL), and imported cabbageworm (ICW). In addition to these key species, there are
several other species of caterpillars that will be observed feeding on cole crops that may or may not be a
threat to yield of the crop. These species are summarized in Table 1. Normally pest management is
meant to target all caterpillars, treating them as one pest “complex;” however, there are some
noteworthy differences between the caterpillar species in their life histories and feeding behaviors where
proper identification is sometimes necessary.

Pesticide Applicator Manuals

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 11:21:02 -0500

Wireworm control experiment in potatoes in Abingdon, VA in 2011

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 09:48:24 -0400

Compact Soil Sampling Strategy for White Grubs

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 13:55:55 -0400

Annual white grubs (WG) are early-season pests attacking corn seeds and seedlings (Figure 1). Heavy WG infestations can cause stand and yield losses of up to 20%. Because grubs occur in the soil, their presence in fields and subsequent damage to corn may go unnoticed until too late. Also, 30% overwintering mortality in WG densities is typical in VA. Insecticidal seed treatments such as clothianidin (Poncho^TM) and thiamethoxam (Cruiser^TM) are the tools of choice for controlling soil insect pests. Growers typically must decide whether to purchase insecticide-treated seed well in advance of spring planting.

Arthropod Pest Management Research on Vegetables in Virginia – 2010

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 10:04:01 -0500

This booklet contains arthropod pest management research conducted on vegetable crops in eastern Virginia in 2010. If not noted otherwise in the individual reports, all research was conducted at the Virginia Tech Eastern Shore Agricultural Research and Extension Center near Painter, VA and at the Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Virginia Beach, VA. All plots were maintained according to standard commercial practices. Soil type at the ESAREC is a Bojac Sandy Loam. Soil type at the HRAREC is tetotum loam (average pH: 5.7). Most of the research involves field evaluations of federally‐labeled and experimental insecticides. Much of the information presented herein will be published in a similar format in Arthropod Management Tests: 2011, vol. 36 (Entomological Society of America). We hope that this information will be of value to those interested in insect pest management on vegetable crops, and we wish to make the information accessible. All information, however, is for informational purposes only. Because most of the data from the studies are based on a single season’s environmental conditions, it is requested that the data not be published, reproduced, or otherwise taken out of context without the permission of the authors. The authors neither endorse any of the products in these reports nor discriminate against others. Additionally, some of the products evaluated are not commercially available and/or not labeled for use on the crop(s) in which they were used.

Pine Tortoise Scale, Hemiptera: Coccidae, Toumeyella numismaticum

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 10:42:28 -0500

Locust Leafminer, Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Odontota dorsalis (Thunberg)

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 10:42:28 -0500

Earwigs, Dermaptera: Forficulidae

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 10:42:28 -0500

Leaf‐ Footed Bugs

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 14:30:30 -0500

Hunting Billbug Pest Management in Orchardgrass

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 15:48:27 -0400

Bluegrass Billbug Pest Management in Orchardgrass

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 14:51:33 -0400

The bluegrass billbug, Sphenophorus parvulus, is a weevil native to Virginia. Weevils belong to the family Curculionidae, which is contained within the order for beetles, Coleoptera. Like most weevils, the bluegrass billbug has a relatively narrow range of host plants, feeding on a handful of cool-season grass species.

Redheaded Pine Sawfly

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 14:45:49 -0400

Balsam Woolly Adelgid

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 08:27:44 -0400

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 14:05:58 -0400

Red Imported Fire Ant (RIFA)

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:09:39 -0500

Twig Girdler/Twig Pruner

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:36:17 -0500

In the larval stage, both the twig girdler and twig pruner are creamy white in color and up to 2 inches in length. They look like typical roundheaded borers in that their heads and bodies are cylindrical in shape and they have legs that are reduced to very small claws. The adult twig girdler is about 5/8 inch long and has a pair of long antennae. The color is brown with irregular patches of fine gray hairs and the antennae are spines on the segments closest to the head.

European Hornet

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:58:35 -0500

The European hornet is a stout hornet approximately 1-inch long. The color of the head and thorax is dark reddish brown with deep yellow and brown black markings on the abdomen. The markings on the abdomen are similar to the markings found on yellow jackets. The European hornet resembles the cicada killer wasp but is more robust and has more hair on the thorax and
abdomen (but is not as hairy as a bee).

Catalpa Sphinx Caterpillar

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:27:51 -0500

Catalpa sphinx caterpillars, also known as “Catalpa worms”, are major defoliators of catalpa. With their chewing mouthparts, they strip away large portions of the leaves. In heavy infestations they can completely defoliate the entire tree. Apparently trees on high ground with poor soil are rarely, if ever, attacked. In some years, depending on the region, many trees will have all their leaves stripped away by the end of the summer. This may be followed by years with no defoliation observed at all. The fluctuation between outbreak and no defoliation is largely due to the
activity of parasites.

Insect Pests of Christmas Trees Slide Show

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:52:27 -0400

Insect Pests of Ornamental Plants Slide Show

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:14:41 -0400

Japanese Beetle Pest Management in Primocane-Bearing Raspberries

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 10:42:40 -0400

Field Guide to Stink Bugs

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:21:15 -0400

Field Guide to Stink Bugs of Agricultural Importance in the Upper Southern Region and Mid-Atlantic States

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

Thu, 21 May 2009 13:56:28 -0400

Homoptera: Penatomidae: Halyomorpha halys

Distribution and Hosts

The brown marmorated stink bug, (BMSB), is an invasive insect not native to North America. It was accidentally introduced near Allentown, PA in 1996 and has spread since that time. It was found in Virginia in 2004 and by 2010, it was found throughout most of the Commonwealth. The BMSB feeds on a wide range of tree fruits and seedpods as well as many vegetables including tomatoes, peppers, beans, cucurbits, and sweet corn. High densities of this pest species have also been seen in soybeans and corn. However, so far in Virginia, the most severely damaged crops have been tree fruit (apples and peaches). For homeowners, it is mainly a nuisance pest, as it invades houses in the winter looking for a place to over-winter. For businesses such as hotels and restaurants and other commercial settings with public interface, the presence of high numbers of these bugs in the fall can have economic consequences.

Japanese Beetle

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae, Popillia japonica

Distribution: The Japanese beetle is found throughout Virginia and in most of the Eastern United Stages. In regions west of the Mississippi it is found in isolated pockets. Japanese beetles were first found in New Jersey in 1916 and have spread from that point since. The Japanese beetle has been well established in Virginia since the early 1970’s.

Gypsy Moth Management for Homeowners on Small Properties

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

The gypsy moth, native to Europe and Asia, is a major invasive pest of hardwood forests in the U. S. Introduced into Massachusetts in 1869, the gypsy moth has rapidly moved into other regions of the country and is responsible for large amounts of defoliation each year. Most of Virginia is generally infested by this pest. Visit http://fubyss.ento.vt.edu/vagm/ to read more about the gypsy moth biology and control.

Fall Webworm

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Distribution and Hosts Native to North America, the fall webworm occurs throughout the United States and southern Canada. Its hosts include more than 100 species of deciduous forest, shade, and fruit trees, with preferences varying from region to region.

Scale Insects

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Scale insects are a peculiar group and look quite different from the typical insects we encounter day to day. Small, immobile, with no visible legs or antennae, they resemble individual fish scales pressed tightly against the plant on which they are feeding. There are over l50 different kinds of scales in Virginia. Many are common and serious pests of trees, shrubs, and indoor plants.

Cottony Maple Scale

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Cottony Maple Scale (Homoptera: Coccidae), Pulvinaria innumerabilis

PLANTS ATTACKED: Maples and dogwood primarily, but also many woody ornamentals.

Dogwood Borer

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Lepidoptera: Sesiidae, Synanthedon scitula

PLANTS ATTACKED: Dogwood, pecan, elm, hickory, and willow

Cucumber Beetles

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Plants Attacked: Cucumber, cantaloupe, winter squash, pumpkin, gourd, summer squash, and watermelon, as well as many other species of cucurbits. Cucumber beetles may also feed on beans, corn, peanuts, potatoes, and other crops.

Bagworm

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Lepidoptera: Psychidae, Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis

Plants Attacked: Juniper, arborvitae, other cedars, pine, hemlock, spruce, Chinese elm, honeylocust, primarily. Also on crabapple, maple, sycamore, box elder, willow, linden, poplar, and many others.

Pest Monitoring Calendar for Home Lawns in Virginia

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Diagnosing Plant Problems

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Something is wrong with your plant. What’s the cause? You can begin to determine the cause of the problem by taking on the role of Sherlock Holmes – be a keen observer and ask many questions. Diagnosing plant problems is often a difficult task. There can be many different causes for a given symptom, not all of them related to insects or diseases. The health of a plant may be affected by soil nutrition and texture, weather conditions, quantity of light, other environmental and cultural conditions, and animals, including humans. Complicating this scenario is the fact that any two of the above factors can interact to give rise to a problem. For example, a prolonged period of drought may weaken plants so that they are more susceptible to pests; this is typically observed with boxwoods.

Applying Pesticides Safely

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Proper use of pesticides is essential for your safety and for that of the environment. Pesticides must be used correctly to be effective.

Review the product label before each use. Be sure you have all the materials necessary for a safe and proper application. Check precautions label sites (e.g., types of plants or areas) and timing requirements such as days to harvest, temperature, and wind speed restrictions. Be sure you can indeed use this pesticide when and where you intend to!

Integrated Pest Management for Vegetable Gardens

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Maintain a slightly acid soil (around pH 6.5). If in doubt, have a soil analysis done through your local Extension office, by a private lab, or with a commercial soil test kit. Lime can be used to increase soil pH and sulfur can lower it.

Maintain adequate levels of soil fertility through additions of potassium and phosphorus releasing materials, such as commercial fertilizers or animal manures. Soil testing should be done every three years to determine levels of these important nutrients.

Build a biologically active, healthy soil through regular addition of organic matter, such as yard waste, compost, and manure.

For planting areas not being cropped, grow annual cover crops, such as clover or rye grass, to provide additional organic matter.

Till the soil in the fall to expose pests living near the surface to natural enemies and weather, and to destroy insects overwintering in crop residues.

Understanding Pesticide Labels

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Research has shown that consumers find reading and understanding the label to be the most difficult aspect of applying pesticides safely. However, it is essential that you understand the label information before you begin work. The label printed on or attached to a container of pesticide tells you how to use it correctly and warns of any environmental or health safety measures to take.

Choosing Pesticides Wisely

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Healthy plants are less susceptible to attack by pests, and good cultural practices can reduce pest outbreaks.

Do you really need a pesticide?

Before you purchase any pesticide, you should answer some important questions.

Is the damage actually caused by a pest? Could it be due to the weather or a cultural practice, such as overor underwatering, improper fertilization, or herbicide damage?
If it is a pest, what kind is it?
Are there nonchemical ways to control it? Is the damage severe enough to warrant chemical control?
Is pesticide use cost-effective? Or would the chemical treatment cost more than the plant is worth?
Can the pest be controlled by a chemical at this stage of its life cycle, or would application at a different time be more effective?
Do you have the equipment and skill to use the proper pesticide correctly?

Storing Pesticides Safely

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Storage Tips
The proper storage of pesticides, both synthetic and botanical, in and around the home is important for many reasons, including protecting human health, preserving the environment, and maintaining chemical effectiveness. One way to minimize storage problems is through good planning.

Buy only the amount of pesticide that you need for a specific job or for the current growing season. The smaller-volume containers, even if more expensive ounce for ounce, may in fact be the "best buy" in the long run by eliminating waste and the need for storage space. If you need to store pesticides on your property, follow these guidelines - for safety's sake!

Pest Management for Water Quality

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Research has shown that consumers find reading and understanding the label to be the most difficult aspect of applying pesticides. However, an understanding of the label information is essential before work begins. The label printed on or attached to a container of pesticide tells how to use it correctly and warns of any environmental or health safety measures to take. Read the label when you purchase a pesticide and again before mixing or applying it. If you are confused about any part of the label, consult your Extension agent or a representative of the company that makes the product. Many pesticides now list a toll-free number for consumers. The label includes specific information that you should be aware of and learn to understand.

Weeds in the Home Vegetable Garden

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

The most common definition of a weed is a plant out of place. Many plants that are considered weeds in the vegetable garden are beneficial wildflowers in other settings. Some, such as the Venice mallow (or flower-of-an-hour), morning glory, and even thistles, have flowers that rival those intentionally planted in flower beds. Unfortunately, some of the plants, while attractive in the wild, are too aggressive for use in the home garden and can take over the landscape. Seeds of even very obnoxious wild flowers may be sold occasionally, so care must be used in the selection of wildflowers vs. weeds.

Poison Ivy: Leaves of three? Let it be!

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Those who experience the blisters, swelling, and extreme itching that result from contact with poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), poison oak (Toxicodendron pubescens), or poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix) learn to avoid these pesky plants. Although poison oak and poison sumac do grow in Virginia, poison ivy is by far the most common. This publication will help you identify poison ivy, recognize the symptoms of a poison ivy encounter, and control poison ivy around your home.

Gardening and Your Health: Ticks

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

During early spring and summer, as the weather warms up and the garden springs back to life from its winter dormancy, many gardeners -- and ticks -- eagerly return to their outdoor activities. Gardeners should be aware of the risks and know how to protect themselves from becoming hosts to disease-carrying ticks.

Urban Water-Quality Management Insect Pests of Water Garden Plants

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

(numerous aquatic plants)

Aphids are often called plant lice. Several species are troublesome pests on above-water leaves (a), stems, and flower buds of aquatic plants. These sucking insects distort succulent new leaves, causing them to curl, wilt, or turn yellow. Adults are 1/8 inch long and can be winged (c) or wingless (b) with soft pear-shaped bodies with two distinctive cornicles or "tailpipes" protruding from the backs of their abdomens.

Pine Shoot Beetle

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Order: Coleoptera

Family: Scolytidae

Species: Tomicus piniperda (Linnaeus)

Size: The adults are 1/8 to 1/4 inch long. The larvae are legless and can be up to 1/4 inch long.

Color: Pine shoot beetles are dark brown. The larvae have a dark brown head and creamy white body.

Description: Pine shoot beetles are in the same family as bark beetles and resemble bark beetles in appearance with their cylindrical shape.

Thrips

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Adult thrips are small, pale-yellow insects (occasionally black) with elongated bodies, and fringed wings.

Life Cycle

Their life cycle consists of an egg, nymph, pre-pupa, pupa and an adult. The exact time required for thrips to complete their life cycle varies with species, temperature and the host plant. Western flower thrips complete their life cycle, from egg to adult, in approximately 10 days at 80° F. Adults insert eggs in leaf tissue which hatch in approximately three days. Nymphs feed for four to five days and then drop from the plant to pupate in the soil. Adults emerge after two days of pupation and begin feeding.

Whiteflies

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Whiteflies are white insects with pale yellow bodies that are approximately 2 mm long. They belong to the order Homoptera and are close relatives of aphids, scales, mealybugs, hoppers and cicadas.

Life Cycle

The life cycle consists of an egg, 4 nymphal instars, a pupal and an adult stage. Depending on the species and environmental conditions, eggs require 10-12 days to hatch, and completion of life cycle from egg to adult takes 30-40 days. Nymphal instars behave in a manner similar to scale insects. The first nymphal instars are active and they are sometimes called crawlers. The remaining nymphal instars are sedentary and may mimic immature scales.

Tulip Tree Leaf Miner (Sassafras Weevil)

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Rice-shaped holes about 1/16 inches result from adult feeding. Larval feeding forms mines, usually two per leaf. If they are both on the same side of midrib, one is extensive, and the other dwarfed. If the insect lays eggs on opposite sides of the midrib, both mines develop normally.

Lilac Borer/Ash Borer

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Life Cycle: As winter passes, the immature larvae is in the stem of lilac and ash near the surface of the soil. Feeding and continued development begins in early spring and is completed by early summer. It then pupates in the stems and in three weeks emerges as the adult (early May through early July). Oviposition occurs shortly after emergence and mating. The eggs are laid about the base of lilac canes or on ash stems. The hatching larvae bore into the host and become half grown by cold weather. There is one generation per year.

Euonymus Scale

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Female scales have a pear-shaped, dark brown scale covering. Males are more slender than the females and are white with a yellow cap on one end. The male scale covering has three ridges running its length. Both sexes are easily observable on plants and are normally 1/16 inch long. All stages are yellow when observed beneath the scale covering.

Periodical Cicada

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

In Virginia both the 17-and 13-year cicadas damage many ornamental and hardwood trees. Oaks are commonly attacked but the most seriously damaged are newly planted fruit and ornamental trees such as apple, dogwood, peach, hickory, cherry, and pear. Pines and other conifers are not commonly attacked.

Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle in Virginia

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Multicolored Asian Lady beetles enter the house through small openings around windows, doors, and utility access points. In addition, they can enter the house by cracks in the siding and trim and through attic vents. Sealing those entry sites is the best method to keep them from becoming indoor pests later. Conduct a thorough energy audit of your house, as places where cold air can enter the house are places where this lady beetle can gain access. Fill all cracks and leaks with a fine quality silicone or silicone-latex caulk.

Eastern Tent Caterpillar

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

The larval or caterpillar stage is brown and is quite hairy. It has a white stripe running down the back that is bordered by yellow brown. In addition the caterpillar has a row of blue spots down each side. The adult moth is a dark tan color with two pale stripes on each of the front wings. Although similar they are not the same insect as a gypsy moth.

White Pine Weevil

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Distribution and Hosts

The white pine weevil (WPW) is found throughout Virginia. Its preferred hosts are eastern white pine and Norway spruce, but it can attack Scotch and other pines as well.

Description of Damage

The WPW usually attacks only the upright terminal leader. The previous year¹s leader (first whorl) and the new growth both die from the attack. Damage is first evident in March or early April when overwintering females chew holes in the leader for feeding and egg laying. These holes, eight inches to ten inches below the terminal bud, produce resinous bleeding that eventually dries to a white crust. By late May or early June, the larval damage is evident as the current year¹s leader droops like a shepherds crook, turns pale yellow and then brown. In July, the attacked shoot will have 1/8-inch diameter exit holes and tunnels and sawdust under the bark. A lateral shoot will eventually take over as the terminal leader but may have to be trained and have competing shoots removed. Trees of medium size, four feet to 40 feet, are most commonly attacked. WPW is a serious pest of forest plantations, Christmas tree farms, yard plantings, and landscapes.

Spruce Spider Mite

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Distribution and Hosts

The spruce spider mite (Acari: Tetranychidae, Oligonychus unuguis (Jacobi)) lives in all areas of Virginia and is widely distributed throughout the temperate regions of the United States and Canada. It attacks spruce, arborvitae, juniper, hemlock, pine, Douglas fir, Fraser fir, and larch, among others.

Spider Mites

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Aphids, or plant lice, are small, soft-bodied insects. There are hundreds of different species of aphids, some of which attack only one host plant while others attack numerous hosts. Most aphids are about 1/10 inch long (2.54 mm), and though green and black are the most common colors, they may be gray, brown, pink, red, yellow, or lavender. A characteristic common to all is the presence of two tubes, called cornicles, on the back ends of their bodies. The cornicles secrete defensive substances. In some species they are quite long, while in others they are very short and difficult to see.

Aphids feed in clusters and generally prefer new, succulent shoots or young leaves. Some species, known as wooly aphids, are covered with white, waxy filaments, which they produce from special glands.

Aphids

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Bark Beetles

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Order: Coleoptera

Family: Cerambycidae

Size: Larvae up to 3 1/4 inches (80mm) or more.

Color: Adult longhorned beetles are medium to large cylindrical beetles, usually brown, reddish brown, or black in color. They are sometimes mottled or banded with white or gray. Larvae (roundheaded borers) are brown, reddish brown, or black. They are sometimes mottled or banded with white or gray.

Longhorned Beetles/Roundheaded Borers

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Order: Coleoptera

Family: Cerambycidae

Size: Larvae up to 3 1/4 inches (80mm) or more.

Black Vine Weevil

Fri, 01 May 2009 01:00:00 -0400

Plants Attacked

The adults feed on a wide variety of evergreen, deciduous, and herbaceous plants. The larval form is destructive on yew (taxus), hemlock, rhododendron, and several other broad-leaved evergreens. Adults and larvae will sometimes feed on strawberry and impatiens.

Description of Damage

Two kinds of damage are conspicuous: Adults chew marginal notches in leaves, causing damage that quite often is confused with a disease or chemical injury. The adults feed from the outer margin of the leaf inward, creating characteristic notches, and these notches can be used as an early indicator of potential larvae in the soil. Adults cut notches on the margins only; they never create holes on the center of the leaf.