Filter
Insects

Harlequin Bugs

These handsome black-and-orange pests are found largely in the southern half of the country. Shield shaped and 1/4 inch long, the harlequin is a type of stink bug, releasing a...

Hornworms

Up to 5 inches long, hornworms are the larvae of large brown moths that fly like hummingbirds. Both tomato and tobacco hornworms are green with diagonal white stripes; the horn,...

Imported Cabbageworms

These velvety, light green caterpillars are similar to cabbage loopers (see page 26) in size, but more conventional in gait. Older caterpillars have faint yellow stripes. Target: Primarily cole crops....

Japanese Beetles

Found primarily in the eastern United States, this pest eats almost everything except vegetables. The C-shaped grubs whitish, up to 1-inch-long, with brown heads and three pairs of legs feed...

June Beetles

Varying in color and size by the species, this beetle flies after dusk and is attracted to light. The various common names, may beetle, June bug, June beetle, refer to...

Leaf Miners

This is a catch all name for certain moth, beetle, and fly larvae that tunnel between the upper and lower surfaces of leaves, ruining crops of leafy vegetables and disfiguring...

Millipedes

Although their name suggests otherwise, these nocturnal, hard-shelled, worm-like creatures don't have a thousand legs, but only up to a mere 400. Slow moving and ranging from 1/2 to 2...

Mites

Mites are small arthropods with two body regions, sucking mouthparts, no antennae, and four pairs of legs as adults. The life cycle of a mite has four active stages: egg,...

Parsleyworms

This elusive, 2 inch long, brilliantly colored caterpillar, which protrudes a pair of orange horns when disturbed, is rarely seen in gardens. Although technically a pest, it's so pretty you...

Potato Tuberworms

A pinkish white, 1/2 inch long caterpillar with a brown head, this pest tunnels into the stems, tubers, and fruit of its target plants. It's a problem in the southern...

Psyllids

The several species of these aphid size insects, which suck sap primarily from leaf undersides, are sometimes called jumping plant lice. They feed on a variety of plants, including fruit...

Root Maggots

These pests thrive in cool, moist, highly organic soils. The several species include cabbage and onion maggots, found primarily in the northern United States, and the seed-corn maggot, a widespread...

Root Weevils

Many species of root weevils cause trouble. The black vine weevil feasts on plants such as yew, rhododendrons, members of the rose family, and small fruits; the strawberry root weevil...

Sawflies

Unlike their bee and wasp relatives, sawflies are plant eaters, named for the way females use their egg-laying organs to saw slits in plants. Adult sawflies look like wasps, but...

Scale Insects

Varying in size, shape, and color, the many species of these aphid cousins look like bumps on bark, leaves, and fruit. All are equipped with an insecticide-resistant coat, a leathery...

Seed Maggots

The seed maggot generally overwinters as a mature larva in a puparium (pupal case) 8-15cm (3-6 in.) deep in the soil. Adults occasionally hibernate and become active very early in...

Sod Webworms

Sod webworms are the larvae of lawn moths, which hide in the day and fly in the evening and at night. When disturbed during daylight hours, the grayish white to...

Squash Vine Borers

An eastern pest, the squash vine borer is a 1 inch long caterpillar with a white, accordion like body and a brown head. It tunnels inside plant stems, cutting off...

Tent Caterpillars

Thrips

A few types of these narrow, barely visible insects are predators, but most are pests. Some kinds eat just about any plant, while others attack only a single species. Both...