Vegetables Archives

Wireworms

The shiny, reddish brown larvae of the click beetle are the particular bane of gardeners who dote on root crops. Reaching a length of about 1 1/2 inches, wire-worms are hard-shelled and jointed with three pairs of legs just behind the head. They’re especially troublesome in gardens formerly planted as lawns. In hot, dry weather, … Read more

Whiteflies

Some 200 species of these pests cause problems. Like aphids (their close relatives), they’re sap feeders, sucking plant juices from leaf undersides. The adults, which look like tiny white moths, fly up in a cloud when disturbed. Some of the nymphal stages resemble scale insects. Whiteflies are found the year around in warm climates; in … Read more

Weevils

Weevils are recognized by their distinctive long snout and antennae with small clubs; beyond that, they have a considerable diversity of form and size, with adult lengths ranging from 0.04 inch to 1.57 inch. These beetles known to be destructive especially as larvae to nuts, fruit, and grain or to living plants.

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 the fringe-winged adults and the wingless nymphs scrape plant tissues and suck the juices. They often hide in buds and blossoms. Target: Many ornamentals, especially … Read more

Stinkbugs

The nymphs and adults have piercing mouthparts which most use to suck sap from plants, although some eat other insects. When they group in large numbers they can become significant pests. Stinkbugs normally appear during the spring and summer months. During warm months, female stink bugs attach large masses of eggs to the underside of … Read more

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 the flow of nutrients and water. Infested vines may contain just one borer or as many as a hundred. Target: Primarily squash, but occasionally cucumbers … Read more

Squash Bugs

Long-legged and mainly nocturnal, these true bugs are stubborn pests that favor cucurbits. Both adults and nymphs suck sap from stems and leaf undersides. The 1/2 inch long, shield shaped adults are yellowish to black, while the smaller, tear-shaped nymphs are yellowish green with red heads. Squash bugs stink when crushed. Target: Primarily squash and … Read more

Spittlebugs

Frothy bubbles on a plant are a sure sign that these small, triangular, brownish or greenish creatures are in residence.The froth is actually a protective coating produced by the nymphs; the adults don’t produce bubbles. Nymphs are more or less immobile, but adults are winged and will fly or hop away if disturbed. Spittle bugs … Read more

Spider Mites

Too small to be seen clearly with the naked eye, these insect relatives flourish in hot, dry environments and on water stressed plants. Unlike predatory mites, spider mites suck plant juices and spin webs. Target: All plants, but especially fruit trees and small fruits, cucurbits, tomatoes, and roses. Damage: Leaves are stippled with yellow or … Read more

Sowbugs

Oval and about 1/2 inch long, these seven-legged crustaceans are easy to tell apart; sowbugs have two tail like appendages, and pillbugs curl into a tight ball if disturbed. Although adapted to life on dry land, the creatures thrive in damp conditions. To keep from drying out, they hide in dark, moist places during the … Read more