These 1/2″ long winged insects with enlarged hind legs can be brown, green or yellow. Although they chew grass, they are usually not a problem, but in large numbers can strip plants right to the ground. They can be controlled with insecticide.
These bugs are diamond shaped, dark brown or black, 1/2″ in size. They hide on the underside of leaves. When they are caught and crushed they emit a foul odor. Squash bugs feed on cucumber, melon, pumpkin and squash. They suck plant juices from the leaves which will show spots … Read More
Snails have shells, they travel by extending the length of their bodies along a patch of slippery, silvery slime. They eat any and all garden plants leaving large ragged holes in leaves. They feed at night or on overcast or rainy days, hiding under cover when the sun shines. Eliminate … Read More
Slugs thrive in moist, shady sites. They often hide under foliage rosettes for protection from drying sunlight. Silvery trails along the ground and on leaves are signs of their presence. They can decimate plants in a short time. Hand pick them to protect plants from looking ragged. Snail bait can … Read More
Psyllids are small winged insects called jumping plant lice. They are greenish or brownish and no more than 1/10″ long. They have antennae and clear wings that fold into a triangular shape and jump up when disturbed. They target acacia, boxwood, eucalyptus, laurel, magnolia, and pear trees. They will suck … Read More
Colorado potato beetles are bright yellow with 5 bold brown stripes along the length of its body. Found in southwestern states, they are a pest of potato crops as well as tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers. They become active in May and will lay eggs as soon as a host plant … Read More
Oak moths cause visible damage to oak trees through the west. They are tan or gray with a 1″ wingspan and noticeable veining on their wings. They are attracted only to oak trees, chewing leaves, making holes, and eventually defoliating branches. Infestations cannot be prevented. Kill larger caterpillars by spraying … Read More
The bees that cause precise circles or ovals in foliage are small and hairy, either black, green, purple or blue. They seem to prefer foliage of roses, although any tree or shrub that has a shiny, firm leaf may be cut. Bees are docile and rarely sting humans and can … Read More
Leaf rollers are caterpillars that feed on leaves, shoots, and fruit. Larvae roll themselves up inside leaves, sometimes spinning a web to join fruit and leaves together. Other pests and fungal rots later enter the holes that leaf rollers chew in fruit. Treatment: Thuricide
Lady bugs are colorfully spotted, 1/4″ long, red with black spots. They feed on aphids, mites and other soft-bodied insects. They cause no plant damage, making them beneficial insects commercially sold in nurseries.
Earwigs are reddish-brown insects that are 3/4″ long. They are easily recognized by the pointy pincers on the tail end of their abdomens. Although they have wings, they rearely fly, preferring to quickly crawl. They are active from spring through fall. Earwigs eat decomposing and decaying wood. They are not … Read More
Companion planting is a concept that calls for planting two kinds of plants in a bed to discourage insects from attacking one of the two. The most common example is planting marigolds in the vegetable garden. Certain soil loving nematodes attack the roots of vegetables; marigold roots secrete a substance … Read More