Garden Pests — Page 4
A damaged leaf is a clue, not an identification. Browse questions about plant-feeding insects, lawn damage, tree pests, and the observations to collect before deciding on control.
327 questions · Page 4 of 10
SpidersHow do you inspect the underside of leaves for spider mites?Learn how to properly inspect the underside of leaves for spider mites, identify the pests, and handle infestations safely.Crickets & Mole CricketsHow do you monitor a garden pest across its life stages?Learn how to monitor garden pests across their life stages by spotting key identification cues, timing interventions, and knowing when to call professionals.SlugsHow do you prevent slugs in a garden?Learn how to prevent slugs in a garden using cultural sanitation, proper moisture management, physical traps, and safe bait application.SpidersHow do you prevent spider mites on houseplants?Learn how to effectively prevent, identify, and manage spider mites on indoor houseplants using safe, practical methods.SlugsHow do you protect seedlings from slugs without relying on a single method?Learn how to protect your garden seedlings from slugs using a practical, multi-layered approach that goes beyond single remedies.PlanthoppersHow do you report a spotted lanternfly in Maryland?Report a spotted lanternfly in Maryland through the state's online reporting tool, or contact the Maryland Department of Agriculture or UMD Extension.PlanthoppersHow do you report a spotted lanternfly in New York?Learn how to accurately identify and report spotted lanternfly sightings in New York, what steps to take next, and when to call a professional.PlanthoppersHow do you report a spotted lanternfly sighting?Take clear photos, note the exact location and host plant, and report it through your state department of agriculture's online tool.Beetles & WeevilsHow do you tell emerald ash borer exit holes from other bark damage?Learn how to identify emerald ash borer exit holes and distinguish them from other tree damage.Moths & ButterfliesHow is a box tree moth report handled in a newly affected area?Learn how authorities handle a box tree moth report in newly affected areas, from initial identification to official quarantine responses.Moths & ButterfliesHow is a browntail moth caterpillar different from other Maine caterpillars?Learn how to tell a browntail moth caterpillar apart from other Maine caterpillars and how to manage the severe health risks they pose.Moths & ButterfliesHow is box tree moth damage treated?Learn how box tree moth damage is identified, managed, and treated on boxwood shrubs.Moths & ButterfliesHow is browntail moth rash treated?Wash browntail moth rash with soap and cool water, then use hydrocortisone, calamine, cool baths and antihistamines. There is no antidote.AdelgidsHow is hemlock woolly adelgid treated?Hemlock woolly adelgid is treated with oils on small trees, systemic insecticides on large ones, plus biological predators and sanitation.Beetles & WeevilsHow is vine weevil controlled?Control vine weevil adults with sticky bands or night hand-picking, and the root-eating grubs with beneficial nematodes applied to moist soil.SnailsHow long do garden snails live?Brown garden snails take about two years to mature. Total lifespan varies with climate, since some keep feeding year-round and others go dormant.PlanthoppersHow should a Pennsylvania resident report a suspected spotted lanternfly?Learn how Pennsylvania residents can properly identify, report, and manage suspected spotted lanternfly sightings.Other True BugsHow should Florida homeowners check St. Augustine grass for chinch bugs?Learn how to inspect St. Augustine grass for chinch bugs, identify the pests, and decide the next steps for lawn care.AdelgidsHow should hemlock branches be inspected for woolly adelgid?Learn how to properly inspect hemlock branches for woolly adelgids, identify the signs, and know when to seek professional help.Moths & ButterfliesHow should suspected browntail moth caterpillars be distinguished from harmless lookalikes?Learn how to distinguish the invasive and toxic browntail moth caterpillar from harmless lookalikes using identification markers and nest architecture.Beetles & WeevilsIs an ash tree with emerald ash borer damage always beyond saving?Not always. An ash tree with emerald ash borer can still be treated if the damage under the bark is caught early, while its vascular system works.Beetles & WeevilsIs every small white larva in a lawn a “grub”?Discover why not every small white larva in your lawn is a grub and learn how to identify different turf pests accurately.Beetles & WeevilsJapanese beetle adults vs lawn grubs: are they the same stage?Discover whether adult Japanese beetles and lawn grubs are the same creature, how to identify them, and what steps to take next.Scale Insects & MealybugsRoot mealybugs vs above-ground mealybugs: what is different?Learn the main differences between root mealybugs and above-ground mealybugs, how to identify them, and what steps to take for treatment.SlugsRose sawfly larvae vs rose slug sawflies: what naming difference matters?Discover why the name difference between rose sawfly larvae and rose slugs matters for effective garden pest control.PlanthoppersShould you kill a spotted lanternfly?Kill them where lanternflies are already established. In a new area, photograph the bug and note the location first so officials get proof.Beetles & WeevilsShould you kill Asian lady beetles?Learn whether to kill Asian lady beetles based on their location, season, and whether they act as beneficial garden predators or indoor pests.SlugsSlugs in a vegetable bed: where should you look first?Learn where to look for slugs in your vegetable bed during the day, how to identify their damage, and practical ways to manage them safely.Scale Insects & MealybugsSoft scale vs armored scale insects: what is different?Armored scales live under a separate shield you can lift off and make no honeydew. Soft scales have a fused waxy skin and leave sticky honeydew.Garden PestsSoft scale vs armored scale: what is the difference?Soft scales have a waxy dome fused to the body and make sticky honeydew. Armored scales live under a separate shield and make no honeydew.SpidersSpider mites vs thrips: what leaf damage differs?Learn the key differences between leaf damage caused by spider mites and thrips, how to identify them accurately, and what steps to take next.Moths & ButterfliesSpongy moth vs tent caterpillar: how can you tell?Learn the key differences between spongy moths and tent caterpillars, how to identify them in your yard, and the right steps to manage them safely.Beetles & WeevilsSpotted vs striped cucumber beetles: why identify the species?Learn how to tell spotted and striped cucumber beetles apart, why the distinction matters for your garden, and how to manage them safely.Other True BugsSquash bug nymph vs adult: what changes during the season?Learn how squash bugs change from bright green nymphs to dark brown adults over the growing season, and how to spot and manage them effectively.Other True BugsSquash bugs vs stink bugs on vegetables: how can you tell them apart?Learn how to tell squash bugs and stink bugs apart in your garden, understand their damage, and find out how to manage them safely.Moths & ButterfliesSquash vine borer moth vs other orange-and-black moths: what differs?Learn how to distinguish the squash vine borer moth from other orange-and-black garden insects, spot the damage early, and make the right control decisions.