Quick facts Boxelder bugs like warm areas and are attracted to buildings with a lot of southern or western exposure.  The best time to control them is in the fall and is most effective by sealing openings and the timely use of insecticides They normally do not cause property damage but they can potentially stain surfaces. […]

Although they sound rather cute, June bugs can spell disaster for your lawn, garden and trees. These aptly named insects, which are a type of beetle, make their unwelcome presence known in late May and stay into the summer months unless you put a stop to them. What Are June Bugs? Adult June bugs are […]

Springtails Quick facts Springtails are found in areas of high moisture and in organic debris. They are nuisances and do not damage food, clothes, furniture or property. Springtails do not bite or sting and are harmless to people. They feed on decaying roots and fungi and rarely damage plants. Moisture control is the most effective option for controlling […]

Squash bugs can be the bane of a gardener’s existence! Here are tips on how to identify, control, and get rid of squash bugs in your garden. What Are Squash Bugs?  Squash bugs are very difficult to manage once their numbers get out of control and can cause a lot of havoc. They are most commonly found on squash […]

Glistening cobalt blue above and tawny below, Barn Swallows dart gracefully over fields, barnyards, and open water in search of flying insect prey. Look for the long, deeply forked tail that streams out behind this agile flyer and sets it apart from all other North American swallows. Barn Swallows often cruise low, flying just a […]

Silverfish, Lepisma saccharina, are clearly not fish. Their nickname comes from their silver color and the way that their bodies move back and forth, side-to-side, like fish when they move. Why they like it in your home Plenty to eat. They tend to eat sugary substances called polysaccharides that are found in numerous household objects, such as […]

What Are Aphids Aphids seem to find their way into every garden. They are small, soft-bodied insects that feed by sucking the nutrient-rich liquids out of plants. In large numbers, they can weaken plants significantly, harming flowers and fruit. Aphids multiply quickly, so it’s important to get them under control before reproduction starts. Many generations can occur in one season. Identifying Aphids […]

What is a dust mite? Dust mites can be difficult to detect due to their small size. These microscopic arthropods are estimated to be only 1/4 to 1/3 millimeters long. You can only see them under a microscope, and even then, they only look like small white spider-like creatures. The reason why dust mites are so […]

Even the word “grub” is gross to think about without imaging their wriggling white bodies. Still, these little bugs are all over the place and almost impossible to totally avoid. There are different types of grubs all over the world, but the ones that most people are familiar with are lawn grubs. Lawn grubs, sometimes […]

What Are Earwigs Earwigs can be found in almost any growing zone, although they are more likely to inhabit warm, humid climates. You might have trouble spotting one—not only are they quick movers, they are also nocturnal and tend to hide out during the day when you are tending the garden. They like decaying wood and plant […]