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Even though their name is “Fall Webworm” (Hyphantria cunea), the larvae of these little critters have been spotted in several Maryland counties (including Montgomery County), generating small webs on the tip growth of hawthorn, cherry, and mulberry trees.
Fall webworms will build their webby nests in nearly 100 species of hardwood trees, including elm, […]
It was 80 degrees on Tuesday, and chances are the weeds noticed this, too. In fairness, “weeds†is a subjective, not scientific, term for any persistently undesirable vegetation. Some people regard English ivy (Hedera helix) as a weed, while others will purchase flats of it at garden centers. Go figure.
The mild temperatures of November and […]
Mealybugs (Pseudococcidae) are “scale†insects. Scale insects are what bug aficionados like to call “insects that suck.†They insert a needle-like mouthpart into plant tissue and extract plant juices, resulting in loss of vigor and die-back. The most common symptom is leaf discoloration – typically a light mottling or striated pattern on otherwise green material.
Many […]
If you have houseplants, you may occasionally notice teeny, tiny black bugs drifting around nearby. What are they? Fungus gnats. OK, so this topic is not the most exciting way to kick off the New Year, but it’s good to start SMALL!
As we settle into autumn and think about putting our gardens “to bed†for the season, there are other creatures preparing for winter. Several readers have asked what they can do about squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits and even deer who regard their gardens as an all-you-can-eat buffet.
Stumble it!