Questions tagged [insects]

Six-legged arthropods

Arguably the most successful group of animals to have existed, and they will significantly out number all other groups of animal in your garden. Most insects are benign, although some (eg. aphids, and hornworm larvae) can be pests. Similarly, many are encouraged as predators to eat those that are considered pests (e.g. Ladybugs and lacewings).

Insects typically have six legs, although larvae are an obvious exception. Similarly, most are capable of flight although not necessarily in all stages of growth.

Use this tag for questions about insects in the garden or landscape. For an unknown insect, also add the tag and include a photo. For questions about controlling insects, add the tag.

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What is this ladybug-like insect that is damaging my kale, and how can I control it?

This insect has seriously damaged my kale, and almost killed my brussel sprouts in less than a week. What is it, and how can I control it. My garden is organic, so a non-chemical solution is preferable. Diatomaceous earth does not appear to phase…
Cary Jensen
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Year round pollen producers to sustain miniature pirate bugs for pest control

I would like to use miniature pirate bugs to control thrips and other potential pests in my greenhouse, they seem quite effective but I do not want the population to die off too much when there are not many pests left for them to eat. They can…
TWiz
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How to keep away Forficula auricularia from cabbages?

Here is a photo. This type of bug is eating all cabbages that I have planted some weeks ago. Apart from killing one by one, there is any solution? Probably they are living in the organic substrate.
anvd
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Best method of using lady bugs to prevent aphids

My kale and broccoli's are getting infested with aphids and they seem to be multiplying. I have tried to hose them off and that works temporarily but they are back in a few days. Research suggests using lady bugs is very effective. If someone has…
JStorage
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What are these small flying insects? Are they bad for my lawn or trees?

It's the dog days of summer in Central Texas, and for the last few weeks I've noticed a lot of these tiny, winged creatures in my back yard (disregard the cicada shell at top right): They seem to be everywhere, seeking shelter in shady areas such…
Bungle
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How to keep cucumber beetles/bacterial wilt from spreading when removing infected plant?

I have some cucumber plants that are very infested with cucumber beetles (mostly striped, some spotted). The plants are dying from bacterial wilt, and although it's hard to access all leaf surfaces to get an accurate count, there's probably at…
NeutronStar
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What's this white bug?

I found these white bugs on my Carolina Reaper plant last week. They seem to leave white webs/fluff behind them, as you can see in the picture. From what I've read online, they appear to me to be mealybugs, except that these little fellas jump. Are…
deckeresq
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How to prevent insects coming to a water-puddle

Some neighbours in our common building put the water-pipes of their air-conditioning systems over the garden. The water drips from the pipes and creates puddles in the garden. There are plants growing nearby, but still there is sufficient water in…
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What's this? Vine with heart-shaped foliage and green-to-black fruit (Identified: Creeping Cucumber)

New member, probably my first of many "what's this" type posts. I've just recently gotten into gardening and there are a lot of wild plants around my house which are just lovely, hoping to incorporate them. But first, identification! I live in…
AndrewG
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What is this insect, which is drilling holes into my rose bush?

I recently bought a rose bush for the first time and planted it in a large pot according to the instructions on the label. It has been about a month since then, the first yellow rose has started to bloom. However, I recently noticed that there was a…
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Indoor pesticide for edible plants

I've got a small indoor container garden, with a variety of herbs, a couple of flowers, and a couple of succulents. A while ago, we noticed very small white insects moving around on my morning glories. I checked other plants and didn't notice any…
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What is this small green bug with long legs and antennae, in New Zealand?

I have found an insect sitting on one of my plants, in Auckland, New Zealand. It is sitting on a broad bean leaf about 6 cm wide Is this a friend or foe?
Sean Forman
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Can you identify this grub?

Past couple of years I've been getting skunks digging in the yard. Not a lot but I've had to deal with sprayed pets which is no fun. I applied Milky Spore past 2 falls but I was doing a little digging and ran across this guy. Any idea what type of…
OrganicLawnDIY
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One-off (organic?) aphids control

We need to ask a gardener to apply an insecticide to a CHERRY tree. Neighbours have complained about the tree being infested by insects. For reasons I cannot go into, there is no regular access to the tree. So we want to ask someone to come once and…
user1154435
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Why is my bonsai losing brown/yellow leaves and developing white dots

I was recently given this beautiful bonsai and I water until the soil is moist nearly every day. But recently it has started dropping leaves and these little white dots are appearing. Why is this happening and what can I do? This was given to me for…
Kate
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