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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First sweet potato crop -- Now what?

OK, so, I just harvested my first batch of sweet potatoes: (Holy crap, there are few things as satisfying as going on a treasure hunt in the dirt and pulling out a big ole hunk-o'-dinner!) But...now what? I'm just a novice gardener and confess that…
AndrewG
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How can I get rid of a large hornet nest in my hollow tree?

I have an old hollow black cherry tree and sandhills hornets moved in this year. The hole is about one foot from the ground. How can I get rid of the nest without a professional?
J. Musser
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Identify small, white, "ant-like" bug found in chips near tree

Can you help me identify and "diagnose" these small, white, ant-like bugs? There are red wood mulch chips around the base of a tree in my front yard. I pushed some around with my shoe, and was a bit surprised to see a bunch of little bugs like…
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Soybean oil as insect repellent?

Some of the "natural" insect repellents I use (the kind you put on your skin) have soybean oil listed as one of the active ingredients. I've also seen ~6% soybean oil listed as an active ingredient in some of the "natural" garden insecticide sprays…
bstpierre
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What is this little insect larvae on my cucumbers?

Need help identifying these little monsters creatures on my cucumber plants. It doesn't look like a beetle but working along side beetles.
amol
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How can I stop cane borers in my rose bush?

I've been having problems where whenever I prune one of my rose bushes, often one of the branches is burrowed into by a nasty cane borer, meaning I have to cut back the rose even further. I'm trying to control the problem by applying PVA to the…
Paul Turner
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Are there any bad effects in using nematodes in pest control?

I have a pest situation on my apricot tree caused by the beetle Capnodis tenebrionis (see this question). I am averse to using chemical pesticides, and I read that nematodes can be used to control C.…
Jonathan
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Why is my Swiss chard suddenly wilting?

I live in Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A. This Swiss Chard has been doing well so far this season, and all the largest leaves you see here were green and strong as recently as a few days ago. We had the hottest day of the season so far, a couple days…
Charney Kaye
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What to do about grubs in vegetable garden and potted tree?

This Spring there seem to be grubs all over my garden, in just about any handful of dirt you flip over. There are lots of articles about how to handle grubs in your lawn, but I don't have a lawn, just a vegetable garden. (Left image is public…
Robert
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Help is my cactus is dying, can it be saved

I recently bought a golden barrel cactus (about two months ago), judging by its size I would say the plant is about a year old. Everything has been perfect with it until Saturday. I usually water or at least check to see if it needs water. On…
Alex.M
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What are the white spots and holes in the leaves of my Western Indian Lime Tree?

Do you have any ideas about why my there are white spots and holes in the leaves of my Lime Tree? What might the pest be and how can I rectify this? Any products you recommend? I live in Melbourne and it's generally a temperate climate. Here…
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Insect Friend or Foe on Rose, Santa Cruz, California

I noticed this small (~1cm long) insect on my rose bush in Santa Cruz, California, U.S.A.. I also noticed that all the scales, usually infesting my rose, were missing. I was pleased and am currently attributing this attrition to the new visitor. Any…
J.P.M.
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Are these brown- and cream-colored beetles on my Okra a concern?

I found these beetles on my Okra this morning. Can anyone identify them? I just moved to central Texas (north of Austin) Are they predatory? Or, are they going to eat my plants? And if so, what would be the best way to take care of them safely for…
Andy Fox
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Tips to help an ash tree, trying to grow from the roots of an EAB victim

Two years ago, emerald ash borer struck my region. I and several of my neighbors made the tree services rich, taking down the trees before they came down on their own and causing damages. I lost three trees total (although I gained 2.5 cords of…
cobaltduck
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How can I combat mealybug in a large garden?

In my friend's large garden, mealybug is the main pest. They spread quickly, often killing whole plants if left unattended. Sometimes they even attack trees. The garden and many of its affected plants are rather large, so the process can't require…
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