Archive for the ‘Pests & Diseases’ Category

Japanese stilt grass (Microstegium vimineum), occasionally called bamboo grass as well as other names not fit to write, is considered an exotic invasive plant and poses a threat to many of our native plants and habitats.   Read the rest of this entry »

Fortunate is the gardener who hasn’t had to combat powdery mildew in the late spring.

Powdery mildew thrives when the temperature ranges between 60° to 80° in humid climates—just what the weather offers in the Triangle in late April and May. Appearing as patches of grayish white on the top of leaves, powdery mildew is one of our more unattractive aspects of gardening. Read the rest of this entry »

I am sure you have noticed the large green beetles flying around.  Green June beetles  (Cotinis nitida) are present from June through August.  They fly low to the ground and are relatively slow fliers with a habit of running into things.  Quite often during this time of year they will fly into windows.  Read the rest of this entry »

If you have seen two-inch bags hanging on your plants this winter or if you look outside one morning and see what looks like little pearls hanging on the limbs of your Leyland Cypress or other junipers, beware of the bagworms. Read the rest of this entry »

We all know that mosquitoes love water. It is the incubation spot for their babies. The spring and summer rains enhance their breeding grounds. However in our part of the world, when we have a late winter snow, you can multiply that incubation effect. Since North Carolina snow periods are usually late in the winter season the snow is followed fairly soon by nice warm, sometimes even hot days. It’s a mosquito’s perfect combination. Read the rest of this entry »

As you walk around your garden on a beautiful spring day, you might notice that the leaves on one of your plants are drooping. You see a small quarter-size hole around the root system. And the normally solid ground beneath your feet feels slightly soft. Read the rest of this entry »

In most cases the answer to that question is NO.  However, there is an insect, or more correctly a group of insects, called scale insects. Read the rest of this entry »

There are many chemicals labeled for control of garden pests: fungicides for fungal plant diseases, herbicides for weeds, and insecticides for insects.  All are considered “pesticides”. Read the rest of this entry »

Fall is fast approaching and with the cool weather comes the emergence of cool season weeds.  Two of the worst are wild onion (Allium canadense) and wild garlic (Allium vineale).  Yes, they are actually two different weeds.  As is evident by the Latin names, they are closely related.  Both plants are edible with very strong flavors. Read the rest of this entry »

June is affectionately called “Big Bug Month” by some entomologists (people who study insects).  While Japanese Beetles (Popillia japonica) are not the biggest insects on the planet, only reaching a size of 7/16ths of an inch, they have become one of the biggest pests here in North Carolina because they feed on over 200 plant species. Read the rest of this entry »