A thought-provoking quote about an experiment with black ants and red ants in a jar has been circulating online for years It describes how when left alone, the ants coexist peacefully But when the jar is shaken violently, the ants turn on each other, believing those of a different color are the enemy. This analogy … Read more
Finding ants crawling on the leaves of your cauliflower plants can be alarming. However, ants themselves do not typically damage vegetable plants. More often, their presence signals a more destructive pest that ants feed on. With some detective work, you can determine what is truly eating your cauliflower leaves and how to stop the damage. … Read more
Bay laurel trees are a beloved addition to many home gardens and landscapes. With their gracefully arching branches and aromatic leaves, they impart a Mediterranean flair while also supplying a handy seasoning ingredient. However, the sight of chewed or distorted foliage can give any gardener pause. If you’ve wondered “what’s eating my bay tree leaves?” … Read more
Weevils are a common garden pest that can damage and destroy plants by feeding on roots, leaves, buds, and stems. With their long snouts and hard shells, these beetles are difficult to control. However, with persistent monitoring and a multi-pronged approach you can get rid of garden weevils organically and prevent further infestations. What are … Read more
Fungus gnats are tiny black flies about 1/8 inch long that can emerge in huge swarms in garden beds. While they seem harmless, these pests can damage your plants. Fungus gnat larvae feed on roots and facilitate the spread of fungal diseases. Left uncontrolled they may stunt or kill seedlings and reduce the yields of … Read more
Tree bark fungus is a common issue that can affect the health and appearance of trees. While some fungi are harmless others can cause significant damage if left untreated. Fortunately there are several effective methods for removing fungus from tree bark and restoring your trees. Common Types of Tree Bark Fungus There are many different … Read more
Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) is a popular flowering shrub known for its showy blooms and low maintenance nature. However, like any plant, it can fall victim to insect pests and diseases. If left unchecked, these bugs can seriously damage your rose of sharon, marring its beauty and even killing the plant. In this article, … Read more
Mealybugs are a common pest that can quickly infest and damage succulent plants. Their fluffy, cotton-like egg sacs and bodies allow them to hide in hard to reach places on the plant. Left untreated, mealybugs will suck nutrients from the plant, stunt growth and potentially kill the succulent. Getting rid of mealybugs requires persistence and … Read more
Tulip trees, also known as tuliptrees or yellow poplars, are stately shade trees that brighten landscapes with their vibrant spring blooms. However, aphids can infest the foliage and sap the health from these beautiful trees. Tuliptree aphids excrete sticky honeydew that drips on surfaces below. Left uncontrolled, aphids weaken trees and detract from their beauty. … Read more
With their large, tropical-looking blooms bird of paradise plants (Strelitzia spp.) are prized houseplants. However they are prone to infestations of mealybugs – small sap-sucking insects covered in a white waxy coating. Mealybugs damage plants by feeding on their sap and secreting sticky honeydew residue. Left unchecked, mealybugs can weaken and even kill bird of … Read more