pests

Mid-season sweet corn pests: silk clippers, leaf feeders, and ear destroyers

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu Minnesota sweet corn is making its way to markets. Plantings will continue to tassel, silk, and size up ears for the next two months, meaning we are entering the key window for sweet corn pest control. The insects you may see but may not...

Managing tricky vegetable pests: Cucumber beetle

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu Cucumber beetles show up in Minnesota every year. This article provides a brief overview of cucumber beetles along with recommended management strategies you can use after your cucurbits are planted. Cucumber beetles: an overview...

What to do now about flea beetles

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu Flea beetle continues to be one of the biggest pests on Minnesota vegetables farms, especially in our brassica crops. Some of the most effective things we can do to manage this pest happen before we see damage (AKA, the combination of...

What attracts pests to a home?

No homeowner wants pests to invade their homes or their yards. However, it's easy for pests to find their way into and around a home. In fact, certain conditions may be inviting pests to a property. · Garbage: Piles of garbage offer food and shelter to pests. Removing garbage piles and cleaning up...

Warm winter and pests

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu How will this warmer winter weather affect the survival of pests like emerald ash borer (EAB)? Emerald ash borers generally have a one-year life cycle that can extend to two years in a vigorously growing ash tree. EAB larvae live under...

Houseplant hitchhikers: Mealybug

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu A female mealybug amongst cottony egg masses on an orchid stem Mealybugs have taken up residence on the underside of this saucer. And suddenly it’s fall! Time to start bringing in those houseplants that have thrived outdoors over the...

All-natural ways to protect food gardens from pests

Homeowners frequently enhance their outdoor living spaces with attractive plants and trees. When that greenery also produces food, the results can be both beauty and bounty. People who plant vegetable gardens and fruit trees in their yards can be blessed with an abundance of fresh pickings once it'...

Watch for pests in holiday greens

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu Our partners at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) publish the Plant Pest Insider newsletter. The November 24 edition includes information on spotting and reporting the following pests that are commonly found this time of year...

Coming clean on soap in the garden

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu Aphids are good candidates for control with soap. Any place gardeners gather to talk about plants, there will be talk of soap. Dish soap and water are often referred to as the holy grail for managing insects from aphids to Japanese...

Sweet corn pests: the ones you'll notice versus the one to worry about

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA EXTENSION - www.extension.umn.edu Some of the state’s earliest sweet corn is making its way to markets. Plantings will continue to tassel, silk, and size up ears for the next two months, meaning we are entering the key window for sweet corn pest control. The bugs you...