Neem oil is derived from the neem tree, an evergreen shade tree that is indigenous to tropical India and South Asia. Although the oil can be extracted from all parts of the tree, the seed kernels contain the highest concentration. The usually yellow-brown oil has a pungent odor that some…
Spider mites are not insects. Instead, they are members of the arachnid family, as are spiders and ticks. They are so small that they are difficult to see without a magnifying glass. While they are almost invisible, the damage they inflict is not. This garden pest feeds on the leaves…
Nematodes are microscopic roundworms categorized as either predatory or parasitic. Predatory nematodes hunt down garden pests, like cutworms and squash vine borers, and are considered beneficial by gardeners. On the other hand, parasitic nematodes, like root knot nematodes, feed on plant roots and cause considerable crop damage.Root knot nematodes attack…
The spotted lanternfly may not be an insect that is familiar to many of us, but it soon could be. This beautiful but destructive pest is an invasive species that is native to China, India, Vietnam, and eastern Asia. It was first observed in the United States in Pennsylvania in…
Tortoise beetles are some of the most fascinating beetles in the garden. They measure a mere 5 to 7 mm (approximately 1/4") and come in a variety of striking colors like metallic gold, rust, orange, metallic green, and metallic blue. At first glance, the metallic ones look like sequins. These members…
Pickleworms first appeared in the United States in 1869 when they were discovered inside pickling cucumbers, hence the name. While this caterpillar does attack cucumbers, it prefers summer squashes, like yellow squash, zucchini, and pattypan (scallop) squash. It will also attack other cucurbits like cantaloupe, pumpkin, winter squash, and sometimes watermelon, although it is…
Whiteflies are white or cream-colored, triangular-shaped insects that resemble miniature moths. They measure a mere 1/12 of an inch long (2 mm). While there are hundreds of species, there are only a handful that cause problems for home gardeners. When the weather turns warm, these soft-bodied insects congregate in groups, usually…
Leafhoppers are wedge-shaped insects, whose wings cover their bodies much like a roof is pitched over a house. They measure between 1/8 to 1/4 inch long (0.3 to 0.6 cm) and vary in color from green, to brown, to tan. Some sport a blend of colors including blue, gold, and…
Cutworms are not worms, but rather caterpillars, that is, the larval stage of a various moths that are typically brown or gray. Cutworms are so named because they feed on the stems of seedlings and young plants, cutting them off at or just below the soil level. They can also…
Many plant enthusiasts and gardeners throw their hands up in frustration when dealing with fungus gnats. While there are several organic treatment options available, some are disappointed because the methods don't seem to work. If that describes you, don't despair. Instead, learn how to implement these five secret strategies so…