| Spider Mites |
Live on the undersides of leaves of plants where they spin protective webs. |
Large infestations can cause visible damage and sometimes kill young plants. |
Ladybugs and lacewings. |
Prune leaves and stems that have webbing and dispose of in the trash to avoid spread. |
| Codling Moth Larvae |
Bore into the center of fruits, mainly apples and pears. |
Loss of fruit yield and unsightly damage to a crop. |
Beneficial nematodes, wasps and birds. |
Scrape loose bark from trees in early spring to disrupt the lifecycle. Use a kaolin clay-water mixture before moths arrive to prevent the larvae from feeding. |
| Scale |
Common on trees, shrubs and greenhouse plants and can be found on any part of a plant. |
Large populations can result in poor growth and yellowed leaves. If left unabated, they can kill a plant. |
Ladybugs and lacewings. |
Prune and dispose of infested branches, twigs and leaves. Rub or pick off by hand. Orange oil/d-limonene can be effective when rubbed onto scale insects. |
| White Fly |
Live on the undersides of leaves in thick crowds. |
With large infestations, plants become weak and are more susceptible to disease. |
Ladybugs and lacewings. |
Yellow sticky traps are helpful for monitoring and reducing adult populations. Hose off plants with a strong stream of water to reduce pest numbers. |
| Thrip |
Found on many garden plants and feed on flowers, leaves and fruits. |
Spread disease among garden plants. Large infestations can weaken a plant and make it more susceptible to other issues. |
Pirate bugs, ladybugs and lacewings. |
Ensure crop debris is cleared after harvest and remove weeds and grass from around susceptible areas. Hose off plants with a strong stream of water to reduce pest numbers. |
| Vine Weevil Larvae |
Common on ornamental plants and damage leaves by chewing. |
The larvae cause the most damge as they tunnel through the roots of a plant and can cause wilt or death. |
Beneficial nematodes. |
Do not over water or over mulch to avoid overly moist soil, which they prefer. Use Diatomaceous Earth on the ground near effected plants. |
| Cabbage Worm |
Feed on the leaves and stems of brassica and other cabbage-family crops. |
The worm can quickly destroy an entire plant by chewing holes in the leaves. |
Beetles, spiders, wasps, lacewings and birds. |
Hand pick the worms as soon as you notice them. Apply Bacillus Thuringinsis to leaves where worms are seen. |
| Tomato Hornworm |
Feed on the leaves and stems of tomato, potato and pepper plants. |
They can consume entire leaves rather quickly that can weaken a plant and reduce growth. |
Lacewings, ladybugs and wasps. |
Hand pick the worms as soon as you notice them. Apply Bacillus Thuringinsis to leaves where worms are seen. |
| Aphid |
Feed on the leaves and stems of many outdoor plants. |
Low to moderate numbers are not generally harmful. Heavy infestations can cause leaf curl, wilt or stunted plant growth. |
Ladybugs and lacewings. |
Pinch or prune off infested parts of the plant. Hose off plants with a strong stream of water to reduce pest numbers. |
| Leafhopper |
Feed by puncturing the undersides of leaves. |
Transmit a number of plant diseases that can cause leaf curl, low vigor and yellowing. |
Pirate bugs, ladybugs and lacewings. |
Ensure crop debris is cleared after harvest and remove weeds and grass from around susceptible areas. Floating row covers can help protect plants during critical stages. |