Bug-E-Day

Spruce Mite

Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

One of the most common pests of conifers often gets overlooked or it's damage is blamed on something else.

Photo Source: Eric Day

Periodical Cicada

Fri, 10 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Most every year, somewhere in Virginia, this cicada emerges, followed by lots of noise, dead twigs, and usually news reporters.

Photo Source: Eric R. Day, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Bugwood.org

Eastern Tent Caterpillar

Wed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Wild black cherry and choke cherry trees often have webbing at the bases of branches at this time of year caused by a native insect called the Eastern Tent Caterpillar. Unrelated to Gypsy Moths, it becomes noticeable a we drive down the highway.

Photo Source: Eric Day

Termites

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Leaves and flowers are not the only things that emerge in April; termites also come out and swarm inside houses at this time of year.

Photo Source: Eric Day

Emerald Ash Borer

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Now is a good time to think about protecting those valuable ash trees from the ravages of this beetle. Signs of this insect include increased woodpecker activity and dead branches at the top of the tree.

Photo Source: Eric R. Day, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Bugwood.org

Ticks

Sat, 16 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Just when we want to go outside, these little pests get active. There are some easy ways to prevent these little guys from hitching a ride on us.

Photo Source: Eric Day

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500

It bugged us last summer in the garden, it bugged us last fall when it started coming indoors, now it's active again in the house as it tries to get outside.

Cigarette Beetle

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Once the scourge of tobacco shops, this little beetle feeds on a wide variety of stored foods. Hint: it often feeds on dried spices.

Photo Credit: Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, Bugwood.org

Earwigs

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Soon the unusual insects with the pinchers on the end of their bodies will show up on our doorsteps. The folklore about them invading ears is false but they can still aggravate us a little bit.

Photo Credit: Eric Day

Boxelder Bug

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

First they were climbing on the outside walls in the fall, now they are wandering around inside and causing concern. Not to worry, they don't feed on anything inside, just a nuisance.

Photo Credit: John A. Weidhass, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Bugwood.org