Bug-E-Day
A slightly irregular posting on insects and mites that cross our paths.
Colorado Potato Beetle
A beetle that hopped east from potato-patch to potato-patch to become our biggest pest of potatoes in home and commercial vegetable gardens.Read more about colorado potato beetles.
Photo Credit: Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, bugwood.org Bagworm
Homespun and natural, the bag that this caterpillar carries all of the time protects it from the elements. They start feeding now, but the damage becomes most noticeable in late summer.Read more about bagworms.
Photo Credit: Eric R. Day, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Bugwood.org Spruce Mite
One of the most common pests of conifers often gets overlooked or it's damage is blamed on something else.Read more about spruce mites.
Photo Source: Eric Day Periodical Cicada
Most every year, somewhere in Virginia, this cicada emerges, followed by lots of noise, dead twigs, and usually news reporters.Read more about periodical cicadas.
Photo Source: Eric R. Day, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Bugwood.org Eastern Tent Caterpillar
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.Read more about eastern tent caterpillars.
Photo Source: Eric Day Termites
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.Read more about termite treatment options.
Photo Source: Eric Day
Read more about signs of termite infestation.
Read more about termite biology and behavior.Emerald Ash Borer
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.Read more about emerald ash borers.
Photo Source: Eric R. Day, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Bugwood.org Ticks
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.Read more about ticks.
Photo Source: Eric Day Brown Marmorated Stink Bug
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
Once the scourge of tobacco shops, this little beetle feeds on a wide variety of stored foods. Hint: it often feeds on dried spices.Read more about cigarette beetles.
Photo Credit: Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, Bugwood.org Earwigs
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.Read more about earwigs.
Photo Credit: Eric Day Boxelder Bug
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.Read more about boxelder bugs.
Photo Credit: John A. Weidhass, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Bugwood.org Indian Meal Moth
Nothing adds to winter worries like a few worms in store food. The insect feeds on virtually any dried food, including dog food, bird seed, candy, flour, dried mixes, cereal, and dried flowers.Read more about Indian Meal moths.
Photo Credit: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org Drugstore Beetle
Noted by its ability to eat virtually any dried food, this insect picked up its name from feeding on dried botanical products once carried in drug stores in the 1800's.Read more about drugstore beetles.
Photo Credit: Pest and Diseases Image Library, Bugwood.org Fire Ants
These little pests have established themselves in parts of Tidewater Virginia and are pests as stingers and builders of mounds that damage mowing and farming equipment.Read more about fire ants.
Photo Source: Eric Day Millipedes
In this case the creepy-crawlies have lots of legs. Millipedes wander into houses and structures this time of year. Just like the stink bugs they are telling us to check the weather-stripping on windows and doors.Read more about millipedes.
Photo Source: Eric Day Hemlock Woolly Adelgid
This insect has been dormant all summer and is getting ready to crank back up its feeding. This pest is still running amuck in Virginia.Read more about hemlock woolly adelgids.
Photo Credit: Eric R. Day, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Bugwood.org Lady Beetle
These home invading lady beetles found their way to homes in Virginia all by themselves starting in 1993, unless you have heard one of the many urban legends about this critter.Read more about lady beetles.
Photo Source: Eric Day Twig Pruner
Lots of things will make small branches fall out of trees, wind and squirrels being two common culprits. Sometimes it's a pair of beetles that cause this conspicuous damage.Read more about twig pruners.
Photo Source: Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, Bugwood.org
Insect Identification and Diagnosis Request
For the identification of insects and mites, contact a local Virginia Cooperative Extension office, or find information about offices in your state.