Search Results

What is wrong with my shamrock plant? #856846

Asked January 01, 2024, 6:30 PM EST

Hello and happy new year! Can you please help me figure out what is wrong with my shamrock plant? I do not know why it keeps getting these brown spots. it lives on my kitchen counter, and gets plenty of light. It did well in Vancouver in an East facing window. I don’t have an east facing window to put it in here in waldport. I have repotted it… New pot and new soil. Any ideas? Many thanks.



Lincoln County Oregon

Plant herbivory #856796

Asked December 30, 2023, 7:21 PM EST

I'd like to know what is eating my young starts and what to do to control whatever is eating my plants. The young plants (turnips, kale, cabbage) are in an enclosed greenhouse so I don't believe rabbits or other large herbivores have access. I've had problems with pill bugs in the past, but have been trapping them when present and they don't seem to be around currently. Larger, more mature plants nearby have no signs of damage at all. 



Boulder County Colorado

miniature pussy willow #856792

Asked December 30, 2023, 4:48 PM EST

I live in Salem, Or. and have a miniature pussy willow in my front yard. it has gotten about 14 feet tall and is very unstable, being held up by guide wires. I've seen pictures on the internet of these trees being cut off at 5-6 feet with just a pole sticking out of the ground. when and how much can I cut it back without hurting it? Thank you, Chuck

Marion County Oregon

Tree advice (fruit trees) #856783

Asked December 30, 2023, 12:52 PM EST

I need help in deciding on an apple tree or two. Aesthetically, black or dark purple fruit would be cool. But, taste is also important. Cooking or baking apples, not cider or feed apples. We can go with two different varieties, if needed. I am in Muskegon and my soil appears to be rather sandy (less than a mile from Muskegon Lake on the east side).

Muskegon County Michigan

What is this bug #856738

Asked December 29, 2023, 12:33 AM EST

How can I get rid of it? Will beneficial nematodes help? Is it hazardous to veg garden?



Lane County Oregon

Identify wood boring insect #856737

Asked December 28, 2023, 7:52 PM EST

I found these holes, and frass, in untreated structural timbers in an unheated outbuilding. The frass is very fine, but slightly gritty—not like the talcum powder fineness of powder post beetles. The galleries are



Clackamas County Oregon

What insect is this? #856729

Asked December 28, 2023, 4:06 PM EST

Very small insect in desk that leaves what appear to be wood shavings that look like cocoa powder.



Hennepin County Minnesota

Invasives in tree line #856725

Asked December 28, 2023, 2:47 PM EST

I have a bad infestation of locinera japonica as well as bits of Chinese privet and English ivy in my tree line. I want to remove it but also maintain the old forest environment between my home and neighbors (about 15m wide). Any advice on supporting this kind of area facing these challenges? Previous owners planted many Asian plants. I want to replace invasives with natives immediately and slowly replace everything else with native-friendly options as needed.



Sussex County Delaware

nyssa sylvatica pest #856719

Asked December 28, 2023, 11:45 AM EST

Hello, I just found an insect larvae inside the bark of my young nyssa sylvatica. should I do anything to help my tree?



Montgomery County Maryland

Parasites of the skin #856706

Asked December 28, 2023, 6:58 AM EST

HI, my partner went to the Ozarks in August and life since then has been awful. We have both been to the dermatolgist - she has seen about 10 people and I have gone 3 times now. Unfortunately we currently are in . We had our home checked for bed bugs but I was fine then began really getting itchy. I am probably immune compromised due to the medications et that I take for spine surgery. I have 3 - but that said I had my strength and just can't find a doctor to do a scrape. Finally, they gave us premetherin cream but it's not helping. she bought a microscope and we think a bird mite infested her. This is one bug on the counter but possible irrelevant.Microscopic and we have tons more but she literally purchased a microsope that quit. I am therefore limited. I am from the South and know that my niece contracted Turkey mites and many unidentified bugs linger.



Aitkin County Minnesota

Ash trees - emerald ash borer #856682

Asked December 27, 2023, 11:18 AM EST

We have several mature ash trees close to our house. They seem to be healthy, but is it just a matter of time before the emerald ash borers infest them? What do you recommend for treating these trees and when is the best time for treatment? How often should they receive treatments? How much do treatments cost? Would you recommend cutting the trees down while they are still healthy instead of treating them?

Steele County Minnesota

European Crane Fly Control in Lawn #856664

Asked December 26, 2023, 4:29 PM EST

European Crane Fly Control I installed new front and backyard grass 18 months ago. This past spring I began to notice areas of dead grass - the area does not appear yellow yet the blades are dull and withered. I browsed the internet and believe I have a Crane Fly issue. A neighbor confirmed his problem a few years ago which led to having the lawn removed. I then contacted a local lawn pest management business which confirmed my issue. I have even seen Crane Flies in my yard. The business applied a product to control the flies but the problem continued. I then consulted a website “DoMyOwn” for a plan of action. A consultant recommended Merit 0.5 G Granular Insecticide. This did seem to help over the summer but as fall came there were many more areas of dead grass. I again asked for further assistance as was told my another consultant the following: “The Talstar PL Granular Insecticide only talks about their larvae not the eggs & Merit only talks about the eggs. I would apply the Merit first to prevent as many eggs from hatching as possible & then follow up with the Talstar to get rid of as many larvae that did hatch. I would advise working with your local extension office, link below, for proper timing of both of these products. While you may not get complete control of them, you will definitely see less of them & less damage.” Questions: Are these the best insecticides to use? Do I have to use both of them to control the flies and larvae? How often and how much should be applied to my lawn? Why is my lawn the only one in the nieghborhood as I can see with this issue? Is there a preventative method to erradicate the flies rather than trying to killl them and/or their larvae with chemicals? Are the flies attracted to flying insect traps of any kind? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I feel a few more months of the fly infestation and my lawn will be destroyed. Thank you for your time, Tigard, Oregon <personal data hidden>

Washington County Oregon

Aphids on my cabbages. #856637

Asked December 24, 2023, 3:08 PM EST

Hi a question for you. I live between Boring and Sandy Oregon. I use raised garden beds because of the clay in my yard. I've been trying to grow cabbages, kale, Brussels sprouts. I keep getting a bad case of little bugs on all my cabbage type veggies. I think they are aphids. Anyway how do I keep them away from my garden this is very frustrating. I hope you have an answer for me. Thank you.

Clackamas County Oregon

Corticarina? #856620

Asked December 23, 2023, 12:56 PM EST

Is this a corticarina beetle?



Montgomery County Maryland

Black specks throughout apartment #856570

Asked December 21, 2023, 11:24 AM EST

I live in Panama City, Fl. I found this fella in my bed. I have noticed black specks around my apartment the past couple of months. I would like to know what it is and how to get rid of it.



Bay County Florida

Beetle Identification #856563

Asked December 20, 2023, 10:41 PM EST

This beetle was found on our kitchen counter on Dec 19, 2023, No other like insect has ever been seen in our house. Measured approximately 1/2inch long and was alive but slow. Is this a Roughened Darkling beetle? We have spruce trees and birch in the middle of our yard where our dog goes and now with snow paths necessary for taking her out. Where do these live? Should we be looking for more, never seen any of these outside or inside before. Please identify if possible and if it is food related or grain type bug. Could this have come in with groceries that were bought the day before? The grout line measures 3/16 inch for comparison.



Anchorage County Alaska

What is this insect #856562

Asked December 20, 2023, 10:35 PM EST

What is this insect. I found three or four in my house . It's on page 2 of the pdf. Thanks.



Hennepin County Minnesota

Emerald ash borer #856538

Asked December 20, 2023, 11:36 AM EST

My tree service recommended injecting our ash tree with insecticide. Is putting holes in the trunk of the tree safe long term? Our ash tree has a trunk girth over 100” and is approximately 60 years old. The service indicated this injection will need to be done every 2 years. I am very concerned about putting holes in the trunk of the tree every 2 years. Thank you in advance for your help.

Arapahoe County Colorado

what's eating my pear flower buds? #856482

Asked December 18, 2023, 1:00 PM EST

Hello, I planted a pear 3' tree about 3 years ago. It has never flowered, though it continues to grow and leafs out.. Last spring I noticed some webs and found some small off white caterpillars with a reddish head. ( about 1/2") in and around where the buds would be. I did some searching on line, but couldn't find them, or how to treat. I have tried Bt and neem oil with no success and I'm ready to try whatever works. I raked around the tree this fall to get rid of any cocoons. Can you help me find out what's eating my buds and how to stop it? Thanks, Laura

Kalamazoo County Michigan

What is this insect. #856480

Asked December 18, 2023, 12:39 PM EST

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Hennepin County Minnesota

Jade plant deformed leaves #856464

Asked December 18, 2023, 2:39 AM EST

I have provided photos of 2 large jade plants, one is healthy and the other is now stunted with deformed leaved, I am wondering what may be the cause, it happened about 2 years ago. I have searched online, but haven’t found any similar looking jade plants. I have wondered if jade plants can get viruses, but haven’t seen any reference to this online either. I have been hoping it would cure itself given enough time : )



Anoka County Minnesota

Flying insect, yellow with red spots #856455

Asked December 17, 2023, 3:04 PM EST

Hello, We have been finding this little yellow bug flying around our apartment. Wondering what it is, how to treat the apartment for them and if it can cause allergies as we are struggling with some kind of bug within hour unit causing serve allergies



Dakota County Minnesota

Unknown insect #856447

Asked December 17, 2023, 9:35 AM EST

Can you tell me what this insect is and will it sting I noticed it two summers ago outside it jumps and I am now finding them in my house it looks like a cricket but it has these very long feelers in front of it. This insect is about 1 inch long but I have seen larger ones in my house and outside. Thank you



Harford County Maryland

How to winter indoor plants? #856445

Asked December 17, 2023, 8:27 AM EST

I have many indoor plants. Of these, the calla lily, purple shamrock, and mini pomegranate must be overwintered. I can’t figure out how to do so. I live in an apartment that faces west. In the winter, the sun is partially blocked by another building. I have big windows, but each window has a forced air convector under it. I have no access to a cool, dark place to put my three plants that must be overwintered. I have read many “directions” on many different sites on how to overwinter these plants. They all contradict themselves. I am using the Planta app, which says the calla lily and purple shamrock must be let to go dormant, placed in a cool room after checking for potential pests, and for the season, reduce watering and stop fertilizing. Planta also says to do the same for the mini pomegranate, but to give it a grow light. Is Planta’s guidance correct? If so, how do I provide these plants a cool place when there is none in my apartment? If Planta’s guidance is not correct, how should these plants be overwintered? Thank you for your help.



Montgomery County Maryland

canadian hemlock #856421

Asked December 16, 2023, 9:24 AM EST

Is it a good idea to plant Canadian hemlock? What about the wooly adelgid?

Baltimore County Maryland