Knowledgebase

Mums - bugs, diseased, or just dry? #573120

Asked June 23, 2019, 12:14 AM EDT

I have mums that I've had for years in the same spot, under a tall evergreen tree that is trimmed WAY up. They get mostly morning sun and a little sun late in the day, and the tree shelters them from light rains. They have always come up in the spring, filled out, and bloomed in the fall. They look bad this year, spotty, thinner, sometimes curling up. As I was cropping pictures I took to send to you, I found two or maybe three insects that could be the culprits. Does this look like disease, insects, or just drying out and old age? What are your suggestions?  (The first picture seems to have a long thinnish green insect, and the second picture has a yellow and black striped beetle-type.)

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

The photos show a four lined plant bug on your mum. The damage on the leaves is the same type a four lined plant bug would cause from sucking on the plant tissue. Typically the insects do not do enough damage to ruin plants. If they do you can consider using a pesticide. If you choose a pesticide always make sure it lists the best you are using it on and use it as listed on the label. Also know that pesticides can negatively impact pollinators. Below is a link to additional information regarding the four lined plant bug. https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/four-lined-plant-bugs
Amy J. Extension Master Gardener - HC Replied June 23, 2019, 11:15 PM EDT

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