Insects

Learn about mosquitoes in the garden and yard and how to control them. Listen to podcast: The only critters that loved the flooding this spring were some fish species and mosquitoes. In fact, it's gearing up to be a doozy of a mosquito season. While the mosquito season has been delayed because of high lake and stream levels, once the waters recede, the warm, stagnant pools left behind will be a perfect mosquito breeding ground. It won't take long for the mosquitoes to start ruining your summer picnics. They can go from egg to adult in...

Learn about controlling the red lily leaf beetle, including the safest sprays to use. Listen to podcast: For years lilies have been the carefree darlings of many perennial gardens. But then came the red lily leaf beetle. This European native found its way to Massachusetts in 1992 and has been spreading around New England ever since. If you grow Asiatic, Oriental, or Turk's cap lilies or fritillaria bulbs, you know these beetles. Daylilies, luckily, aren't affected. The overwintering bright red adults emerge to feed in spring as soon as...

Learn about the best organics controls for the squash vine borer insect. Listen to podcast: We've all seen this happen. Beautiful summer squash, pumpkin or winter squash plants are thriving in July, only to start wilting during the day, even if the soil is wet. After closer inspection you see holes in the plant base. Yes, it's the squash vine borer. This destructive moth lays eggs in July at the base of these plants. The larvae burrows into the stem causing it to wilt. Severe infestations can kill your plant. But all is not lost. If you...

Learn about the best organic controls for the asparagus beetle and flea beetle. Listen to podcast: In Vermont, we wait months for warm weather to go outside. And as soon as it's warm, the bugs are out. For our plants, it's no different. Here are two beetles that are out in force right now. Asparagus beetles emerge with the spears in early spring. This oval, red or black beetle with black or white spots feeds on spears. It also lays elongated, brown eggs. As the spears grow into ferns, the eggs hatch into black larvae that defoliate the...