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What Do Warm Winter Temperatures Do to Insect Populations?

News Article

A common question we have been receiving in the Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic (PIDC) is if the warmer winter temperatures we have been experiencing in Iowa will result in increased insect and arthropod abundance this summer. Will there be more ticks? What about other insects like mosquitoes and boxelder bugs? Well, the short answer is it depends and remains to be seen for many. In addition, more than just temperature will have an impact on insect populations. Things like precipitation can also be a huge factor.

Tobacco Budworm

Encyclopedia Article

Tobacco budworm, Heliothis virescens (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) also attacks and feeds on a wide variety of garden flowers, especially geraniums. The caterpillars feed on foliage and flower buds of geranium, reducing plant vigor and blooms, respectively. 

Should You Worry About Bald-Faced Hornets?

News Article

As summer continues, bald-faced hornet nests get larger, and the number of hornets you see outside can increase substantially. The Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic has received several inquiries about bald-faced hornets since the start of August, and we’re here to tell you if you should worry, and what to do if you find a nest. 

Reasons for Poor Fruiting of Vine Crops

Vine crops (cucumber, muskmelon, watermelon, and squash) are some of the most popular vegetables in the home garden.  While vine crops are easy to grow, home gardeners are occasionally disappointed in crop yields.  Poor fruiting of vine crops may be due to the plant's flowering habit, poor pollination, or blossom-end rot. 

Authors: 

Stinkhorn

Encyclopedia Article
Stinkhorn

Stinkhorn fungi have been appearing in yards and fields recently. These curious-looking mushrooms do not cause disease problems. They simply live on dead organic matter, such as wood chips and crop debris.

Pests and Disease of Roses

Roses have a number of potential problems that can make them more difficult to grow.  Planting them in a good garden location and selecting a winter-hardy and naturally disease-resistant cultivar is the best way to avoid many problems.

Japanese Beetle on Rose
Japanese beetles are common insect pests on roses.

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Grasshoppers in the Home Garden

Encyclopedia Article
Red Legged Grasshopper

Grasshoppers are an occasional pest and the number varies greatly from year to year and from place to place. Abundance is determined by several factors, especially the weather.

Red Legged Grasshopper
Red-legged grasshopper

Bed Bugs or Bat Bugs-ID is Crucial to Management

News Article

Bed bugs and bat bugs are nearly identical to the naked eye, and both can be found in the home. Most individuals notice both bed bugs and bat bugs in bedrooms, which can create panic or fears over possible infestation. Most individuals assume the identification of bed bugs due to widely available identification resources online, but a bat bug mistaken for a bed bug can result in hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars wasted on management, as bed bugs and bat bugs are managed differently.

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