Ash Flower Gall Mite We received this picture question to the office this past week about strange growths in an ash tree. This is the work of the ash flower gall mite (Eriophyes fraxiniflora). This microscopic mite will feed on the developing male ash flowers causing them to distort and form these broccoli like structures…
Month: June 2024
Butterflies and Moths
Summer is really here, not quite by calendar, but definitely the temperatures, and bugs. As an Entomologist, I love when insects become active, but I know not everyone feels the same about bugs. I do not like mosquitoes and other annoying bugs that bother me outside and I especially dislike those that do damage to…
Weekly Update June 17
Phlox Plant Bug Tall garden phlox are looking a little ratty this season thanks to the phlox plant bug. This insect has a piercing/sucking mouth part (similar to aphids) and they will suck the life out of the plant. Damage will manifest as downward cupping, stippling, dead terminal growth, and lack of vigor. There can…
Weekly Update June 7th, 2024
White Mulberry This week we’ve been getting questions on how to manage white mulberries in the garden. White mulberries (Morus alba) is an introduced small tree/large shrub from China. It was originally brought over as a potential food source but it quickly escaped cultivation. The fruit is tasty and is enjoyed by many animals such…