- Author: Denise Godbout-Avant
Aphids
According to UC Integrated Pest Management (UC IPM), aphids are small, soft pear-shaped bodied insects with long legs and antennae, with slender mouthparts used to pierce stems, leaves and other tender plant parts to suck out plant fluids. The site recommends first attempting to control aphids by washing them off with a gentle stream of water. I did this over several mornings and evenings, with my hose set on fine spray, washing both the top and underside of the leaves. After about a week, I still had quite a few aphids, so I sprayed an insecticidal soap, making sure I covered both the top and bottom of leaves. Aphids produce many offspring, so they required an additional treatment.
Scale Insects
Soft scale is a sucking insect, appearing as tiny dots on the leaves or stems of a plant. They can grow up to ¼ inch long and have a smooth, cottony or waxy surface. They feed on the sap of the plant and excrete sticky honeydew, which can attract ants. Mine were brownish-yellow with a waxy color, usually appearing on the underside of the leaves.
I removed badly damaged leaves, checked undersides of the leaves for the scale and scraped off any scale I found using a wet Q-tip. I also checked my other two plants and occasionally found a scale or two on them, scraping them off also. I repotted the infested plant with potting mix. Over time I was able to completely get rid of the soft scale.
Whiteflies
My Buggy Summer Summary
It has been an educational summer learning about these insect pests and dealing with their infestations. I'm gratified I've been able to manage them using less toxic pesticides that are less harmful to beneficial insects and the environment. You can learn more about less toxic pesticides such as insecticidal soaps and oils by visiting the UC IPM website or by watching this video.
Denise is a UCCE Stanislaus County Master Gardener.
- Author: Terry Lynn Pellegrini
Insects. I never knew there would be so many insects. Nor did I realize how many failures I would have, how much trial and error are involved, and just how many weeds would rear their prickly heads. My idealized image popped like a child's balloon, leaving me with the reality all gardeners face. Gardening is not for the timid.
As a gardener one must accept that there will be insects. Everywhere. Both beneficial and destructive. It takes time to learn how which is which, how to control the destructive ones and to cultivate the beneficial ones. While you may never become bosom buddies with the wolf spiders jumping around your petunias, you can at least learn to appreciate what they do for you in your garden. We must get over the “ick” factor and become appreciative of all the little miracles insects make happen. Pollination, breaking down decaying matter and wastes, and providing food for many other species. Yes, some will eat your plants, destroy your tomatoes, and burrow into your fruit. However, these tiny destruction machines are fewer and farther between than the good guys.
plant to save my life. I have tried by seed and by transplant, in pots, in the ground, and in raised beds. That darn dill looks great for a week or two then shrivels and dies. When I step back and look at my garden, I realize that I can raise other plants many others seem to have a hard time sustaining. Where I have one failure, I have ten successes. That is what I focus on.
Finally, gardening is hard work. We must prepare the beds, sow the seeds, or plant our nursery transplants into the soil. Gardeners weed down on their knees, hands pulling and tugging. They hoe, dig, trim, water, and harvest. We toil, strain, and swear – sometimes a lot. Yet we do this happily despite the sweat, grimy fingernails, dirty knees, and sore backs. For we are happiest out in our gardens – in the fresh air, sunshine, and gentle breezes. This is our paradise, our pride and joy. Whether it is a patio brimming with bright colored pots filled with flowers and a tomato or two, or a sprawling two-acre homestead, the garden fills us with joy. Our garden is where we share a piece of our souls with the World. No, gardening is not for the timid. But we gardeners would not want it any other way.
- Author: Anne E Schellman
Native Pollinator Gardening in Your Backyard was recorded on May 26, 2020. Our guest speaker, Chris Howington from Natural Resources Conservation Service, quizzed attendees on their knowledge of pollinators, described the three types of pollinator nesting, and gave examples of what types of plants pollinators prefer.
Chris also spoke about the insect apocalypse, and what is causing dwindling numbers of bees, butterflies, and many other species. He details how you can help by creating an area in your landscape for pollinators!
Here are some resources to go along with the presentation:
- Find plants that work best in your area to provide pollen and nectar for pollinators from the Xerces Society
- How to build a “bee house,” from Michigan State University
- Read the latest research on native bees from UC Berkeley Urban Bee Lab
- Author: Anne E Schellman
Last week, someone called our helpline about a strange phenomenon happening on her backyard plants. She described the symptoms as “big, white, masses of fluffy cotton.” I asked her to email some photos our helpline address (ucmgstanislaus@ucanr.edu).
When I opened her email, I was surprised to see images of what appeared to be giant whiteflies. This pest invaded California in the early 1990's and was until recently only found in Southern California and along the coast. The Stanislaus County Agricultural Commissioner's Office confirmed that giant whiteflies are present in our County.
If you've heard of whiteflies or dealt with them in your landscape, you may wonder how giant whiteflies are different, aside from being larger. Both pests suck plant juices and weaken plants. The main difference is that giant whiteflies tend to feed together in large groups. This large population creates waxy looking deposits that create a “bearded appearance” or what the caller described as “fluffy cotton” on plants. If you look closely at the infestation, you may see the pests living on the undersides of the leaves.
If you find giant whiteflies in your landscape, there are a few things you can do. For small infestations, pull off affected leaves, place them in a sealed bag, and discard them. For larger ones, direct a strong stream of water at the undersides of the leaves to knock giant whiteflies off and kill them.
Visit the UC IPM publication Pest Notes: Giant Whitefly for more information about this pest, or call our helpline at (209) 525-6802 to speak with a UCCE Master Gardener.
- Author: Anne E Schellman
The University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Master Gardeners of Stanislaus County are teaching a free Managing Pests in Your Vegetable Garden class on Thursday, July 18, 2019 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the Agriculture Center on 3800 Cornucopia Way in Modesto at Harvest Hall, Rooms D&E.
Join us for a free class about common pests that plague warm-season vegetable gardens. Learn how to identify insects, diseases, and weeds and how to control them using less-toxic methods.
This family-friendly class is open to everyone. Participants will receive free seeds (while supplies last). Our instructor for the class is Ed Perry, Environmental Horticulture Advisor (emeritus) for Stanislaus County. This class is free, but please visit http://ucanr.edu/vegpests2019 or call Anne Schellman at (209) 525-6862 to sign up. Space is limited, so please reserve your seat today.
If you haven't already, please “like” us on Facebook and Twitter @UCMGStanislaus so you never miss an announcement for a class or workshop.
