Home Pests
| Title | Summary | Date | ID | Author(s) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dogwood Twig Borer | PDF (563KB) |
Coleoptera: Cerambycidae, Obrea tripunctata Plants Attacked Elm, dogwood, viburnum, and many fruit trees. Description of Damage The larvae tunnel in live twigs and feed down the center of the branch, making a long series of closely placed round holes for the exudation of frass. Periodically, the larvae cut off portions of the twig from within and continue to feed inside the twig on the green wood working their way down. |
May 1, 2009 | 444-625 | |
| Giant Resin Bee | PDF (297KB) |
Scientific Name: Hymenoptera: Megachilidae Megachile sculpturalis Smith Size: about 0.75 inch (1.9 cm) Color: Black and yellow-brown Description: Giant resin bees are large with a cylindrical body and large jaws. They have a dark head and abdomen with yellow-brown hair on the face, thorax, and the first segment of the abdomen behind the "waist." The wings are a transparent brown color that darkens toward the tips. Male giant resin bees have a truncated, squared abdomen while the females have a more tapered, pointed abdomen.Giant resin bees can be distinguished from bumblebees and carpenter bees by their cylindrical bodies and the appearance of their abdomens. Giant resin bees do not have hairy abdomens like bumblebees, nor are their abdomens shiny like carpenter bees. |
May 1, 2009 | 444-206 | |
| Gypsy Moth in Virginia: An Update | PDF (143KB) |
Most Virginians are aware that the gypsy moth is a serious pest of hardwoods in our state. Although this insect has maintained a low profile the past few years, there was a general resurgence in moth populations in 2000. This population increase serves as a reminder that, in areas where gypsy moth has become established, this pest is still present in the environment even when populations are too low to be noticed. Gypsy moth is a native of Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. It was accidentally released in the U.S. over 130 years ago by a Frenchman who wanted to cross it with native silk moths. From its original introduction near Boston, Massachusetts, this pest has spread into the mid-Atlantic and Midwestern states (Fig. 1). |
May 1, 2009 | 444-750 | |
| Japanese Weevil | PDF (703KB) |
Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Pseudocneorhinus bifasciatus Plants Attacked The Japanese weevil has a long list of hosts, but is especially found on cherry laurel, broad-leaved evergreens, pyracantha, privet, barberry, euonymus, and many others. Description of Damage Foliage is more or less chewed, beginning as marginal notches and increasing to large rounded sections of the leaves being consumed. Holes are always cut inward from the margin, never in the inner part of the leaf. Larvae feed on roots of plants in the soil, but their habits are not well known, nor is the extent of the injury they produce. Injury is not distinguishable from that caused by black vine weevil, fullers rose beetle, and other species. |
May 1, 2009 | 444-624 | |
| Magnolia Soft Scale | PDF (512KB) |
Homoptera: Coccidae, Neolecanium carnuparuum Plants Attacked Magnolia Description of Damage Heavy magnolia soft scale infestations cause stunting of twigs and undersize leaves, visibly weakening the trees. Small trees may be killed. Large trees lose branches and tree shape may become irregular. |
May 1, 2009 | 444-623 | |
| Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle in Virginia | PDF (247KB) |
Multicolored Asian Lady beetles enter the house through small openings around windows, doors, and utility access points. In addition, they can enter the house by cracks in the siding and trim and through attic vents. Sealing those entry sites is the best method to keep them from becoming indoor pests later. Conduct a thorough energy audit of your house, as places where cold air can enter the house are places where this lady beetle can gain access. Fill all cracks and leaks with a fine quality silicone or silicone-latex caulk. |
May 1, 2009 | 444-275 | |
| Pest Management Guide: Home Grounds and Animals, 2009 | May 1, 2009 | 456-018 |
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| Wax Scale | PDF (598KB) |
Homoptera: Coccidae, Ceroplastes ceriferus Plants Attacked Wax scale has well over 50 hosts, especially Japanese and Chinese hollies, pyracantha, spirea, ivy, hemlock, euonymus, and boxwood. Description of Damage Infestations seldom kill plants directly, but seriously weaken them, reduce growth, and cause decline. Deposits of honeydew give rise to rampant growth of the black sooty mold fungus, particularly on burford and Chinese holly. |
May 1, 2009 | 444-622 |