Pests and Diseases
Earwigs
Trap by placing moistened, tightly rolled newspaper or corrugated cardboard in the garden in the evening. In the morning, dispose of the paper and trapped insects. Another method of control is a covered container such as a small margarine tub with holes cut halfway up the sides. Pour in about an inch of soy sauce and a thin layer of vegetable oil in the container. Empty as needed. Remember, they eat aphids and other pests.
Fireblight
This bacterial pest affects ornamentals in the rose family: Pyracantha, Cotoneaster, flowering pear, crabapple, mountain ash, hawthorne and fruit trees (apple, pear and quince). Prune to remove affected branches.
Gophers
Ultrasonic devices, chewing gum, hair, urine, kitty litter and all the other “great” home remedies are ineffective.
Snails & Slugs
Control with hand-picking, yeast traps or iron phosphate baits.
Snapdragon rust
Forms unsightly dark brown or rust colored pustules or blisters on the leaves and stems. Keep your plants growing vigorously by watering and feeding properly.
Aphids
- Aphids are the most common garden pest insect and they feed on both garden crops and ornamental plants. There are many different species of aphids that in essence “specialize” in feeding on different types of plants, everything from pine trees to your strawberries. The basic mugshot of an aphid shows a plump, pear-shaped body and two tubes, or cornicles, which project from their abdomens.
- Aphids feed in colonies, part of the reason that they are so destructive. Generally, if you see one aphid, there are lots more to be found as well. Aphid colonies may be found on young leaves, new succulent shoots, and twigs or branches. An infestation by a feeding aphid colony often causes plant leaves to curl and dry out.
Scale
Not defined
Powdery Mildew
Common on many plants and easily recognized, powdery mildew is a fungal disease found throughout the United States. It is caused by a variety of closely related fungal species, each with a limited host range. (The fungi attacking your roses are unlikely to spread to your lilacs). Low soil moisture combined with high humidity levels at the plant surface favors this disease.
Downy Mildew
While powdery mildew is cause by a true fungus, downy mildew is cause by parasitic organisms that are more closely related to algae. Because it is closely related to algae,downy mildew needs water to survive and spread. It also needs cooler temperatures.