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Garden Pests
The term 'garden pest' generally refers to whatever is not wanted in the garden. Specifically, it tends to include destructive bacteria and fungi; invasive plants; and voracious bugs, birds and animals. Questions typically refer to a pest's characteristic presence, potential damage, and timely control.
391 Questions
What are fat white worm-like creatures in clay-like outdoor mounds?
Fat, white, worm-like creatures inside clay-like mounds could be termites. While termites are best known for inhabiting the woodwork of houses, they can also build huge mounds in the dirt.
What causes moss to grow on a lawn?
Acidic soil pH, breezes, patchy spots, poor drainage and shade are factors that cause moss to grow on a lawn. Moss favors a pH no higher than 5.8 in soils that are damp and are neither densely covered nor nicely sunlit. It spread by spore so its presence is guaranteed by light winds during warm weather.
Organically grown means the food is?
"Organically grown" food is food grown and processed using no synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. Pesticides derived from natural sources (e.g., biological pesticides) may be used in producing organically grown food.
The exact definition of what may be deemed "organic" differs between different countries and also for specific food types. Usually before farmers can claim to be producing organic food they need to register and gain approval from the relevant governing body.
Why can slugs not cross copper?
Electrical discharges are thought to be the reason why slugs cannot cross copper. Slug biology offers no protection to the element's biochemistry.
What is a black and white spider?
The zebra jumper is an example of a black and white spider. The arachnid in question (Salticus scenicus) may be found natively in Europe and naturalized in Asia and North America. The zebra-striped invertebrate will be found jumping around buildings, fences, and walls in search of suburban and urban prey.
What is the French 'oeillet commun' in English?
'Carnation' is an English equivalent of 'oeillet commun' [Dianthus caryophyllus].
The masculine noun 'oeillet' means 'carnation'. Its singular definite article is 'l'* ['the'], and its singular indefinite article 'un' ['a, one']. The masculine adjective 'commun' means 'common'.
Together, they're pronounced 'uh-yeh kuh-meh'.
*The masculine singular definite article actually is 'le'. But the vowel 'e' drops before a noun that begins with a vowel. The temporary nature of the drop is indicated by an apostrophe: 'l'oeillet'.
Are there really such things as leaf miners?
Yes, there are such things as leaf miners, whose feeding tunnels are filled with droppings and recognizable by species-distinct configurations. Leaf miners are fly (Diptera), moth (Lepidoptera), and sawfly (Symphyta) larvae that live inside and - thoughtfully for the hosts -- prey upon leaf tissues with the least amounts of cellulose or tannin.
What happens when you squash a shield bug?
An unpleasant smell is released and an unattractive stain may appear when a shield bug [Pentatomoideasuperfamily] is squashed. Particularly the smell is intended as an insult before dying to the squasher. It also is intended to give other shield bugs in the area information as to the squashed bug's whereabouts. So the squasher well may see more bugs. That's why it's suggested to try to flush down the toilet or vacuum up shield bugs whenever possible.
Yes, steel wool stops mice. Mice use sharp teeth to enlarge and enter cracks and fissures successfully ... except when steel wool serves as a filler. Steel wool therefore will act as an effective deterrent and preventative despite its having nothing in its make-up to qualify as a repellent.
What is the value of decomposing organisms and wastes in the soil?
Nutrient release and recycled space constitute the value of decomposing organisms and wastes in soil.
Specifically, the nutrients which an organism consumes are expelled by elimination during life and decomposition with death. Decomposition in fact functions as a major contributor to carbon and nitrogen content in soil. Additionally, death and decay free up space for air and water pores and other food web members since organisms lose their spatial requirements once life ends.
No, worms do not eat milkweed. Some species of the plant in question (Asclepias) produce a latex sap full of such off-putting, toxic ingredients as alkaloids and cardenolids. Their chemical defenses nevertheless will not stop predators such as certain aphids, bumble bees, slugs, snails, spiders, and weevils as well as larval stages of butterflies and moths respectively known as caterpillars and cutworms.
What is the meaning of the phrase 'the garden of the world'?
Eden and topsoil are two examples of what is meant by the phrase "the garden of the world."
Specifically, the Garden of Eden can be revered as the original home of the world's first couple - Adam and Eve - according to Judaism. Eden is remembered as a lush, verdant paradise in which every plant flourished. It is the source therefore of all divine and human abundance and goodness.
The phrase also can be used in terms of the earth's topsoil. Scientists divide Planet Earth's layers into soil horizons. The top 10-12 inches (25.4-30.5 centimeters) represent the layer in which plants grow in the wild or through cultivation.
Why should banana and orange peels sit in landfills?
There is no reason why banana and orange peels should sit in landfills.
Specifically, banana and orange peels can be added to above- or under-ground compost piles. Above-ground is faster and more immediate since the peels - as long as they are cut down into smaller pieces - benefit from regular exposure to air, light, moisture, and turning. But their addition must be factored into the calculation of carbon- and nitrogen-rich materials. Otherwise, their unbalanced presence will affect pH levels and therefore composting.
What is a pest that leaves black eggs and munches on geranium leaves?
Spider mites or tobacco budworm may be the pest that appears to leave black eggs and munch on geranium leaves.
Specifically, the tobacco budworm moth (Helicoverpa virescens ) deposits eggs that gray from an original white or yellow-white with age. Spider mites (Tetranychidae family) look like black, minuscule, moving specks of dirt. Budworm eggs mature into larvae that relish geranium buds and shoots. They share their love for geranium foliage with spider mites.
How do you eliminate gnats from a car?
Detailing the exterior and interior and keeping all compartments clean and orderly are the ways to eliminate gnats from a car. Both the inside and the outside need to be scrubbed and sprayed with vinegar water since gnats will gather wherever food sources and shelter are guaranteed.
Grafting is the only known effective way thus far of treating phylloxera. The aphid-like insects in question must be treated preventively in the sense of grafting phylloxera-tolerant rootstock (such as Vitis berlandieri, V. riparia, V. rupestris) onto phylloxera-susceptible Vitis vinifera's above-ground parts.
What do you do if a swarm of bees makes its home in a tree in your garden?
If a swarm of bees makes a home in a tree in your garden, you can telephone a bee keeper to take the colony to another hive.
Which set should be used to observe the ovules of a flower?
The type of viewing determines the set to be used for observing the ovules of a flower. Angiosperms have protected ovules that may be observed through dissection, fluorescence and microscopy. Gymosperms, especially ginkgos, offer easy viewing because of their unprotected ovules.
