pest

Scorpions are fairly common throughout the state. While they seldom sting, their presence around the home is objectionable to many people. Scorpion stings are usually no more poisonous than those of bees or wasps.

Opossums are found throughout much of the United States and north into parts of Canada. Although these animals are interesting and beneficial in the wild, they can become a nuisance when seeking food or shelter in our homes or other buildings.

House mice are one of the most troublesome and economically important pests in the United States. They consume food meant for human beings, pets and other animals; contaminate areas with their feces and urine; cause considerable damage to structures and property; and spread numerous diseases.

Rabbits can do considerable damage to the landscape. For the most effective control, a variety of methods should be tried, including habitat modification, fencing, trapping, chemical repellents and the use of rabbit-resistant perennials.

Collecting a sample for identifcation of a pest or disease problem.

DO YOU WANT A GOOD PEST OR PROBLEM ID?

Observe the plant symptoms and collect the right sections. Then bring them in to the Extension office in good condition.

SYMPTOMS: WILTING; YELLOWING, GENERAL PLANT DECLINE could be caused by a root, stem or foliage problem.

If practical and possible: it is best to bring in the entire plant (leaves, stems and an intact root system). Dig the plant out carefully-do not pull it up or you will lose the roots.

The two-lined spittlebug is an increasingly common pest of Georgia turf grasses. It will feed on all turfgrasses, but it hits centipede turf especially hard.
 
     Two-lined spittlebug adult
     Photo: NC State

This handout helps to simplify the decision to hire an external or internal pest scout for ornamental production and tips on problem solving. Used on the GGIA nursery tour 2005.
 

Diagnosing Plant Problems:

• Don’t Jump to conclusions

• Plant Pathologist/Entomologist

• Start Big then Work Small

• Plant Problems are rarely the result of a single factor

Terms to know:

• Signs

• Symptoms

• Pathogenic

• Abiotic

• Halo

Basic Questions:

• What plants are being effected?

Introduction: The Oleander caterpillar is a serious problem along the southern coast of Georgia. This pest feeds only on Oleander, a horticulturally important plant that is poisonous to most animals.

It is important to correctly identify an insect as a termite. This way, you may be able to dismiss an insect that is not a termite. On the other hand, if you confirm the presence of termites, it is time to begin educating yourself on what to do next.

 
IS IT AN ANT? OR IS IT A TERMITE?

Crickets belong to the insect order Orthoptera, which also includes grasshoppers and katydids.
 
                           House Cricket