Mother Nature simply won’t let us ignore them.
If you’re a grower you probably wish there were no pests. Life would be good, right? It’s understandable. Yet we all know they play an essential role, as do all living things, but, man, if they could only do it someplace else all would be cool. So, while it’s true that Good Bugs Rule!, plant pests do make the world go ’round. It’s time to meet those responsible — here they are, the 2012 line-up. The usual suspects.
Let’s Meet the Enemy
This page will introduce you to this section’s pages. It’s all here. Get the goods on the baddies. Click on the icons below to begin.
An Introduction to the World of Plant Pests
You’re here!? On this page… in this section? Oh, please accept our sympathies. It would be great if we could be blissfully unaware, but we know that won’t be possible. Mother Nature simply won’t let us ignore them, and neither will your customers if you’re a pro.
The All-Too-Common Aphid
It’s convenient that Aphids begin with the letter “A” as they really do belong at the top of this page. Their potential for destruction, reproductive ability, and their uncanny ability to be the first pests to show up in the spring earn them the privilege.
Caterpillars: The Larvae of Moths and Butterflies
They march in numbers, they poop on our cars, and worst of all, they devour the leaves of all that much-loved greenery. Yet, many of them grow up into beautiful creatures. Maybe we should allow them the indiscretions of their youth — or not! Nope, not this time, worm boys.
The Leaf Tunneling Ways of Leafminers
The immature stages of these creatures tunnel into our leaves and ruin the aesthetics of our plants. Sadly, though, they fail to penetrate our hearts, so we wish to kill them. Or rather we hire some good bugs to do it.
Scale Insects and Mealybugs
Interiorscapers, more so than anyone, will know and despise scale insects and mealybugs. So unsightly, damaging, and seemingly difficult to eradicate. Scales and mealybugs are controllable, though. Especially the latter. Good news: spraying pesticides in a mall, restaurant, or bank will not be necessary.
Gnats, Grubs, Cutworms, and Other Soil Pests
The percentage of pests that spend at least part of their lives in the soil is astounding. We’re talkin’ ninety percent or so! This is a battlefield we need be aware and knowledgeable of. An introduction to some of the more notorious Soil Pests is a good way to start.
Two-Spotted Mites and More
Just because something has more legs than another, it doesn’t make it better or anything. Mites can be that way, what with their eight legs and constant bragging and all. There’s only one leg growers need to worry about: the one used to get a leg up on them.
The Ever-Dangerous Thrips
Thrips can be such a serious pest. It’s due to their being able to infiltrate flowers deeply. Moreover it’s due to the plant viruses they often carry. And if this isn’t enough to worry about, their feeding method is particularly damaging.
Whitefly Pest Information
People are sometimes caught off guard by whiteflies. One would think that wouldn’t happen… they’re white right? Yes, they are, and they’re easy to spot. Unfortunately they will often “come in on something else” and thus a group of them can simply become a member of the greenhouse ecosystem literally in an instant. Sometimes. Either way, they are a pretty serious pest.
A Listing of Other Plant Pests
This is an A-Z listing of a wide variety of pests. Some listed are plant pests like those above. Others, however, are pests by proxy or annoy, infest, or irritate in another way. That’s the thing about nature, it’s so diverse. Clicking on the icon will bring you to the A-E listing, but we also offer pages for Other Pests: F-M, Other Pests: N-S, and Other Pests: T-Z.
Plant Diseases are Pests too
Plant diseases can be a problem pest as well, and they require control. But care must be taken to ensure your biocontrol program doesn’t suffer in the process. This is an introductory look at some plant disease prevention and control best practices.
