Where did the Kudzu Beetles Go?
Question: A number of years ago, my trellised legumes were inundated with kudzu beetles for the first time. I have not seen one since. What happened? Answer: Thanks for your question. The kudzu beetle or kudzu bug, Megacopta cribraria, is an invasive insect from Asia. It was first noticed in the…
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How Can I Attract Lady Beetles to Help Control Aphids?
Question: What can I do so attract lady beetles to help control aphids? How about buying them? Answer: Most species of lady beetles, also known as lady bugs, are predators both in their larval and adult stages. They can be effective and voracious predators on aphids, eating up to 5,000 aphids…
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How Should I Deal With Stinging Caterpillars?
Question: I just found five small spiky caterpillars on a tree sapling and checked online that they are poisonous. Should I get rid of them and if so, how? Answer: There are some caterpillars that sting as a defensive mechanism against predators. An example is the fantastical Saddleback Caterpillar that…
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Pollinator Plants for Cape Cod?
Question: I live on Cape Cod and am looking for pollinator attracting plants. My soil is very acidic with a pH of 5.2. The planting area gets 8-10 hours of sun daily, is dry, and next to the road. Answer: Those are pretty tough conditions that you have! The soil…
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Native Plants to Help Prevent Erosion?
Question: We have a problem with erosion on a moist, sloping area near our septic field. Our landscaper wants to put in pipes and direct run-off into the woods. Do you have any suggestions for native plants that could help? The area gets afternoon sun on the edge of a…
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Native Alternative to Corylopsis?
Question: Can you suggest a native alternative to Corylopsis (Winter Hazel) for New York? Answer: There are several Corylopsis species that have been used in American gardens – all notable for their early spring bloom. Corylopsis are native to Asia, and while they are nice plants and have not shown…
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