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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
Poplar Borer, Marion Murray, Ryan Davis
Poplar Borer, Marion Murray, Ryan Davis
All Current Publications
The poplar borer is the most commonly submitted wood borer found in aspens and other poplars in Utah. While large trees are seldom killed by this pest, it can cause the decline of trees, weakening of branches or the bole (which promotes wind breakage), and allows the introduction of pathogens. This fact sheet describes poplar borer life cycle, damage, and control.
Poplar Bud Gall Mite, Marion Murray, Ryan Davis
Poplar Bud Gall Mite, Marion Murray, Ryan Davis
All Current Publications
The poplar bud gall mite belongs to the eriophyid mite family. These mites are microscopic and about one-fourth the size of a spider mite. Adults are about 0.2 mm in length, reddish, and spindle-shaped. This fact sheet reviews poplar bud gall mite biology and habits, damage, and control.
Balsam Woolly Adelgid, Liz Rideout, Kate V. Richardson, Diane G. Alston, Ryan Davis, Darren Mcavoy, Lori R. Spears, Danielle Malesky, Liz Herbertson, Colleen Keyes
Balsam Woolly Adelgid, Liz Rideout, Kate V. Richardson, Diane G. Alston, Ryan Davis, Darren Mcavoy, Lori R. Spears, Danielle Malesky, Liz Herbertson, Colleen Keyes
All Current Publications
This fact sheet describes balsam woolly adelgid, a tiny sucking insect that is a serious pest of true firs in forests, landscapes, and in seed and Christmas tree production. It includes a description of tree injury and symptoms, life history and identification, monitoring, management, and implications to forest health.
Carpenterworm, Dr. Jay B. Karren, Alan H. Roe, Ryan Davis
Carpenterworm, Dr. Jay B. Karren, Alan H. Roe, Ryan Davis
All Current Publications
The larval stage of the carpenterworm, Prionoxystus robiniae is a wood-boring insect that affects various ornamental trees. Unlike most other wood-boring pests of ornamentals, which are mostly beetle larvae, the carpenterworm is a caterpillar belonging to the moth family Cossidae.
Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus Planipennis [Fairmaire]), Emily A. Parent, Lori R. Spears, Ryan S. Davis, Ricardo Ramirez
Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus Planipennis [Fairmaire]), Emily A. Parent, Lori R. Spears, Ryan S. Davis, Ricardo Ramirez
All Current Publications
Emerald ash borer (Order: Coleoptera: Family Buprestidae) (EAB) is an invasive wood-boring insect that infects the true ash species (Fraxinus spp.). EAB is native to parts of China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and small areas of Russia and Mongolia. EAB was first discovered in North America in June 2002 near Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario, Canada, and is thought to have arrived to North America via infested wood packing material. EAB is generally established in an area for several years before it is detected and can spread over large areas through active flight and human-mediated dispersal.
Wireworms, Ryan Davis, Jay B. Karren, Alan H. Roe
Wireworms, Ryan Davis, Jay B. Karren, Alan H. Roe
All Current Publications
Wireworms are the larvae (immatures) of click beetles. Adults are elongate, slender, hardshelled beetles that take their name from their habit of flipping into the air (sometimes with an audible clicking sound) when they are placed on their backs. This fact sheet reviews the management of wireworms.
Cankerworms, Marion Murray, Erin W. Hodgson
Cankerworms, Marion Murray, Erin W. Hodgson
All Current Publications
Cankerworms, also known as inchworms, are in the order Lepidoptera and family Geometridae. Geometrid moth adults have slender bodies and relatively large, broad forewings (Figs. 1, 3). Both fall, Alsophila pometaria, and spring, Paleacrita vernata, cankerworms occur in Utah, with the fall cankerworm being most common.
Codling Moth In Utah Orchards, Marion Murray, Diane G. Alston
Codling Moth In Utah Orchards, Marion Murray, Diane G. Alston
All Current Publications
Codling moth (Order Lepidoptera, Family Tortricidae) is the most serious pest of apple and pear worldwide. In most commercial fruit producing regions and home yards in Utah, fruit must be protected to harvest a crop. Insecticides are the main control tactic. There are new insecticides available, many of which are less toxic to humans and beneficial insects and mites than earlier insecticides. For commercial orchards with more than 10 acres of contiguous apple and pear plantings, pheromone-based mating disruption can greatly reduce codling moth populations to allow reduced insecticide use.
Codling Moth Mating Disruption, Marion Murray, Diane G. Alston
Codling Moth Mating Disruption, Marion Murray, Diane G. Alston
All Current Publications
Mating disruption became commercially available in the early 1990s, and was adopted by many Utah growers about a decade later. Use of this pest management technology can be daunting due to high up-front costs and monitoring requirements; however, after two to three seasons of use, the cost of mating disruption is the same or even less than conventional pest management.
Common Crane Fly In Turf, Ricardo Ramirez, Kelly Kopp
Common Crane Fly In Turf, Ricardo Ramirez, Kelly Kopp
All Current Publications
Crane flies belong to one of the most specious families of flies. The adult flies, also known as “mosquito hawks”, are not giant mosquitoes and do not bite, and though the name suggests it, they do not feed on mosquitoes. In general, the larvae are associated with aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats. The majority of crane flies are not pests.
Bark Beetles, Ryan S. Davis, Darren Mcavoy
Bark Beetles, Ryan S. Davis, Darren Mcavoy
All Current Publications
Bark beetles are one of the most destructive forest pests in the world. They are different than the larger longhorned and roundheaded/metallic woodboring beetles commonly infesting the inner wood of trees. The largest bark beetle, the red turpentine beetle (Dendroctonus valens), reaches only 8.3 mm in length. Because of their tiny size, bark beetles are not effective tree killers as individuals.
Beneficial Predators: Predatory Mites, Ron Patterson, Ricardo Ramirez
Beneficial Predators: Predatory Mites, Ron Patterson, Ricardo Ramirez
All Current Publications
Predatory mites can provide natural pest control by eating unwanted pests. These beneficial mites are one way to maintain pest populations at non-damaging levels, known as biological control. By encouraging predatory mite populations, plants can be protected from excessive pest attack and damage.
Corn Earworm, Diane G. Alston, Shawn Olsen, James Barnhill
Corn Earworm, Diane G. Alston, Shawn Olsen, James Barnhill
All Current Publications
In Utah, there are typically three generations of corn earworm (CEW) each year. The first generation of adults either come from overwintering pupae (southern and central Utah), or migrate into northern Utah. The adult moth is tannish brown with a 1 1/2 inch wingspan. The front wings are marked with a distinct dark spot in the center and darker bands near the outer margins. The hind wings are lighter tan, with a dark band along the outer margins. The male moths have green eyes. Moth flight occurs primarily on warm, overcast evenings. Moth populations can be monitored using pheromone or …
Bumble Flower Beetle, Taun Beddes, Ryan S. Davis
Bumble Flower Beetle, Taun Beddes, Ryan S. Davis
All Current Publications
The bumble flower beetle (BFB) is a common member of the Scarabaeidae (scarab) beetle family. Its common name originated because adult BFB’s often fly close to the ground and emit a loud buzzing sound similar to that of a bumble bee. Larvae (grubs) and adults are often found in or near fermenting and/or decomposing organic matter.
Fall Webworm, Ryan S. Davis, Vincent P. Jones
Fall Webworm, Ryan S. Davis, Vincent P. Jones
All Current Publications
The fall webworm, Hyphantria cunea, is a common defoliator of ornamental and fruit trees in Utah. Starting around late July, the caterpillars, webbing, and damage become noticeable, particularly in some of the canyons adjacent to populated areas (Little Cottonwood canyon, Logan canyon, Provo canyon, etc.).
Beneficial True Bugs: Damsel Bugs, Ricardo Ramirez, Ron Patterson
Beneficial True Bugs: Damsel Bugs, Ricardo Ramirez, Ron Patterson
All Current Publications
Predatory insects can provide natural pest control by eating unwanted pests. This beneficial service is known as biological control. Predatory insects are one factor that maintains pest populations at non-damaging levels. By conserving and encouraging predatory insect populations, plants can be protected from pest attack and excessive damage.
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, Erin Petrizzo, Diane G. Alston
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug, Erin Petrizzo, Diane G. Alston
All Current Publications
Brown marmorated stink bug (Order Hemiptera: Family Pentatomidae) (BMSB) was accidentally introduced into the eastern U.S. from Asia in the late 1990s. In 2001 it was officially identified in Pennsylvania, and has since spread along the eastern seaboard and westward into the Great Lakes region.
Campylomma Bug Sampling Form, Usu Extension
Campylomma Bug Sampling Form, Usu Extension
All Current Publications
Campylomma Bug Sampling Instructions.
Cat-Facing Insects, Diane Alston, Michael Reding, Marion Murray
Cat-Facing Insects, Diane Alston, Michael Reding, Marion Murray
All Current Publications
There are a number of insects with the piercing-sucking feeding habit that can cause deformity and catfacing type injury to pome and stone fruits, including lygus bug, stink bug, and boxelder bug. Cat-facing injury is caused by puncture feeding in flower buds and fruit. The result is unsightly dimpling, deformity, and scarring of fruit. The name “cat facing” comes from the distorted fruit shape that resembles the puckered cheeks of a cat. In addition to the insects discussed in this section, some aphids and the campylomma bug can inflict similar injury.
Chinch Bugs, Kelly Kopp, Ryan S. Davis, Ricardo A. Ramirez
Chinch Bugs, Kelly Kopp, Ryan S. Davis, Ricardo A. Ramirez
All Current Publications
Chinch bugs are “true bugs”. In Utah, the common chinch bug [Blissus leucopterus leucopterus (Say)], and western chinch bug (Blissus occiduus) may feed on turfgrass, especially under conditions of severe heat and drought. Coupled with under-irrigation, direct sunlight, and thick thatch, chinch bug numbers can soar from mid-summer to early fall.
Boxelder Bug, Erin W. Hodgson, Alan H. Roe
Boxelder Bug, Erin W. Hodgson, Alan H. Roe
All Current Publications
Boxelder bugs are a common nuisance insect to many homeowners. Although boxelder bugs are active throughout the summer, many people don’t notice them until they start “sunning” themselves on structures, particularly the southern-facing walls. As temperatures start to decrease in the late summer and fall, large numbers of adults will move from plants and congregate on heated buildings.
Codling Moth (Cydia Pomonella) Sampling Form, Usu Extension
Codling Moth (Cydia Pomonella) Sampling Form, Usu Extension
All Current Publications
Place traps in orchards when 100 degree days have accumulated or by first bloom. Check traps at least every other day (preferably daily) until biofix, and weekly until mid-September
Cockroaches, Ryan S. Davis
Cockroaches, Ryan S. Davis
All Current Publications
Cockroaches are one of the most difficult structural pests to eradicate because of their ability to hide, rapid reproduction, and resistance to and avoidance of many commonly used insecticide sprays and baits. Using an integrated pest management (IPM) program can greatly increase the possibility of successful control. There are 4 cockroach species that commonly infest structures in Utah, each with a specific biology; identify invading cockroaches before you develop an IPM plan. Proper identification of any pest will allow you to understand its biology, and use it against itself!
Bed Bugs: For Pest Control Operators, Ryan S. Davis
Bed Bugs: For Pest Control Operators, Ryan S. Davis
All Current Publications
Over the past decade reports of bed bug infestations (Cimicidae: Cimex lectularius) throughout North America and abroad have been on the rise. Accordingly, bed bug submissions to the Utah Plant Pest Diagnostic Lab have also been increasing.
Crickets, Erin W. Hodgson, Jessie Trina
Crickets, Erin W. Hodgson, Jessie Trina
All Current Publications
Crickets are closely related to grasshoppers and katydids, all belonging in the order Orthoptera. The family of “true crickets” is called Gryllidae, which includes more than 900 different species worldwide. In Utah, we have several species of field crickets and snowy tree crickets located throughout the state. True crickets are often confused with grasshoppers and katydids because they have similar body shapes and large hind legs for jumping.
Carpenter Bees, Erin W. Hodgson, Jessie Trina
Carpenter Bees, Erin W. Hodgson, Jessie Trina
All Current Publications
Carpenter bees are large, hairy bees in the genus Xylocopa and order Hymenoptera. There are over 500 species of carpenter bees distributed worldwide. In Utah, we have two common species, X. californica and X. tabaniformis. Carpenter bees in Utah are most likely found in Washington, Kane and Garfield counties, and are rarely found in Salt Lake and Utah counties.
Beneficial Insects: Lacewings And Antilions, Erin W. Hodgson, Jessie Trina
Beneficial Insects: Lacewings And Antilions, Erin W. Hodgson, Jessie Trina
All Current Publications
Lacewings and antlions are insects in the order Neuroptera. There are over 4,000 different species of lacewings and antlions throughout the world. In general, the adults have soft bodies, long antennae, and prominent eyes.
Centipedes, Erin W. Hodgson, Paul Bingham, Alan H. Roe
Centipedes, Erin W. Hodgson, Paul Bingham, Alan H. Roe
All Current Publications
Centipedes are long, slender arthropods in the class Chilopoda. Centipede means “hundred feet” because they appear to have many legs. Insects, millipedes and arachnids are close relatives. Centipedes should be considered beneficial because they are exclusively predatory. They eat a wide variety of smaller invertebrates, including insects. However, centipedes may be considered a nuisance to homeowners when they are found inside.
Clothes Moths, Erin W. Hodgson, Jessie L. Trina, Alan H. Roe
Clothes Moths, Erin W. Hodgson, Jessie L. Trina, Alan H. Roe
All Current Publications
Clothes moths belong to a large group of small moths in the family Tineidae. There are two species of clothes moths that are of considerable economic importance. The webbing and the casemaking clothes moths are worldwide in distribution. The larvae of clothes moths can feed on and cause damage to fabrics, furs, feathers, wool, carpets, tapestries, drapes, piano felts, upholstered furniture, animal bristled brushes, hair, fish meal found in fish food, synthetics or fabrics, such as cotton, that have been blended with wool, skins, spices, stored tobacco, old clothing, scrap piles, leather, lint, dust, paper, linen, silk, stuffed animals, blankets, …
Carpenter Ants, Ryan S. Davis
Carpenter Ants, Ryan S. Davis
All Current Publications
Carpenter ants in the genus Camponotus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) are considered some of the most serious pests to wood structures worldwide. There are over 900 species of carpenter ants in the world, 50 in the United States and Canada, and 12 in Utah. In nature, carpenter ants are most abundant in forests and can be easily found under loose bark of dead trees, stumps, or fallen logs.