Entomology Resources
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In North America, six species of tent caterpillars are found. The forest and Eastern tent caterpillars occur in Georgia, and can damage the aesthetic value of landscapes. There are several management strategies that work against tent caterpillars and this resource will help you identify and control them.
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Thrips parvispinus is an invasive insect pest that poses a serious global threat to vegetables and ornamentals in both fields and greenhouses. This guide will help you identify and manage this pest.
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A pollinator-friendly and ecologically sustainable garden is both beautiful and able to attract and sustain beneficial insects, reducing the need for pesticides. This publication is based on new research in habitat management for purposes of planting insect-attracting plant species in order to intentionally draw insects to garden areas and urban landscapes. This is done by providing a refuge for the insects during winter and nectar and pollen resources. Plant selection directly affects beneficial insect populations, those insects that can provide ecological benefits such as biodiversity and natural pest control. This concept of “habitat management” can lead to potential increases in pollinating and other beneficial insect populations. An increase in these populations in landscapes will contribute to improved pollination of plants and biological pest control and reduce the need for pesticides.
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The invasive elm zigzag sawfly is a small wasp that has been reported in nine U.S. states, where it poses a threat to elm trees.
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European hornets are widespread across much of the eastern United States. Native to Europe and Asia, they were accidentally introduced to North America in the mid-1800s. The European hornet is the largest species found in the United States and is particularly common in Georgia.
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Japanese maple scale is an insect pest of Japanese maples and several other ornamental tree species that secretes a detached waxy shell that covers the body. Infested trees in the landscape reduce the value of the property, and in nurseries, an infestation affects the marketability of the trees. This publication covers identification and management of this pest.
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The fall webworm is a polyphagous caterpillar pest of ornamentals and trees in Georgia. “Polyphagous” means that it can feed on many types of food, and the fall webworm is known to feed on more than 600 species of plants, including row crops, herbaceous plants, shrubs, fruit, and ornamental trees in orchards, nurseries, and landscapes. Fall webworm larvae construct silk web nesting to facilitate feeding, to escape the attack of natural enemies, and for heat retention. The webbing is considered unsightly, and feeding on foliage inside the nest leads to extensive defoliation. The fall webworm can quickly reduce the aesthetic appeal of landscape trees and shrubs, and severe infestation can cause considerable damage to trees. To find out more about this pest and how to control it in your yard and landscapes, click on the Save PDF button above.
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The two-lined spittlebug is an important insect pest of turfgrass in Georgia, with centipedegrass being the most susceptible to infestation. It also attacks some ornamental plants, including asters, hollies, and morning glories. This publication provides management options and other information on the two-lined spittlebug, including identification and biology, host plants, damage symptoms, and control strategies.
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Rhodesgrass mealybugs are an invasive insect native to Asia that can infest more than 100 grass species including all warm-season grasses commonly used for pastures and turf in Georgia. This publication includes information about rhodesgrass mealybug identification and biology, its host plants, damage symptoms, and control strategies, including the use of parasitic wasps.
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