Natural Solutions to Things That Bug You Read Online Free PDF Page A

which forces the female to lay each egg on the end of a hair-like strand, which separates them at birth, thus protecting them. Lacewings may be considered a beneficial insect and loves to consume aphids.
                 
    ANTS/BEES/WASPS/SAWFLIES
            The larval stage is difficult to identify and are not easily found since they develop in specialized nests that are somewhat unique to each species. However, bees, wasps and sawflies; can be identified by their two pairs of transparent wings. Flies have only one pair of wings.
    Ants: can be easily recognized by their enlarged abdomen.
     
    FLIES/GNATS/MOSQUITOES
        The larvae of true flies do not have any legs and thus making it difficult to identify a head. The head is usually tapered to a point and surrounded by tiny hooks that can be retracted. The larval form is called a “maggot” and is produced by flies. The larval form of mosquitoes also lacks legs; however, they have a visible head that is darker than the rest of the body.
     
    THRIPS
        The main difference between the adult thrip and the larval stage is the absence of wings. The larval stage and the adult are often found together on plants. Thrips are so small that they are almost invisible and about the width of a fine sewing needle. They damage the plant by sucking the sap out by scrapping the tissue. The plant damage; is sometimes mistaken for damage by mites, except there are no webs.
     
    APHIDS/SCALES
        Aphids are soft-bodied, pear-shaped and less than 1/10inch long. They can be winged or wingless and have a pair of tiny tubes at the end of their abdomen. The immature stages of these insects are very similar to the adult; however, they lack wings. They can be found in almost any color and will suck the sap from the plant. Scales are usually reddish-brown, round-shaped orange circles with a small knob in the center of a cap-like covering. They are only 1/12inch long.
     
    GRASSHOPPERS/CRICKETS/KATYDIDS/MANTIDS
        The immature stages and the adult are very similar with the exception of fully developed wings in the adult.
     
         TERMITES
    The only noticeable difference between the immature stage and the adult will be the size. The reproductive forms of termites have large functional wings and distinct wing buds in their early development stages.
     
     
         TICKS/SPIDER MITES             
    After their eggs hatch, ticks have six legs in their larval stage. After they molt they have 8 legs and look like an adult until they complete their development. To check a plant for mites you will need a magnifying glass. Mites can reproduce every 3-7 days and are not insects. To control them spray the plant every few days since they won’t multiply if the area is kept damp.
        
    WHITEFLY
    This small white fly is difficult to control since they will leave the plant as soon as you spray the plant. It is best to identify the immature stage, which is scale-like and can’t move. The scale can be eliminated with dipping in a soapy solution.
     

GARDENER-CAUSED PLANT DISEASE
    Care must be taken when handling or touching plants in the garden, especially wet plants. Disease: can be spread by just touching an area that is diseased and then touching another plant.
     
    If you see a diseased area, just remove it, destroy it and wash your hands before continuing with your gardening. Some diseases live in the soil and are easily transmitted to your plants. The problem may not be from insects. Good soil enrichment by compost will be the key to reducing many plant diseases.
     
    The following are a few more rules to follow
      Keep the area around your plants clean and clear of any rotting debris
      Plow the garden area in the fall to plow the old plants under and remove locations for pests to winter
      Plowing will also allow some of the insects and their eggs to become more visible for the birds to see and eat
      Cover