Common Insects and Mites: Aphids categories: Common Insects and Mites Common Problems last review date: 2026-04-13 10:37 Numerous lady beetle larvae and lone spider feasting on large aphid colony.Photo by: Craig Lawrence – WSU Extension Master Gardener Biology Many species of aphids attack ornamental plants. Some are fairly host-specific, while others may attack a dozen […]
Common Insects and Mites: Asian lady beetle categories: Common Insects and Mites Common Problems last review date: 2025-07-08 11:16 Cluster of Asian lady beetlesPhoto by: A.L. Antonelli Biology Common in Japan, Korea, and other parts of Asia, the Asian lady beetle was introduced by USDA Agricultural Research scientists in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s […]
Common Insects and Mites: Bark beetles categories: Common Insects and Mites Common Problems last review date: 2026-04-13 11:28 Bark beetle larval galleriesPhoto by: A.L. Antonelli Biology One or more species of bark beetle attack virtually all trees in the Pacific Northwest. Most bark beetles are secondary pests, attacking trees already stressed from other causes. However, […]
Common Insects and Mites: Brown marmorated stink bug categories: Common Insects and Mites Common Problems last review date: 2026-04-13 11:45 Adult brown marmorated stink bugPhoto by: D.R. Lance, USDA-APHIS Biology The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) is an introduced pest species from Asia that is spreading quickly across the United States. Nymphs and adults feed […]
Common Insects and Mites: Brown soft scale categories: Common Insects and Mites Common Problems last review date: 2026-04-14 07:47 Brown soft scalesPhoto by: R.S. Byther Biology Brown soft scale appears as a small, brown or pale yellow, flat disk. While it is more commonly a greenhouse pest, it can be a serious pest of outdoor […]
Common Insects and Mites: California gallfly categories: Common Insects and Mites Common Problems last review date: 2026-04-14 08:08 “Oak apples” caused by California gallflyPhoto by: R.S. Byther Biology The gall of this cynipid wasp larva is the largest and most conspicuous of the galls on oak. It is a twig gall that is often called […]
Common Insects and Mites: Conifer aphids categories: Common Insects and Mites Common Problems last review date: 2026-04-14 08:54 Giant conifer aphids on pinePhoto by: A.L. Antonelli Biology Conifer aphids are often large black aphids that attack only coniferous trees. There are a few species that are smaller, green, and develop powdery white waxy material over […]
Common Insects and Mites: Cottony camellia scale categories: Common Insects and Mites Common Problems last review date: 2026-04-14 10:43 Cottony camellia scale on holly leavesPhoto by: A.L. Antonelli Biology The cottony camellia scale is a flat brownish or yellowish insect about 1/8″ in diameter. The scales overwinter on twigs or evergreen leaves. In the spring, […]
Common Insects and Mites: Cutworms and loopers categories: Common Insects and Mites Common Problems last review date: 2026-04-14 11:07 Climbing cutworm, dark brown and hairlessPhoto by: K. Grey Biology Cutworms and looper are the larval stages of moths in the family commonly referred to as “millers”. They are usually hairless caterpillars and exhibit wide variation […]
Common Insects and Mites: Earwigs categories: Common Insects and Mites Common Problems last review date: 2026-04-14 12:37 Earwigs feeding on cucumberPhoto by: T. Hudson Biology Earwigs are reddish-brown insects about 3/4 inch or less in length. Both males and females have pincers at the rear end. Earwigs are largely beneficial, feeding on many pests such […]