Strategies for Identifying and Managing Insect Pests

By: PJ Liesch, Extension Entomology Specialist Even though insects can cause damage to our plants, not all of them are harmful. In this video, you will learn how to look for signs of insects, why identification is required, and different control options and methods. The first step in the management process of insects in yards […]

Japanese Beetle

The Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica, is a significant pest of landscape trees and shrubs, vegetable and fruit crops, and turfgrass. This factsheet describes the lifecycle of this beetle along with management and control options.

Boxelder Bug, Boisea trivittatus

Pesky boxelder bugs are very noticeable in the fall when they congregate before overwintering in buildings. To learn more about this nuisance pest, read this article…

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

Brown marmorated stink bug is a non-native pest that feeds on awide range of plants. This insect is also a nusiance when it overwinters indoors. Learn about identification and management in this factsheet.

Webworms

The term webworm is used to describe several insects whose caterpillars use silk to join plant parts together to form protective nests. Learn about two webworms found in Wisconsin in this factsheet.

Spongy Moth

Spongy moth (formerly gypsy moth) is a destructive insect when the caterpillars occur in large numbers and defoliate trees. This factsheet will help with identification and management of this pest.

Aphids

Aphids are soft-bodied, insects that feed on plant sap and subsequently excrete a sugary substance that can attract ants as well as support a saprophytic fungus called sooty mold. Learn about aphids found in home gardens in this factsheet.

Viburnum Leaf Beetle

The viburnum leaf beetle (VLB), Pyrrhalta viburni, is an invasive insect that feeds exclusively on and can significantly damage Viburnum species. Identification and control are described in this factsheet.

Aphids, in-depth

Aphids are really fascinating insects, with bizarre lifestyles and eating habits Learn more about this large group of insects and how to manage them in the garden in this article…

Deciduous Tree Galls

Galls are abnormal growths on plants that can result from the feeding of living organisms such as bacteria, fungi, nematodes, insects and mites. Learn about common galls in this factsheet.

Maple Gall Mites (Eriophyidae)

Inside little green or red bumps or other weird growths on maple leaves are tiny eriophyid mites, feeding on the developing gall tissue. Learn more about these mites and what to do about them in this article on maple gall mites.

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