Unused stories

Pest of the Month - Thrips or Aphids?

Most gardeners can identify aphids when they see their rose buds being devoured by little insects. Yes, those are aphids and are easily controlled by early morning blast of water to knock them off.  Lady bugs do a good job too, but are known to fly away.

Not so easy are thrips.  Some thrips are beneficial predators of insects and mites, but the bad ones are discovered after the damage has been done.  Noticeable will be distorted leaves, brown specks on leaves and even galls.  Bring your damaged leaves into our UC MMG Help Desk for identification.  Click here for information and safe management of thrips without using harmful pesticides.