Strawberry root weevil
WEEVIL TIME
A number of samples of a small black weevil found crawling around in peoples homes. It is the strawberry root weevil and is a harmless invader from outside. Grubs feed on the roots of many plants. Indoors, just vacuum; see http://www.uwex.edu/ces/wihort/pests/ControlWeevils.htm for other control suggestions.
Strawberry root weevil
Squash bug eggs
SQUASH BUGS
The warm winters seem to have make squash bug a much more common problem. The eggs are an orange brown and can be seen on the leaves of this pumpkin. The small nymphs (which are the easiest to kill) are yellow but will turn blue green. For more info see http://www.uwex.edu/ces/wihort/gardenfacts/XHT1136.pdf.
Squash bug nymphs
Twig pruner (top and bottom photos)
TWIG / BRANCH PRUNER
There is a round-headed borer larvae that lives inside small twigs of oak, maple, hickory, linden, locust and other trees. During mid–late summer, branches will fall or flag on the tree. The ground may be littered with twigs (squirrels also do this) but the damage is not serious. There are a number of species of longhorned wood borers that do this. Best control is to rake up and destroy twigs.
Twig pruner
Fall webworm
WEBS IN TREES
We do not get tent caterpillar in august but the caterpillar that makes a web now is called the fall webworm. Larvae construct a loose web and eat the surface (skeletonise) of leaves leaving a brown papery tissue behind. For more pictures see http://www.entomology.wisc.edu/diaglab/03hilite/8_12.html.
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