A striking insect with polka-dotted wings has turned from curiosity to crisis across much of the South. Gardeners from Georgia to Tennessee have started spotting clusters of unfamiliar bugs on trees, fences, and patio furniture, and the damage has followed quickly behind. This is not a minor nuisance or a one-season fluke. The spotted lanternfly…
pests
8 Plants That Act As Natural Pest Deterrents
A successful garden does not need a chemical arsenal to stay protected. The right plants can stand guard, release powerful scents, and send many common pests searching for an easier target. Instead of fighting nature at every turn, smart gardeners recruit it. Certain herbs and flowers contain compounds that insects simply dislike, and when these…
12 Of The Worst Garden Pests And How To Get Rid Of Them
The battle for a thriving garden begins the moment the first leaf pushes through the soil. Lush beds and tidy rows may look peaceful, but a quiet army of insects and critters waits for tender stems, juicy foliage, and ripening fruit. Ignore them, and they take over with astonishing speed. Understand them, and the balance…
The Bug That’s Hitchhiking on Nursery Plants — And How to Spot It
One tiny egg mass can unleash a full-blown infestation. That’s not drama. That’s the reality of the spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect that continues to expand its footprint across the United States. This striking, polka-dotted planthopper looks almost artistic at first glance, but it can hammer trees, vines, and ornamental plants with relentless feeding. And…
Experts Warn: This Popular “Natural” Pest Spray Is Harming Pollinators
Garden shelves shine with bottles labeled natural, organic, or plant-based, and it feels comforting to grab one when aphids start treating roses like an all-you-can-eat buffet. The problem begins when marketing language sounds gentler than biology actually behaves, because nature does not automatically mean harmless. Experts keep raising concerns that some popular “natural” pest sprays…
Experts Say Aphid Populations Are Surging Faster Than Expected in the Southeast
A tiny insect with a soft body and a needle-like mouthpart now commands serious attention across the Southeast. Agricultural specialists and extension agents have started tracking unusually fast‑growing aphid populations moving aggressively through fields and gardens, leaving stressed plants and worried growers behind. While aphids rarely grab headlines, this surge carries real consequences for soybeans,…
Gardeners in North Carolina Are Reporting a Surge in This Destructive Pest
A striking, polka-dotted insect has landed in North Carolina, and it carries a reputation that makes seasoned growers wince. Gardeners across the state have started spotting clusters of unfamiliar bugs on tree trunks, patio furniture, and even vegetable beds. This surge points to one culprit that agricultural officials have tracked with growing urgency: the spotted…
Florida Is Bracing for a Major Pest Surge — Here’s the Low‑Cost Prep Homeowners Need Now
Buckle up, because 2026 is gearing up to be a blockbuster year for pests across the Sunshine State, according to entomologists and pest pros. Scientists studying patterns of heat, humidity, and rainfall have put their heads together and delivered some unsettling news: multiple pest populations aren’t just growing — they’re primed to explode. This year’s…
Florida Gardeners Warned: This Invasive Beetle Is Destroying Fruit Trees
Florida’s fruit trees face a relentless enemy that doesn’t care how much you watered, pruned, or fertilized. A tiny invasive beetle now tears through orchards and backyard gardens alike, leaving once-healthy trees wilted and dying in a matter of weeks. Gardeners across the state need to recognize this threat quickly, because delay gives this pest…
Why DIY Valentine’s Bouquets Are Spreading Pests Indoors — Experts Warn Gardeners to Check This First
Crafting your own Valentine’s bouquet is charming and from the heart. It feels personal, creative, and far more genuine than grabbing a pre-made arrangement on the way home. But as more people turn to DIY floral projects, horticulture experts are waving a gentle but important red flag: those gorgeous stems you’re gathering may be carrying…