Dealing with Gnats and Mites Indoors

by Tamara Galbraith During the winter months, when more plants are indoors, gardeners need to be on the lookout for a couple of tough pests that, once settled in, can be hard to control. Fungus gnats, the near-microscopic flying insects that feed and breed within damp organic matter in potting soil, can actually be a problem any time of year. These tiny flying pests can spread pathogens, chew on roots and be a general...

Keeping Rabbits OUT of the Garden

Rabbits are one of the most loved and adored animals around. They are kept as pets, appear in children’s books and even have a celebrated icon in the Easter Bunny. So it’s hard for some people to believe that they can also be one of the country’s greatest pests. But a few happy rabbits can wipe out a nice garden in no time. Rabbits will devour a wide variety of plant material, especially in the spring when...

Controlling Moles and Voles

If you have tunnels of earth suddenly appearing throughout your lawn or garden, chances are you have been paid a visit by either moles or voles. Unlike gophers, they usually don’t leave any visible entry or exit holes. Voles are small, mouse-like rodents that are commonly called meadow or field mice, but with shorter tails, a stocky build and small eyes that distinguish them from true mice. Moles are slightly larger...

What’s Bugging You? Grubs. And the Animals T...

White grubs are damaging pests that begin invading lawns in early spring and again in summer. Grubs do their damage below ground, so the problem often goes undetected until too late. Beetle grubs can turn a fine looking lawn into a patchwork quilt of yellow spots. In addition, birds and other animals will often start digging up your lawn looking for the tasty grubs to feed on. The grubs are actually larvae of beetles and...