{"schema":"fgmn.pest-seasons/1","generated":"2026-10-10","status":"draft: needs FGMN review before launch","publisher":"FGMN Nursery","page":"https://fgmnnursery.com/pages/pest-seasons","how_to_read":{"anchors":"Outdoor stage windows are days from the average last spring frost (LSF) or first fall frost (FFF). Add the offsets to a place's frost dates to get calendar dates. 'heating-season' runs from FFF to the next LSF. 'year-round' and 'undated' triggers have no dates.","frost_free":"USDA zones 10a and warmer have no frost dates; use each pest's outdoor.frost_free pattern and peak_months instead. Zone 9 has frost dates but often behaves like the frost-free pattern; show both.","actions":{"watch":"Look for it now","treat":"Best window to act","peak":"Worst damage"},"accuracy":"Windows come from one reference region per stage and are shifted by frost date. Expect a 2–3 week error, more in the arid West and at elevation. Let people set their own frost dates.","confidence":"high = several agreeing extension sources; medium = one good source; low = thin or inferred.","zone_source":"USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2023, ZIP code table, PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University.","frost_dates":"Typical dates per zone, approximate; calibrated to NWS and extension station normals in the sources list."},"zones":{"1a":{"lsf":"06-25","fff":"08-20","frost_free":false},"1b":{"lsf":"06-15","fff":"08-30","frost_free":false},"2a":{"lsf":"06-13","fff":"08-28","frost_free":false},"2b":{"lsf":"06-03","fff":"09-07","frost_free":false},"3a":{"lsf":"06-02","fff":"09-07","frost_free":false},"3b":{"lsf":"05-23","fff":"09-17","frost_free":false},"4a":{"lsf":"05-20","fff":"09-20","frost_free":false},"4b":{"lsf":"05-10","fff":"09-30","frost_free":false},"5a":{"lsf":"05-07","fff":"10-03","frost_free":false},"5b":{"lsf":"04-27","fff":"10-13","frost_free":false},"6a":{"lsf":"04-23","fff":"10-16","frost_free":false},"6b":{"lsf":"04-13","fff":"10-26","frost_free":false},"7a":{"lsf":"04-11","fff":"10-27","frost_free":false},"7b":{"lsf":"04-01","fff":"11-06","frost_free":false},"8a":{"lsf":"03-23","fff":"11-10","frost_free":false},"8b":{"lsf":"03-13","fff":"11-20","frost_free":false},"9a":{"lsf":"02-25","fff":"11-30","frost_free":false},"9b":{"lsf":"02-15","fff":"12-10","frost_free":false},"10a":{"lsf":null,"fff":null,"frost_free":true},"10b":{"lsf":null,"fff":null,"frost_free":true},"11a":{"lsf":null,"fff":null,"frost_free":true},"11b":{"lsf":null,"fff":null,"frost_free":true},"12a":{"lsf":null,"fff":null,"frost_free":true},"12b":{"lsf":null,"fff":null,"frost_free":true},"13a":{"lsf":null,"fff":null,"frost_free":true},"13b":{"lsf":null,"fff":null,"frost_free":true}},"groups":[{"id":"everywhere","name":"Common everywhere, indoors and out"},{"id":"lawn","name":"Lawn, yard and soil"},{"id":"veg","name":"Vegetables and fruit"},{"id":"ornamentals","name":"Trees, shrubs and flowers"},{"id":"indoor","name":"Houseplants and greenhouses"}],"pests":[{"id":"aphids","name":"Aphids","group":"everywhere","aka":["greenfly","blackfly","plant lice"],"signs":"Clusters of soft, pear-shaped insects on new shoots and leaf undersides. Look for white shed skins, sticky honeydew, sooty mold, and curled or yellowed leaves. Tan, swollen 'mummies' mean parasitic wasps are at work.","where":"nationwide","where_note":"Many species; found on garden and landscape plants across the US. In mild coastal California some are active year-round.","outdoor":{"stages":[{"label":"First colonies on new growth","action":"treat","anchor":"LSF","start":5,"end":30,"reference":"Lexington, KY (Zone 6b), LSF ~Apr 10 (NWS Louisville: most frequent last-freeze week Apr 7-13; not an official average); first colonies on new growth ~Apr 15-May 10 -> LSF+5 to LSF+30. UK calendar lists general aphids mid-April to early May","sources":["f11","f16"]},{"label":"Peak build-up in mild spring weather (65–80°F)","action":"peak","anchor":"LSF","start":15,"end":66,"reference":"Lexington, KY (Zone 6b), LSF ~Apr 10 (NWS Louisville: most frequent last-freeze week Apr 7-13; not an official average); peak build-up in mild spring weather (65-80f) ~Apr 25-Jun 15 -> LSF+15 to LSF+66. Low confidence on end date: UC says damage greatest in late spring and summer heat knocks many species back; the June end is inferred from that, not dated by source","sources":["f11","f16","f35"]}],"frost_free":{"pattern":"Active much of the year in mild coastal climates; populations build fastest in mild spring weather and many species decline in hot inland summers, with winged dispersers more common in spring and fall. In Florida green peach aphid is a listed pest of tomato/pepper; no month-by-month calendar was found.","peak_months":[2,3,4,5,10,11],"generations":"Many overlapping; newborn to adult in 7–8 days in warm weather","sources":["f35","f50"]},"notes":"Spring timing anchored to the Kentucky calendar; Lexington frost date is a modal week, not an official average. Peak months for frost-free areas are inferred from UC's temperature description (low confidence)."},"indoor":{"season_pattern":"Indoors and in greenhouses they reproduce year-round with many overlapping generations. They commonly ride in on plants returning in fall or on new plants. Kentucky notes sap feeders such as aphids become more common on houseplants in winter.","triggers":[{"label":"Plants come back indoors","anchor":"FFF","start":-35,"end":-7,"explanation":"Iowa State and UMN list aphids among pests to check for and wash off before the fall move. The offsets are inferred from the bring-in rule.","sources":["i1","i4","i2"]},{"label":"Sap feeders build up indoors over winter","anchor":"heating-season","start":null,"end":null,"explanation":"Kentucky Extension notes aphids and scale become more common indoors in winter.","sources":["i7"]}],"recheck_days":{"value":"7","basis":"Short development time and high reproduction (UConn). Nymphs mature in 3–4 weeks and generations overlap (Purdue, cannabis aphid). Look for mummies 2–3 weeks after releasing parasitoids.","sources":["i17","i26"]},"notes":""},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Convergent lady beetles (adults)","setting":"outdoor","note":"Release only once aphids are present; release at dusk after misting plants. Most fly off within days, so expect short-term control and repeat releases on heavy infestations.","sources":["f35"]},{"agent":"Green lacewing larvae, syrphid fly larvae, soldier beetles","setting":"outdoor","note":"Natural enemies build after aphids become numerous; conserve them by avoiding broad-spectrum insecticides, controlling ants, and planting nectar/pollen flowers.","sources":["f35"]},{"agent":"Aphid parasitoid wasps (e.g., Aphidius-type)","setting":"outdoor","note":"Look for mummies before spraying; parasitized colonies are already under control. UC names parasitic wasps generally; genus-level release guidance was not in cited sources.","sources":["f35"]},{"agent":"Aphidius colemani","setting":"indoor","note":"For green peach and melon aphids. Release preventively, in the evening, in shade, at 65–77°F and 70–85% RH. Less effective above 86°F. Remove sticky cards and look for mummies after 2–3 weeks.","sources":["i17","i26"]},{"agent":"Aphidius ervi / Aphelinus abdominalis","setting":"indoor","note":"For larger aphids such as foxglove and potato aphids. Aphelinus tolerates more heat but works more slowly.","sources":["i17"]},{"agent":"Aphidoletes aphidimyza (predatory midge)","setting":"indoor","note":"Best at 60–80°F and 50–85% RH. Larvae need at least 15.5 h of light or they enter diapause, which happens from about September to March. Low-intensity light extension prevents it.","sources":["i17"]},{"agent":"Green lacewing larvae, lady beetles","setting":"indoor","note":"Expect reduction in about 2 weeks with lacewings, which leave above 95°F.","sources":["i17"]}],"products":[{"handle":"aphidius-colemani-green-peach-aphid-control","title":"Aphidius colemani","use":"The aphid specialist for small aphids; start here","kind":"treat"},{"handle":"aphidius-ervi-parasitoid-wasp","title":"Aphidius ervi","use":"For the larger aphids","kind":"treat"},{"handle":"aphidoletes-aphidimyza-fast-aphid-control-treatment","title":"Aphidoletes aphidimyza","use":"Fast knockdown of heavy colonies (needs long days)","kind":"treat"},{"handle":"green-lacewing-larvae-aphid-treatment","title":"Green Lacewing Larvae","use":"Hungry general aphid predator","kind":"treat"},{"handle":"ladybugs","title":"Ladybugs","use":"Outdoors once aphids are present; release at dusk","kind":"treat"},{"handle":"green-lacewing-eggs-aphid-control","title":"Green Lacewing Eggs","use":"Prevention, before aphids show up","kind":"prevent"}],"guide":"/collections/aphid-treatment","confidence":"medium","house_notes":[],"sources":["f11","f16","f35","f50","i1","i2","i4","i7","i17","i26"]},{"id":"spider-mites","name":"Two-spotted spider mites","group":"everywhere","aka":["spider mites","red spider mite","two spotted mites","TSSM"],"signs":"Fine pale stippling on leaves that turn dull and yellow or bronzed, then fine webbing on tips and between leaves. Tiny mites and eggs sit on leaf undersides along the veins. Tap a leaf over white paper and look with a 10x lens.","where":"nationwide","where_note":"Warm-season mite on vegetables, flowers, shrubs and fruit across the US; worst in hot, dry, dusty conditions and on water-stressed plants.","outdoor":{"stages":[{"label":"Peak outdoor outbreaks in hot, dry weather","action":"peak","anchor":"LSF","start":96,"end":127,"reference":"Lexington, KY (Zone 6b), LSF ~Apr 10 (NWS Louisville: most frequent last-freeze week Apr 7-13; not an official average); peak outdoor outbreaks in hot, dry weather ~Jul 15-Aug 15 -> LSF+96 to LSF+127. UK calendar lists two-spotted spider mite mid-July to mid-August","sources":["f11","f16"]},{"label":"Populations numerous (watch hot spots; release predators early)","action":"watch","anchor":"LSF","start":52,"end":173,"reference":"Lexington, KY (Zone 6b), LSF ~Apr 10 (NWS Louisville: most frequent last-freeze week Apr 7-13; not an official average); populations numerous (watch hot spots; release predators early) ~Jun 1-Sep 30 -> LSF+52 to LSF+173. UC IPM says populations usually numerous June-September (California); applied to the KY anchor as an approximation","sources":["f11","f36"]}],"frost_free":{"pattern":"Overwintering females resume feeding with spring warmth; populations explode in hot dry periods and often crash in late summer as predators build or rain/cooler weather arrives. In Florida tomatoes, problems concentrate at the end of the season under hot, dry conditions.","peak_months":[5,6,7,8,9],"generations":"Many; a generation can take under a week in warm weather","sources":["f36","f50"]},"notes":"Predator temperature/humidity data come from a greenhouse fact sheet; outdoor performance varies. Avoid dust and broad-spectrum insecticides, which trigger outbreaks."},"indoor":{"season_pattern":"Year-round indoors, with a jump in winter in heated homes. Furnace heat can drop indoor humidity to 10–20%, and spider mites love warm, dry air. Plants coming back inside after summer can also bring mites in. In greenhouses they are most explosive in hot summer conditions (above 80°F, 20–40% RH) and often start near heat sources.","triggers":[{"label":"Heating dries the winter air","anchor":"heating-season","start":null,"end":null,"explanation":"Kentucky Extension notes spider mites are a common winter houseplant pest because heated air drops humidity to 10–20%. UMass notes outbreaks start near heat sources and are favored at 20–40% RH.","sources":["i7","i8"]},{"label":"Plants come back indoors","anchor":"FFF","start":-35,"end":-7,"explanation":"Mites ride in on plants that summered outdoors. Inspect and quarantine at the fall move. The offsets come from the bring-in rule (see general) and are inferred.","sources":["i1","i2"]}],"recheck_days":{"value":"5-7 when warm; 14-20 when cool","basis":"Egg to adult takes as few as 7 days at 81°F but about 20 days at 64°F (UMass). Purdue gives 5–10 days per generation under optimal conditions. UMass advises weekly scouting.","sources":["i8","i26"]},"notes":"In greenhouses, shorter days and cooler temperatures in fall can send females into diapause (orange-red, not feeding) (UMass)."},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Phytoseiulus persimilis (predatory mite)","setting":"outdoor","note":"Release as soon as mites are first seen, concentrated on hot spots. Works best above ~68°F with humidity above ~75%; struggles above ~86°F or below 60% RH.","sources":["f52"]},{"agent":"Neoseiulus californicus (predatory mite)","setting":"outdoor","note":"Preventive or low-population releases; tolerates 46–95°F and 40–80% RH, so better than persimilis in fluctuating outdoor conditions. Can be combined with persimilis.","sources":["f52"]},{"agent":"Western predatory mite (Galendromus occidentalis)","setting":"outdoor","note":"Suited to hot, dry conditions (50–115°F, 30–60% RH). Aim for roughly 1 predator per 10 spider mites; knock down heavy infestations with soap first.","sources":["f36","f52"]},{"agent":"Phytoseiulus persimilis","setting":"indoor","note":"A spider-mite specialist. Best at about 68°F and 75% RH or higher. Below 60% RH its eggs shrivel and fail to hatch, and above about 86°F spider mites outpace it. Release early, when mites are first seen. Colonies should decline in 2–3 weeks, and a second release a week later may be needed.","sources":["i8","i9","i10"]},{"agent":"Neoseiulus californicus","setting":"indoor","note":"Tolerates hotter and drier conditions than persimilis: about 46–95°F and 40–80% RH. Can be released preventively at low mite numbers and survives on other food, which suits fluctuating conditions and dry indoor air.","sources":["i8","i9"]},{"agent":"Amblyseius andersoni","setting":"indoor","note":"Active from about 42°F to 104°F and tolerates cool conditions better than other predatory mites. Release when mite numbers are low.","sources":["i9"]},{"agent":"Feltiella acarisuga (predatory midge)","setting":"indoor","note":"Best at 68–80°F and about 80% RH. Survival drops if RH stays below 60%.","sources":["i8","i9"]}],"products":[{"handle":"phytoseiulus-persimilis-the-two-spotted-spider-mite-specialist","title":"Phytoseiulus persimilis","use":"The specialist, for humid rooms and mild weather","kind":"treat"},{"handle":"neoseiulus-californicus-bottles-spider-mite-treatment","title":"Neoseiulus californicus","use":"For hot or dry rooms and outdoor swings","kind":"treat"},{"handle":"spider-mite-rapid-response","title":"Spider Mite Rapid Response","use":"Both of the above together","kind":"treat"},{"handle":"californicus-predatory-mite-sachets-hot-dry-prevention","title":"Neoseiulus californicus Slow-Release Prevention Sachets","use":"Prevention in hot or dry spots","kind":"prevent"},{"handle":"phytoseiulus-persimilis-predatory-mites-sachets-spider-mite-prevention","title":"Phytoseiulus persimilis Slow-Release Prevention Sachets","use":"Prevention in humid spots","kind":"prevent"}],"guide":"/pages/using-predatory-mites-for-spider-mite-treatment","confidence":"medium","house_notes":[],"sources":["f11","f16","f36","f50","f52","i1","i2","i7","i8","i9","i10","i26"]},{"id":"thrips","name":"Thrips (western flower thrips)","group":"everywhere","aka":["thrip","western flower thrips","WFT"],"signs":"Silvery flecks or streaks on leaves with tiny black fecal dots. Flowers and new shoots are deformed or streaked, and white streaks appear on petals. To find the slender 1–2 mm insects, tap blooms over white paper. Blue sticky cards catch more thrips than yellow ones. Thrips can spread tospoviruses (INSV/TSWV), which cause ringspots and necrotic spots.","where":"nationwide","where_note":"Found statewide in Florida and common in California gardens; it moves into gardens when nearby weeds and grasslands dry out. A national range map was not in cited sources.","outdoor":{"stages":[],"frost_free":{"pattern":"Up to ~8 generations a year; egg to adult in about 2 weeks in warm weather. Vectors tomato spotted wilt virus. No month-level calendar found.","peak_months":[],"generations":"Up to ~8 per year","sources":["f37","f50"]},"notes":"No dated outdoor timing found in extension sources reviewed; stages left empty rather than invented."},"indoor":{"season_pattern":"Year-round wherever plants are kept warm. In greenhouses, a big influx comes in summer when outdoor weeds dry down or are mowed and adult thrips fly in looking for new hosts. Thrips also arrive on new plants and cuttings in any season. They do not develop below about 50°F.","triggers":[{"label":"Thrips fly in when outdoor weeds dry out or get mowed","anchor":"LSF","start":45,"end":120,"explanation":"UConn names summer as the key entry period, when thrips leave drying or mowed weeds. The offsets are an approximate mapping of 'summer' relative to last spring frost and are not stated by the source.","sources":["i11","i13"]},{"label":"New plants, plugs or cuttings brought in","anchor":"year-round","start":null,"end":null,"explanation":"Thrips arrive on incoming plugs and cuttings, so inspect new plants.","sources":["i11"]}],"recheck_days":{"value":"7","basis":"One generation takes about 7–14 days at fluctuating 68–98°F. UConn recommends weekly sticky-card counts.","sources":["i11","i13"]},"notes":"Keep a weed-free strip of at least 10 ft around greenhouses (UConn). Tolerance is zero if tospovirus is present."},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Minute pirate bugs, green lacewings, predatory mites (conservation)","setting":"outdoor","note":"UC says there is little research-based information on releasing thrips enemies in gardens and that purchased releases are unlikely to give satisfactory control outdoors; conserve resident predators instead.","sources":["f37"]},{"agent":"Neoseiulus (Amblyseius) cucumeris","setting":"indoor","note":"Release preventively before thrips are seen, because it attacks only first-instar larvae. Slow-release sachets last 4–6 weeks. Best at 75–85°F with RH above 65%. More economical in winter, short-day conditions. Keep sachets shaded.","sources":["i12"]},{"agent":"Amblyseius swirskii","setting":"indoor","note":"Suggested for warm summers (70–80°F, about 70% RH). It outperformed cucumeris under hot, bright, long-day conditions but costs more. Not suited to tomatoes.","sources":["i12"]},{"agent":"Orius insidiosus (minute pirate bug)","setting":"indoor","note":"Most effective at 68–85°F. Needs pollen. Can take 8–10 weeks to establish, so it suits long-term crops. Females enter reproductive diapause under short days (critical photoperiod about 12–13 h of light), which makes it less reliable in winter without long days.","sources":["i12","i14"]},{"agent":"Stratiolaelaps scimitus and Dalotia coriaria","setting":"indoor","note":"Soil-dwelling predators that eat thrips pupae in the media. Used as a supplement to cucumeris.","sources":["i12"]},{"agent":"Steinernema feltiae","setting":"indoor","note":"A media drench followed by weekly sprays. Apply early or late in the day and protect from UV and heat.","sources":["i12"]}],"products":[{"handle":"amblyseius-swirskii-thrips-treatment","title":"Amblyseius swirskii","use":"Thrips on leaves in a humid room","kind":"treat"},{"handle":"amblyseius-cucumeris-thrips-control","title":"Neoseiulus cucumeris","use":"Thrips on leaves in a dry or cooler room","kind":"treat"},{"handle":"thrips-rapid-response-thrips-treatment","title":"Thrips Rapid Response - Two Stage System","use":"Leaves and soil at once (swirskii + Sf nematodes)","kind":"treat"},{"handle":"amblydromalus-limonicus","title":"Amblydromalus limonicus","use":"The strongest single thrips predator","kind":"treat"},{"handle":"treat-fungus-gnats-steinernema-feltiae","title":"Sf Nematodes","use":"The stage that drops to the soil","kind":"treat"},{"handle":"amblyseius-swirskii-thrips-prevention","title":"Amblyseius swirskii Slow-Release Prevention Sachets","use":"Prevention only, before you see thrips","kind":"prevent"}],"guide":"/collections/thrips-treatment","confidence":"low","house_notes":["Outdoors in gardens, research says bought thrips predators rarely pay off; these picks are for indoor plants and greenhouses."],"sources":["f37","f50","i11","i12","i13","i14"]},{"id":"whiteflies","name":"Whiteflies","group":"everywhere","aka":["white flies","greenhouse whitefly"],"signs":"Clouds of tiny white flies, wings held flat, burst up when the plant is touched. Scale-like nymphs sit on leaf undersides. Leaves yellow and get sticky with honeydew and sooty mold. Pupae are white with waxy filaments.","where":["CA","AZ","TX","FL"],"where_note":"Silverleaf/sweetpotato and greenhouse whiteflies breed year-round outdoors in warm regions (southern California desert, southern Texas, south/central Florida). In colder areas outdoor problems usually start from infested transplants.","outdoor":{"stages":[],"frost_free":{"pattern":"California cucurbits: numbers peak in late summer and decline by November. Florida: highest in south, southwest and west-central areas; in west-central Florida virus-carrying whiteflies are usually more numerous in fall; north Florida sees them mainly in spring.","peak_months":[8,9,10],"generations":"Many; egg to adult in 2–5 weeks depending on temperature","sources":["f33","f34","f50","f51"]},"notes":"No frost-anchored temperate outdoor timing was found; stages left empty. Peak months come from UC's 'late summer, declining by November' and Florida's fall note."},"indoor":{"season_pattern":"Cannot overwinter outdoors in cold northern states like Massachusetts, so it survives in greenhouses and homes. Adults migrate out as it warms in spring, and in fall adults on outdoor weeds move back into greenhouses. Houseplants returning indoors in fall can also carry whiteflies in. Poinsettias and holiday plants are major hosts.","triggers":[{"label":"Whiteflies move in from outdoor weeds and returning plants","anchor":"FFF","start":-45,"end":0,"explanation":"UMass says adults on weeds outdoors migrate into greenhouses in fall, and Iowa State and UMN list whiteflies among pests to check before the fall move. The offsets are an inferred mapping of 'fall'.","sources":["i15","i1","i4"]},{"label":"Plants moved outdoors in spring","anchor":"undated","start":null,"end":null,"explanation":"UMass notes adults leave greenhouses as outdoor temperatures rise and infest outdoor plants.","sources":["i15"]}],"recheck_days":{"value":"7","basis":"Egg to adult takes 14–40 days depending on temperature (UMass) or 14–28 days (Purdue). UMass replaces sticky cards weekly.","sources":["i15","i26"]},"notes":"A 4-week fallow period sharply reduces populations in greenhouses (UMass)."},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Eretmocerus eremicus / E. mundus (parasitic wasps)","setting":"outdoor","note":"Recommended by Texas A&M; release at first detection of nymphs.","sources":["f34"]},{"agent":"Encarsia formosa (parasitic wasp)","setting":"outdoor","note":"Mainly for greenhouses; UC does not generally recommend it outdoors because it survives poorly in temperate climates.","sources":["f34","f51"]},{"agent":"Delphastus lady beetles, green lacewing larvae, bigeyed bugs","setting":"outdoor","note":"Predators of eggs and nymphs; conserve, and keep ants and dust down.","sources":["f33","f34","f51"]},{"agent":"Encarsia formosa","setting":"indoor","note":"Most effective at 70–80°F and 50–80% RH. Adults won't fly below 65°F and survival drops above 86°F. Release weekly until about 80% of nymphs are parasitized. Keep cards out of direct sun.","sources":["i15"]},{"agent":"Eretmocerus eremicus","setting":"indoor","note":"Also attacks greenhouse whitefly. Best at 77–84°F and inactive above 86°F.","sources":["i15"]},{"agent":"Delphastus catalinae (whitefly-eating lady beetle)","setting":"indoor","note":"Eats eggs and small nymphs (Purdue).","sources":["i26"]},{"agent":"Amblyseius swirskii","setting":"indoor","note":"Eats whitefly eggs and nymphs as well as thrips (UMass).","sources":["i15"]}],"products":[{"handle":"amblyseius-swirskii-thrips-treatment","title":"Amblyseius swirskii","use":"Eats whitefly eggs and young nymphs","kind":"treat"},{"handle":"amblydromalus-limonicus","title":"Amblydromalus limonicus","use":"Eats whitefly eggs and nymphs; works in cooler rooms too","kind":"treat"},{"handle":"horiver-sticky-traps-pest-monitoring","title":"Horiver Professional Sticky Traps","use":"Yellow cards to count adults week to week","kind":"monitor"}],"guide":null,"confidence":"low","house_notes":[],"sources":["f33","f34","f50","f51","i1","i4","i15","i26"]},{"id":"mealybugs","name":"Mealybugs","group":"everywhere","aka":["mealy bugs","millie bugs","root mealybugs","white fuzz on plants"],"signs":"White, cottony fluff in leaf axils, along midribs, under leaves and at stem bases. Plants are sticky with honeydew and may have black sooty mold or ants. Stunting and yellowing follow. Root mealybugs have no obvious filaments. They show up as white waxy patches on roots when the plant is unpotted, and are worst on potted plants such as African violets.","where":["CA","FL"],"where_note":"Outdoor pests mainly in mild-winter areas such as southern and coastal California (citrus, grape, hibiscus, succulents, cactus, gardenia). Other frost-free states are likely but not documented in cited sources.","outdoor":{"stages":[],"frost_free":{"pattern":"Favored by warm weather; 2–6 generations outdoors per year depending on species. On deciduous hosts they overwinter as eggs or young nymphs under bark.","peak_months":[],"generations":"2–6 per year outdoors","sources":["f46"]},"notes":"No month-level outdoor calendar found in sources."},"indoor":{"season_pattern":"Year-round indoors, where all life stages can be present at once. They mostly arrive on new tropical, foliage and succulent plants, or on plants carried over between seasons or brought back in after summer. They build slowly at first, then rapidly.","triggers":[{"label":"Plants come back indoors","anchor":"FFF","start":-35,"end":-7,"explanation":"Iowa State and UMN list mealybugs among pests to check for before the fall move, and Iowa notes problems usually appear within about a month indoors. The offsets come from the bring-in rule and are inferred.","sources":["i1","i4"]},{"label":"New plants purchased","anchor":"year-round","start":null,"end":null,"explanation":"They arrive on infested tropical, foliage and succulent plants and on carried-over 'pet plants'.","sources":["i18"]}],"recheck_days":{"value":"7","basis":"Crawlers keep emerging for up to 45 days. Contact treatments need 2–3 weekly applications because generations overlap, and UC IPM suggests repeating alcohol sprays weekly.","sources":["i18","i19"]},"notes":"Root mealybugs are very hard to control. Prevention and discarding infested plants are the main strategies (UC IPM). No sourced biocontrol for root mealybugs was found."},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Mealybug destroyer (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri)","setting":"outdoor","note":"Release when mealybug egg sacs are abundant, since beetles need eggs to reproduce; pointless at low mealybug numbers. Cold-intolerant, so it persists mainly in southern and coastal California and is re-released after cold winters.","sources":["f46"]},{"agent":"Parasitic wasps (Leptomastix, Coccophagus, Allotropa, Acerophagus, Pseudaphycus)","setting":"outdoor","note":"Check for mummies or exit holes before treating; conserve, and control ants.","sources":["f46"]},{"agent":"Cryptolaemus montrouzieri (mealybug destroyer)","setting":"indoor","note":"Best at 72–77°F and 70–80% RH, and most active on sunny days, less so on short winter days. Release only when mealybugs and their egg sacs are abundant, because the beetle needs egg masses to reproduce. It is not effective on longtailed mealybug, which produces no egg sacs. Control ants first. Release in the evening.","sources":["i20","i19"]},{"agent":"Green lacewing larvae (Chrysoperla)","setting":"indoor","note":"Active at 54–95°F. Repeat releases are often needed.","sources":["i20"]},{"agent":"Leptomastix dactylopii (parasitoid)","setting":"indoor","note":"Attacks only citrus mealybug (UC IPM).","sources":["i19"]}],"products":[{"handle":"cryptolaemus-montrouzieri-mealybug-destroyer","title":"Cryptolaemus montrouzieri","use":"The mealybug specialist; release at the colony","kind":"treat"},{"handle":"green-lacewing-larvae-aphid-treatment","title":"Green Lacewing Larvae","use":"Backup predator on light infestations","kind":"treat"}],"guide":"/pages/mealybug-biological-control-treatment","confidence":"low","house_notes":[],"sources":["f46","i1","i4","i18","i19","i20"]},{"id":"soft-scale","name":"Soft scale","group":"everywhere","aka":["scale insects","brown scale","lecanium scale","magnolia scale"],"signs":"Smooth, rounded tan to brown bumps (up to about 1/4 inch) on stems and leaf veins that look like part of the plant. Plants are sticky with honeydew and may have sooty mold and ants, and leaves yellow. Crawlers are tiny, yellow-orange and mobile. Parasitized scales turn darker and have exit holes. A live scale oozes liquid when crushed.","where":"nationwide","where_note":"Many species on trees and shrubs nationwide. Cited timing is from Maryland (oak lecanium) and Massachusetts/Kentucky (magnolia scale).","outdoor":{"stages":[{"label":"Oak lecanium crawlers active – best treatment window","action":"treat","anchor":"LSF","start":56,"end":76,"reference":"Central Maryland (Zone 7a), LSF Apr 15, FFF Oct 25 (Univ. of Maryland Extension planting calendar); oak lecanium crawlers active - best treatment window ~Jun 10-Jun 30 -> LSF+56 to LSF+76. UMD: emergence about mid-June (~789 degree days), brief crawler period","sources":["f4","f39"]},{"label":"Magnolia scale crawlers active – best treatment window","action":"treat","anchor":"FFF","start":-56,"end":-35,"reference":"Springfield, MA (Zone 6a), LSF Apr 19, FFF Oct 15 (UMass 50% 32F freeze table, Springfield); magnolia scale crawlers active - best treatment window ~Aug 20-Sep 10 -> FFF-56 to FFF-35. UMass: crawlers present by late August; UK lists early September","sources":["f5","f16","f17"]}],"frost_free":{"pattern":"Most soft scales have one generation a year and overwinter as second-instar nymphs; brown soft scale has several generations with all stages present year-round in warm areas.","peak_months":[],"generations":"Usually 1 (brown soft scale: multiple)","sources":["f38"]},"notes":"Use sticky-tape traps on twigs to confirm crawlers locally; time sprays for after the crawler peak (UC)."},"indoor":{"season_pattern":"Year-round indoors with overlapping generations. Indoor scales reach maturity in about 65 days. They often arrive on new plants or ride in on plants returning in fall. Common on ferns, orchids, schefflera, ficus, citrus and ivy.","triggers":[{"label":"Plants come back indoors","anchor":"FFF","start":-35,"end":-7,"explanation":"Iowa State names scale among pests to inspect for at the fall move. Kentucky notes sap feeders such as scale become more common in winter. The offsets are inferred from the bring-in rule.","sources":["i1","i7"]}],"recheck_days":{"value":"10","basis":"Wisconsin suggests 2–3 treatments 10 days apart. Crawlers hatch 1–3 weeks after eggs are laid. Indoor scales reach maturity in about 65 days, and generations overlap (Cornell).","sources":["i23","i22"]},"notes":"Low confidence on biocontrol timing and conditions for scale indoors."},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Parasitic wasps (Metaphycus, Coccophagus, Encarsia)","setting":"outdoor","note":"Conserve during crawler season. Avoid long-residual and pyrethroid sprays, which UMD links to lecanium outbreaks.","sources":["f38","f39"]},{"agent":"Scale-feeding lady beetles (Chilocorus, Hyperaspis, Rhyzobius)","setting":"outdoor","note":"Larvae feed hidden under scales; commercial releases are documented mainly for certain scales (e.g., California red scale), and results take a season or more.","sources":["f38"]},{"agent":"Parasitic wasps (Metaphycus, Coccophagus, Encarsia)","setting":"indoor","note":"UC IPM names them as natural enemies of scale. No indoor release conditions are sourced. Wisconsin notes few commercial natural enemies exist for greenhouse soft scale.","sources":["i21","i23"]},{"agent":"Lady beetles (Chilocorus, Rhyzobius lophanthae, Hyperaspis)","setting":"indoor","note":"Scale predators (UC IPM). No indoor release conditions are sourced.","sources":["i21"]},{"agent":"Cryptolaemus montrouzieri","setting":"indoor","note":"Will also feed on soft scales but prefers mealybugs.","sources":["i20"]}],"products":[{"handle":"cryptolaemus-montrouzieri-mealybug-destroyer","title":"Cryptolaemus montrouzieri","use":"Will eat soft scale, though it prefers mealybugs","kind":"treat"}],"guide":null,"confidence":"medium","house_notes":[],"sources":["f4","f5","f16","f17","f38","f39","i1","i7","i20","i21","i22","i23"]},{"id":"armored-scale","name":"Armored scale","group":"everywhere","aka":["scale insects","oystershell scale","euonymus scale","san jose scale","white peach scale"],"signs":"Small (under 1/8 inch), flat, crusty caps that can be lifted off the insect. They produce no honeydew, so plants are not sticky. Look for yellow spots or a general decline where colonies crowd.","where":"nationwide","where_note":"Many species nationwide. Cited crawler dates are from Maryland and Kentucky.","outdoor":{"stages":[{"label":"Euonymus/San Jose scale first crawlers","action":"treat","anchor":"LSF","start":10,"end":35,"reference":"Lexington, KY (Zone 6b), LSF ~Apr 10 (NWS Louisville: most frequent last-freeze week Apr 7-13; not an official average); euonymus/san jose scale first crawlers ~Apr 20-May 15 -> LSF+10 to LSF+35. UK: euonymus scale has several generations late April through August; San Jose crawlers late April","sources":["f11","f16"]},{"label":"Oystershell scale crawlers (2nd/main hatch)","action":"treat","anchor":"LSF","start":16,"end":76,"reference":"Central Maryland (Zone 7a), LSF Apr 15, FFF Oct 25 (Univ. of Maryland Extension planting calendar); oystershell scale crawlers (2nd/main hatch) ~May 1-Jun 30 -> LSF+16 to LSF+76. UMD: early May through June; UMass: hatch through about mid-June","sources":["f4","f14","f17"]},{"label":"White peach scale crawlers, gen 1","action":"treat","anchor":"LSF","start":30,"end":61,"reference":"Central Maryland (Zone 7a), LSF Apr 15, FFF Oct 25 (Univ. of Maryland Extension planting calendar); white peach scale crawlers, gen 1 ~May 15-Jun 15 -> LSF+30 to LSF+61","sources":["f4","f14"],"zones":[6,9]},{"label":"White peach scale crawlers, gen 2","action":"treat","anchor":"LSF","start":91,"end":122,"reference":"Central Maryland (Zone 7a), LSF Apr 15, FFF Oct 25 (Univ. of Maryland Extension planting calendar); white peach scale crawlers, gen 2 ~Jul 15-Aug 15 -> LSF+91 to LSF+122","sources":["f4","f14"],"zones":[6,9]},{"label":"White peach scale crawlers, gen 3","action":"treat","anchor":"FFF","start":-54,"end":-25,"reference":"Central Maryland (Zone 7a), LSF Apr 15, FFF Oct 25 (Univ. of Maryland Extension planting calendar); white peach scale crawlers, gen 3 ~Sep 1-Sep 30 -> FFF-54 to FFF-25","sources":["f4","f14"],"zones":[6,9]}],"frost_free":{"pattern":"Most armored scales have several generations a year and overwinter mainly as first-instar nymphs and adult females; in warm areas generations overlap.","peak_months":[],"generations":"1–3+ depending on species","sources":["f38","f14"]},"notes":"Species differ widely; obscure scale crawlers run July-mid-September and elongate hemlock scale May then June-October (UMD). Confirm with twig tape traps."},"indoor":{"season_pattern":"Year-round indoors. Wisconsin notes armored scales rarely trouble greenhouse crops but are a concern in interiorscapes and conservatories. Armored species usually have several generations a year.","triggers":[{"label":"New or long-kept indoor plants","anchor":"year-round","start":null,"end":null,"explanation":"Common on interiorscape plants. Inspect new plants on arrival.","sources":["i23","i21"]}],"recheck_days":{"value":"7-14","basis":"Crawlers settle within 1–2 days of hatching. UC IPM uses weekly tape traps to time crawler activity.","sources":["i21"]},"notes":"Thin indoor-specific evidence."},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Aphytis and Encarsia parasitic wasps","setting":"outdoor","note":"Available commercially mainly for California red scale; otherwise conserve resident parasitoids during crawler periods.","sources":["f38"]},{"agent":"Chilocorus lady beetles","setting":"outdoor","note":"Prey on armored scales; avoid persistent insecticides and dust.","sources":["f38"]},{"agent":"Aphytis and Encarsia parasitoids; Chilocorus and Rhyzobius lady beetles","setting":"indoor","note":"Named natural enemies of scales (UC IPM). No indoor or greenhouse release conditions were found.","sources":["i21"]}],"products":[{"handle":"rhyzobius-lophanthae-armored-scale-predator","title":"Rhyzobius lophanthae","use":"The armored scale predator","kind":"treat"}],"guide":null,"confidence":"low","house_notes":[],"sources":["f4","f11","f14","f16","f17","f38","i21","i23"]},{"id":"leafminers","name":"Leafminers","group":"everywhere","aka":["leaf miners","spinach leafminer","beet leafminer","liriomyza"],"signs":"Winding, pale tunnels or blotches inside leaves, and white pinprick feeding and egg-laying punctures on the upper leaf surface. Adults are small, shiny black flies with yellow markings.","where":"nationwide","where_note":"Beet/spinach leafminers on spinach, chard and beets in the North and mid-Atlantic. Vegetable leafminer (Liriomyza) is important in south and central Florida and only occasional in north Florida.","outdoor":{"stages":[{"label":"First-generation flies lay eggs (beet/spinach leafminer)","action":"treat","anchor":"LSF","start":-14,"end":46,"reference":"Central Maryland (Zone 7a), LSF Apr 15, FFF Oct 25 (Univ. of Maryland Extension planting calendar); first-generation flies lay eggs (beet/spinach leafminer) ~Apr 1-May 31 -> LSF-14 to LSF+46. UMD: adults emerge April-May; 3-4 generations per season","sources":["f4","f54"]}],"frost_free":{"pattern":"Vegetable leafminer is a serious tomato pest in south and central Florida during the growing season; no month-level peak found.","peak_months":[],"generations":"3–4 per season (beet/spinach leafminer, MD)","sources":["f49","f50","f54"]},"notes":"No commercial biocontrol was named in cited sources. Row covers at planting and picking off the first mined leaves are the main tactics; spinosad works if applied at or before egg laying."},"indoor":{"season_pattern":"A greenhouse pest that often arrives on incoming plants. Warm conditions speed development, with egg to adult in as little as 14 days at 86°F.","triggers":[{"label":"Incoming plants","anchor":"year-round","start":null,"end":null,"explanation":"Inspect incoming plants for punctures and monitor with yellow sticky cards. UConn gives no seasonal entry pattern.","sources":["i24"]}],"recheck_days":{"value":"7","basis":"Eggs hatch in 5–6 days, larvae mine for about 2 weeks, and egg to adult takes about 14 days at 86°F.","sources":["i24"]},"notes":""},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Diglyphus isaea","setting":"indoor","note":"Works best above 68°F and at higher pest levels. Release weekly in the morning or evening. Remove sticky cards and replace them 3–4 days later.","sources":["i24"]},{"agent":"Dacnusa sibirica","setting":"indoor","note":"Better adapted to cool (about 60°F), short-day, low-light conditions, so it suits winter.","sources":["i24"]}],"products":[{"handle":"biological-leafminer-control-diglyphus-isaea","title":"Diglyphus isaea","use":"Leafminer parasite; best above 68°F","kind":"treat"}],"guide":null,"confidence":"medium","house_notes":[],"sources":["f4","f49","f50","f54","i24"]},{"id":"fungus-gnats","name":"Fungus gnats","group":"everywhere","aka":["gnats","soil gnats","fungus flies","little black flies in plants"],"signs":"Small black, long-legged flies (about 1/16–1/8 in) flitting around pots and windows. They are weak fliers. Larvae are translucent and legless with a shiny black head, and they live in the top 2–3 inches of moist potting mix. Heavy infestations can leave slime trails on the soil surface. Adults are only a nuisance, but larvae can damage roots, especially on seedlings. To check for larvae, push 1/4-inch potato slices into the mix and look under them after a few days. Yellow sticky cards catch adults.","where":"nationwide","where_note":"Not stated in sources. Mostly a problem in containers, seed starts and constantly wet media.","outdoor":{"stages":[{"label":"New containers, transplants or seed starts while media is warm and wet","action":"treat","anchor":"LSF","start":0,"end":30,"reference":"Generic. UConn says treat within 2–3 days of planting or starting seeds and repeat every 7–10 days (FGMN), with media 50–80°F (s14). This is tied to planting events, not a sourced outdoor calendar.","sources":["s14"]}],"frost_free":{"pattern":"No sourced outdoor seasonality.","peak_months":[],"generations":"Not stated","sources":["s14"]},"notes":"The source is a greenhouse fact sheet; outdoor container use is an extrapolation. The stage window is a planting-time placeholder, not observed pest phenology."},"indoor":{"season_pattern":"Present year-round indoors, but nuisance levels peak in late fall and winter everywhere in the US. Shorter, cooler days slow plant growth and water use, so mix that is watered on a summer schedule stays wet and favors larvae. Plants returning indoors in fall can bring populations with them. Warm homes speed the cycle to about 3–4 weeks per generation.","triggers":[{"label":"Plants come back indoors and bring gnats in their pots","anchor":"FFF","start":-35,"end":-7,"explanation":"CSU says plants moved indoors after summering outside can bring fungus gnat populations in. The window is set to the fall move (nights about 50°F, see general) plus about one generation. The offsets are inferred from that move, not stated by the source.","sources":["i5","i1"]},{"label":"Low winter light plus a summer watering habit keeps soil wet","anchor":"heating-season","start":null,"end":null,"explanation":"Adults peak in late fall and winter because slower plant growth leaves the mix wet. Letting the top 1–2 inches dry between waterings breaks the cycle.","sources":["i5"]}],"recheck_days":{"value":"7-10 (sticky cards); expect a new generation in about 17-28 days","basis":"At room temperature (65–75°F), egg to adult takes 3–4 weeks (CSU), or about 17 days at 75°F (UC IPM). Adults live 7–10 days. Bti does not persist indoors and is repeated about every 5 days (UC IPM).","sources":["i5","i6"]},"notes":"Shore flies look similar but have short, bristle-like antennae and are tied to algae. Wilting is more often caused by watering problems than by gnats (UC IPM)."},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Steinernema feltiae nematodes","setting":"outdoor","note":"Drench media 2–3 days after planting and repeat every 7–10 days (FGMN). Water the media the day before; media must be above 50°F and below 80°F, with 60–70°F optimal. Apply early morning, evening or on cloudy days.","sources":["s14"]},{"agent":"Steinernema feltiae (beneficial nematode)","setting":"indoor","note":"Apply as a soil drench to moist mix. Kills larvae in 1–4 days and stays active in the media for about 10–14 days, so several initial applications give longer control. Preventive drenches work best on cloudy days.","sources":["i5","i6","i37"]},{"agent":"Stratiolaelaps scimitus (Hypoaspis miles)","setting":"indoor","note":"Use preventively at planting, before gnats build up. Needs media at 60°F or warmer (inactive below 59°F) that is moist but not waterlogged. Lives in the top 1/2 inch of mix. Takes about 18 days from egg to adult at 68°F. UC IPM calls Hypoaspis generally not a good choice for homes, so it suits greenhouses and indoor plant rooms better.","sources":["i37","i6","i12"]},{"agent":"Dalotia coriaria (rove beetle)","setting":"indoor","note":"Best at 65–80°F and 50–85% RH. Release in the evening onto moist media. Egg to adult takes about 17 days at 79°F. Persists year-round once established in a greenhouse. Also eats thrips pupae.","sources":["i37","i12"]},{"agent":"Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis), microbial","setting":"indoor","note":"Drench for larvae. Repeat about every 5 days indoors.","sources":["i6","i5"]}],"products":[{"handle":"treat-fungus-gnats-steinernema-feltiae","title":"Sf Nematodes","use":"Kills larvae in the soil","kind":"treat"},{"handle":"stratiolaelaps-scimitus-hypoaspis-miles","title":"Stratiolaelaps scimitus","use":"Soil predator; best set up early","kind":"treat"},{"handle":"dalotia-coriaria-rove-beetle-fungus-gnat-treatment","title":"Dalotia coriaria - Rove Beetle","use":"Rove beetle that settles in and keeps working","kind":"treat"},{"handle":"horiver-sticky-traps-pest-monitoring","title":"Horiver Professional Sticky Traps","use":"Yellow cards to see if adults are dropping","kind":"monitor"}],"guide":"/collections/fungus-gnats","confidence":"low","house_notes":[],"sources":["i1","i5","i6","i12","i37","s14"]},{"id":"slugs-snails","name":"Slugs and snails","group":"everywhere","aka":["slugs","snails"],"signs":"Ragged holes in leaves, shiny slime trails, and clusters of jelly-like eggs under pots and debris. Slugs (1/2–1.5 inches) hide by day and feed at night or after watering.","where":"nationwide","where_note":"Wherever conditions are moist. In mild coastal California they are active year-round.","outdoor":{"stages":[],"frost_free":{"pattern":"Active year-round in mild coastal areas; most active in cool, moist weather. Snails go dormant (sealed) in hot, dry periods and hibernate in cold.","peak_months":[],"generations":"Snails take ~2 years to mature; slugs 3–6 months","sources":["f43"]},"notes":"No frost-anchored dated calendar found. Bait and hand-pick in the evening after light watering. Nematode-based slug control was not covered in cited sources."},"indoor":{"season_pattern":"Feed and breed year-round in humid greenhouses. Most active in the evening, early morning, after irrigation and on cool, cloudy days.","triggers":[{"label":"Moist, cluttered greenhouse conditions","anchor":"year-round","start":null,"end":null,"explanation":"Humid greenhouses with lots of plant material and debris favor slugs.","sources":["i32"]}],"recheck_days":{"value":"7-10","basis":"Eggs hatch in under 10 days at 50°F. Iron phosphate bait kills in 3–6 days.","sources":["i32"]},"notes":"Main tools are sanitation, copper barriers and iron phosphate bait. No US-available insect biocontrol was sourced."},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Decollate snail (Rumina decollata)","setting":"outdoor","note":"Effective on young brown garden snails, but release is legally restricted to certain California counties and it should not be used near natural areas.","sources":["f43"]},{"agent":"Ground beetles, birds, toads; penned ducks/chickens","setting":"outdoor","note":"Supplementary only.","sources":["f43"]},{"agent":"Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita (slug nematode)","setting":"indoor","note":"UConn says it is sold in Europe but not available in the US.","sources":["i32"]}],"products":[],"guide":null,"confidence":"low","house_notes":[],"sources":["f43","i32"]},{"id":"white-grubs","name":"White grubs (Japanese beetle, masked chafer, oriental beetle)","group":"lawn","aka":["grubs","lawn grubs","grub worms","c-shaped grubs","masked chafer","oriental beetle","asiatic garden beetle"],"signs":"Brown, dying patches of lawn that peel back like a loose carpet because the roots are eaten, and spongy turf. Skunks, raccoons, crows or moles digging in the lawn can be a sign. Damage shows mostly in Apr–May and Sep–Oct.","where":"nationwide","where_note":"Grubs of one kind or another occur across the US, but which species varies by region. Japanese beetle and northern masked chafer are the main damaging grubs in Pennsylvania. Japanese beetle is the most damaging grub in North Carolina, alongside masked chafers, May/June beetles, Asiatic garden beetle and green June beetle; oriental beetle occurs only in western NC there. Texas grubs are mostly June beetles and southern masked chafer. Japanese beetle is not established in most southern and western states.","outdoor":{"stages":[{"label":"Overwintered grubs move back up and feed near the surface in spring (treatment now is less effective)","action":"watch","anchor":"LSF","start":-17,"end":43,"reference":"Central PA, zone 6: spring feeding near surface through May; dead patches visible Apr–May (s1). Offsets use Columbus OH avg LSF Apr 18 (s35) as the zone-6 anchor, since a State College LSF was not retrieved.","sources":["s1","s35"]},{"label":"Adult beetles fly and lay eggs (too early for nematodes)","action":"watch","anchor":"LSF","start":58,"end":88,"reference":"Central PA: preventive window about mid-June to mid-July; masked chafer and Japanese beetle adults emerge mid-June to mid-July (s1). Columbus OH LSF Apr 18 (s35).","sources":["s1","s35"]},{"label":"Eggs hatch; young grubs feed near the surface. Best window for nematodes","action":"treat","anchor":"LSF","start":105,"end":150,"reference":"Central PA: small grubs near surface about Aug to mid-Sep (s1). North Carolina: curative works best Aug–Oct (s2). Columbus OH LSF Apr 18 (s35).","sources":["s1","s2","s35"]},{"label":"Larger grubs feeding; fall turf damage shows before grubs move deeper for winter","action":"peak","anchor":"LSF","start":150,"end":196,"reference":"Central PA: damage visible Sep–Oct; grubs go 2–8 in deeper as it gets cold (s1). Columbus OH LSF Apr 18 (s35).","sources":["s1","s35"]}],"frost_free":{"pattern":"Zone 9b–10 Florida/Gulf Coast. The sugarcane grub (Tomarus subtropicus), a key Florida lawn grub, has one generation a year. Adults are active Apr–Jun (peak May–Jun) and eggs are present Jun–Jul. A Cape Coral/Punta Gorda study found eggs from about Jun 22 to Aug 5, first-instar grubs mostly in Jul–Aug, second instars Aug–Sep, and only third instars from early Oct. Third instars feed Oct–Apr, still feeding in January near Tampa. UF suggests preventive treatment against first instars in May–Jun. Lawn die-off usually shows in late summer to early fall. Texas: one generation a year for June beetles and southern masked chafer. Damage runs Jun–Oct depending on location, mostly midsummer to early fall, and shows earlier in warmer parts of the state. Preventive treatment goes on before grubs exceed 1/2 inch. Louisiana: eggs laid in midsummer hatch a few weeks later; injury appears mostly in early fall and early spring. For a 9b small-grub (egg-hatch) window, the best-sourced answer is roughly July–August.","peak_months":[7,8,9,10],"generations":"Mostly 1 per year (sugarcane grub, June beetles, southern masked chafer); some Phyllophaga take 2 years","sources":["s5","s6","s7","s8","s9"]},"notes":"Zone-6 timing comes from Penn State; the frost anchor is Columbus, Ohio. Expect shifts of several weeks with species, weather and soil temperature. Keeping the lawn dry in July and early August can kill eggs, and wet soil increases egg hatch. The 9b window rests on the sugarcane grub. No Florida-specific egg-hatch data for Cyclocephala or Phyllophaga was found, so confidence for 9b is medium-low."},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Beneficial nematodes, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora (preferred for grubs)","setting":"outdoor","note":"Apply when young grubs are near the surface, about LSF+105 to +150 in zone 6 (late summer). Most researchers find Heterorhabditis works better than Steinernema on grubs, though results vary. H. bacteriophora is commercially available for Japanese beetle grubs. UC IPM describes it as searching deeper in soil for grubs and root weevils. Water at least 1/4 inch before and right after application. General extension guidance, from a greenhouse context, gives soil 50–80°F with 60–70°F optimal.","sources":["s1","s8","s11","s14","s15"]},{"agent":"Milky spore disease (Paenibacillus/Bacillus popilliae), Japanese beetle grubs only","setting":"outdoor","note":"NC State says apply in late Sep–early Oct to soil with pH 6–7. It takes 2–5 years to build up and has little value against other grub species. It has not been shown to work against Texas lawn grubs.","sources":["s1","s2","s8","s11"]},{"agent":"Tiphia vernalis parasitic wasp (natural, not sold)","setting":"outdoor","note":"Females parasitize Japanese beetle grubs in spring. Established from the Northeast south to NC. Support it with nectar sources such as maples, cherry and peonies.","sources":["s11"]}],"products":[{"handle":"heterorhabditis-bacteriophora-hb-nematodes","title":"Hb Nematodes","use":"The grub nematode; apply to young grubs","kind":"treat"},{"handle":"triple-blend-nematodes-grubs-fungus-gnats","title":"Triple Blend Nematodes","use":"Three nematodes when you have more than one soil pest","kind":"treat"}],"guide":null,"confidence":"medium","house_notes":[],"sources":["s1","s2","s5","s6","s7","s8","s9","s11","s14","s15","s35"]},{"id":"european-chafer","name":"European chafer grubs","group":"lawn","aka":["european chafer","chafer beetle"],"signs":"Lawn damage from root-feeding C-shaped grubs. The tan adults, about 1/2 inch long, swarm on warm evenings (above about 65°F) around sunset in early summer.","where":["NY","NJ","CT","PA","MA","RI","OH","MI","DE","WI","MN"],"where_note":"Known in NY (first US find, 1940), NJ, CT, PA, MA, RI, OH, MI, DE, WI (2013) and MN (2020), plus southern Ontario.","outdoor":{"stages":[{"label":"Grubs return to the surface and feed after the ground thaws","action":"watch","anchor":"LSF","start":-43,"end":18,"reference":"MI/NY: grubs come back up when the ground thaws (s10). Approximate Mar 15–May 15 window; Albany NY LSF Apr 27 (s37). Dates estimated from 'ground thaws', so low precision.","sources":["s10","s37"]},{"label":"Adults fly at dusk and mate","action":"watch","anchor":"LSF","start":49,"end":71,"reference":"MI/NY: adults mid-June to early July (s10); Albany NY LSF Apr 27 (s37).","sources":["s10","s37"]},{"label":"Eggs hatch; young grubs near the surface (treatment window)","action":"treat","anchor":"LSF","start":96,"end":126,"reference":"Eggs hatch in early August (s10); window extended through August. Albany NY LSF Apr 27 (s37).","sources":["s10","s37"]}],"frost_free":{"pattern":"Not present in frost-free regions per the listed distribution.","peak_months":[],"generations":"1 per year (annual grub)","sources":["s10"]},"notes":"Grubs feed later into fall and earlier in spring than Japanese beetle grubs, and overwinter just below the frost line. Fall and spring feeding dates are inferred from 'ground thaws' and 'early August hatch', not from a calendar."},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Heterorhabditis bacteriophora nematodes (general grub guidance)","setting":"outdoor","note":"No European-chafer-specific nematode guidance found. Heterorhabditis is the general recommendation for grubs; apply on young grubs in August.","sources":["s1","s15"]}],"products":[{"handle":"heterorhabditis-bacteriophora-hb-nematodes","title":"Hb Nematodes","use":"Apply to young grubs in late summer","kind":"treat"}],"guide":null,"confidence":"low","house_notes":[],"sources":["s1","s10","s15","s37"]},{"id":"may-june-beetles","name":"May and June beetle grubs","group":"lawn","aka":["june bugs","may beetles","june beetles","phyllophaga"],"signs":"Large brown beetles at porch lights in late spring. Grubs cause the worst root damage in spring, when they move up near the surface, and in years following heavy beetle flights.","where":"nationwide","where_note":"Phyllophaga has over 100 species, each with a restricted range. They are found in Texas, Louisiana, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Florida extension materials.","outdoor":{"stages":[{"label":"Large overwintered grubs feed near the surface in spring (main damage period)","action":"peak","anchor":"LSF","start":-17,"end":43,"reference":"General: grubs return to the surface in spring and feed until late spring; damage peaks then (s4). Texas June beetle damage often shows in spring and early summer (s8). Offsets use Columbus OH LSF Apr 18 (s35) as a generic anchor. No location-specific calendar was found.","sources":["s4","s8","s35"]},{"label":"Adult beetles fly, feed on tree leaves and lay eggs","action":"watch","anchor":"LSF","start":13,"end":73,"reference":"Adults in May or June (s4); Columbus OH LSF Apr 18 (s35).","sources":["s4","s35"]},{"label":"Eggs hatch about 3 weeks after laying; young grubs in summer","action":"treat","anchor":"LSF","start":33,"end":94,"reference":"Eggs hatch about 3 weeks after May–June laying (s4); Columbus OH LSF Apr 18 (s35).","sources":["s4","s35"]}],"frost_free":{"pattern":"Texas: the May beetle Phyllophaga congrua has a 2-year cycle; adults fly late spring through summer, often after rain or irrigation. No Florida-specific Phyllophaga calendar was found.","peak_months":[],"generations":"Usually a 3-year life cycle, with a range of 1–4 years by species; 2 years for P. congrua in Texas","sources":["s4","s8"]},"notes":"Because of the multi-year cycle, damage tends to recur in 3-year waves and is worst the year after heavy flights. Calendar offsets are generic, not place-specific."},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Beneficial nematodes (Steinernema and Heterorhabditis)","setting":"outdoor","note":"TAMU lists both genera as attacking white grubs; water 1/4 inch before and after. No species-specific timing found. Target small grubs in summer.","sources":["s8"]},{"agent":"Natural enemies: Tiphia and Myzinum wasps, Pyrgota fly, Cordyceps fungus","setting":"outdoor","note":"Occur naturally; not sold as a timed release.","sources":["s4"]}],"products":[{"handle":"heterorhabditis-bacteriophora-hb-nematodes","title":"Hb Nematodes","use":"Apply to small summer grubs","kind":"treat"}],"guide":null,"confidence":"low","house_notes":[],"sources":["s4","s8","s35"]},{"id":"billbugs","name":"Billbugs","group":"lawn","aka":["bluegrass billbug","hunting billbug"],"signs":"Yellow-brown patches that don't green up with watering. Grass stems pull out easily and break at the crown, and hollow stems are packed with fine sawdust-like frass. Damage often starts along sidewalks and driveways.","where":"nationwide","where_note":"Bluegrass billbug is the New England cool-season lawn species. Hunting billbug is the Southeast warm-season species, a pest of zoysia and bermuda, with GA/NC/FL timing. Sources do not give a complete state list.","outdoor":{"stages":[{"label":"Overwintered adults walk across pavement on sunny days","action":"watch","anchor":"LSF","start":-2,"end":44,"reference":"New England: adults targeted late Apr–May and most visible late May–early June. Two or more adults per minute on pavement predicts damage (s16). Worcester MA median LSF Apr 27 (s36).","sources":["s16","s36"]},{"label":"Small larvae leaving stems (nematode window)","action":"treat","anchor":"LSF","start":54,"end":74,"reference":"New England: eggs in June, larvae in stems about 2 weeks; S. carpocapsae in late June–early July (s16). Worcester LSF Apr 27 (s36).","sources":["s16","s36"]},{"label":"Larvae feed on crowns and roots; visible damage","action":"peak","anchor":"LSF","start":84,"end":126,"reference":"New England: main damage late July through August (s16). Worcester LSF Apr 27 (s36).","sources":["s16","s36"]}],"frost_free":{"pattern":"Hunting billbug has about 6 overlapping generations a year in Florida. In south Georgia it is active year-round with all stages present at any time. Target adults in late winter–early spring and larvae in late spring–early summer, through June.","peak_months":[4,5,6],"generations":"About 6 per year in Florida; 2 in North Carolina","sources":["s17"]},"notes":"Threshold of 8–12 larvae per square foot in moderately maintained turf."},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Steinernema carpocapsae nematodes","setting":"outdoor","note":"Late June–early July in New England, timed to small larvae. Avoid hot, dry midday conditions and water in right away. Northeast trial data are limited; trials in Alabama and Ohio look better.","sources":["s16"]},{"agent":"S. feltiae or Heterorhabditis bacteriophora nematodes","setting":"outdoor","note":"Reported to control hunting billbug larvae; reliability depends on soil moisture and temperature.","sources":["s17"]}],"products":[{"handle":"steinernema-carpocapsae-sc-nematodes","title":"Sc Nematodes","use":"Time it to small larvae leaving the stems","kind":"treat"}],"guide":null,"confidence":"medium","house_notes":[],"sources":["s16","s17","s36"]},{"id":"sod-webworms","name":"Sod webworms","group":"lawn","aka":["lawn moths","webworms"],"signs":"Small brown patches that grow, with grass chewed short and ragged, silk-lined tunnels in the thatch, and green pellet droppings. Small tan moths fly up when you walk the lawn. A soapy-water flush brings caterpillars to the surface.","where":"nationwide","where_note":"Several species occur on cool-season lawns in New England. Tropical sod webworm occurs on Florida warm-season lawns. No full state list was found.","outdoor":{"stages":[{"label":"Overwintered caterpillars feed briefly in spring, then pupate","action":"watch","anchor":"LSF","start":0,"end":34,"reference":"New England: brief spring feeding (s18); calendar window approximate. Worcester MA LSF Apr 27 (s36).","sources":["s18","s36"]},{"label":"Summer generations: all stages present, peak damage. Treat young caterpillars 2–3 weeks after the moth-flight peak","action":"treat","anchor":"LSF","start":65,"end":126,"reference":"New England: damage most visible July–August, with all stages present (s18). Worcester LSF Apr 27 (s36).","sources":["s18","s36"]}],"frost_free":{"pattern":"Tropical sod webworm in Florida is most active spring through fall and can be found year-round in south Florida.","peak_months":[5,6,7,8,9,10],"generations":"Not stated in sources; 1–2 per year in New England","sources":["s18","s19"]},"notes":"Peak months for Florida are inferred from 'spring to fall'. Endophyte-enhanced ryegrass and fescue resist webworms."},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Steinernema carpocapsae nematodes","setting":"outdoor","note":"Apply on small caterpillars, about 1/4 inch long, in the late afternoon or evening rather than midday, then water in at least 1/2 inch.","sources":["s18"]},{"agent":"Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki)","setting":"outdoor","note":"Same timing, on small caterpillars; stops feeding quickly but kills slowly.","sources":["s18"]}],"products":[{"handle":"steinernema-carpocapsae-sc-nematodes","title":"Sc Nematodes","use":"On small caterpillars, late in the day","kind":"treat"}],"guide":null,"confidence":"medium","house_notes":[],"sources":["s18","s19","s36"]},{"id":"fall-armyworm","name":"Fall armyworm","group":"lawn","aka":["armyworms"],"signs":"Lawns stripped brown seemingly overnight, with ragged chewed blades and lots of green frass. Birds keep feeding in one area, wasps hunt over the lawn, and egg masses appear on light-colored walls or posts.","where":"nationwide","where_note":"Overwinters only in south Florida and Texas. Moths ride weather fronts north each spring and summer and cannot survive Alabama or Georgia winters. Damage concentrates in the Southeast; sources do not give a northern limit. Dated windows are shown for zones 7–9 (Alabama reference); farther north, outbreaks come later and less often, after moths arrive on weather fronts.","outdoor":{"stages":[{"label":"Main lawn outbreaks (late summer–early fall)","action":"peak","anchor":"FFF","start":-107,"end":-25,"reference":"Alabama: reports usually start late July–early August, southern areas first (s21). North Georgia: late summer–early fall (s22). Birmingham FFF Nov 9 (s39). The mid-October end date is approximate.","sources":["s21","s22","s39"],"zones":[7,9]}],"frost_free":{"pattern":"Year-round source populations in south Florida and Texas. No sourced peak months for those areas.","peak_months":[],"generations":"4 or more per year in Alabama, overlapping; about 4 weeks per generation in summer","sources":["s21","s22"]},"notes":"No extension source found recommending nematodes for fall armyworm, so none are claimed. New sod is often infested 30–60 days after it is laid. Occasional outbreaks start as early as mid-April."},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis)","setting":"outdoor","note":"Listed as a homeowner option; apply early or late in the day when larvae are active.","sources":["s21"]},{"agent":"Natural predators (birds, wasps, fire ants)","setting":"outdoor","note":"They often reduce numbers before damage shows.","sources":["s21"]}],"products":[],"guide":null,"confidence":"medium","house_notes":[],"sources":["s21","s22","s39"]},{"id":"crane-fly-larvae","name":"Crane fly larvae (leatherjackets)","group":"lawn","aka":["leatherjackets","crane flies","mosquito hawks","daddy long legs larvae"],"signs":"Thin, yellowing or bare lawn patches in late winter and spring, often in wet spots. Birds and animals peck or dig at the turf, and empty pupal cases stick up after adults emerge. Swarms of large mosquito-like flies appear in late summer and fall.","where":"nationwide","where_note":"Cornell says both species are now established across most of the continental US. They were first found in NY in 2004 and are long-standing pests in the Pacific Northwest.","outdoor":{"stages":[{"label":"Adult crane flies emerge and lay eggs","action":"watch","anchor":"FFF","start":-82,"end":-35,"reference":"New York: adults late July–early September (s23). Western WA: late August–September (s24). Albany NY median FFF Oct 15 (s37).","sources":["s23","s24","s37"]},{"label":"Young larvae near the surface (preventive window)","action":"treat","anchor":"FFF","start":-44,"end":16,"reference":"New York: preventive treatment in Sep–Oct at egg laying or small larvae; a late-fall application covers both species (s23). Albany FFF Oct 15 (s37).","sources":["s23","s37"]},{"label":"Overwintered larvae feed fastest; check counts","action":"watch","anchor":"LSF","start":-43,"end":49,"reference":"New York: heavy damage late winter to early spring, with feeding ending by mid-June (s23). WA: sample in Feb–Mar and treat only above about 25 per square foot (s24). Albany NY LSF Apr 27 (s37).","sources":["s23","s24","s37"]},{"label":"Peak spring damage (curative window)","action":"peak","anchor":"LSF","start":4,"end":23,"reference":"New York: damage most likely early to mid May (fourth instars) (s23). Albany LSF Apr 27 (s37).","sources":["s23","s37"]}],"frost_free":{"pattern":"No frost-free data found.","peak_months":[],"generations":"T. paludosa has 1 per year; T. oleracea has 2","sources":["s23"]},"notes":"Neither the Cornell nor the WSU fact sheet mentions beneficial nematodes, so no nematode claim is made. If one is needed, find a research source first. For T. oleracea there is also a spring flight in late Apr–May."},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Natural predators (starlings, robins, predatory insects)","setting":"outdoor","note":"Often reduce larvae below damaging levels by spring.","sources":["s24"]}],"products":[],"guide":null,"confidence":"medium","house_notes":[],"sources":["s23","s24","s37"]},{"id":"mole-crickets","name":"Mole crickets","group":"lawn","aka":["tawny mole cricket"],"signs":"Raised, squishy tunnels just under the lawn surface and thinning or dead grass, worst in sandy soil. A soapy-water flush brings crickets up.","where":["NC","SC","GA","FL","AL","MS","LA","TX","AZ","CA"],"where_note":"Tawny and southern mole crickets range from North Carolina south to Florida and west to Texas, and are worst in sandy coastal-plain soils. Isolated populations are in Arizona and California. Shortwinged mole crickets are a problem in FL and GA.","outdoor":{"stages":[{"label":"Overwintered adults tunnel, fly and lay eggs","action":"watch","anchor":"LSF","start":16,"end":76,"reference":"South Carolina: activity peaks Apr–May, tunneling can start in February on warm days (s26). Columbia SC average LSF Mar 16 (s40).","sources":["s26","s40"]},{"label":"Eggs hatch; small nymphs (most susceptible stage, best treatment window)","action":"treat","anchor":"LSF","start":46,"end":137,"reference":"South Carolina: tawny eggs hatch May–July and southern Jun–Jul; young nymphs are the most susceptible stage (s26). Columbia SC LSF Mar 16 (s40).","sources":["s26","s40"]},{"label":"Large nymphs and new adults cause visible damage; fall flight in October","action":"peak","anchor":"LSF","start":152,"end":259,"reference":"South Carolina: large nymphs reappear in late summer; adults Sep–Nov; fall flight in October (s26). Columbia SC LSF Mar 16 (s40).","sources":["s26","s40"]}],"frost_free":{"pattern":"Florida: overwintering tawny adults lay eggs April to early June. Nymphs grow through summer and begin to mature in September.","peak_months":[4,5,9,10],"generations":"1 per year","sources":["s25","s26"]},"notes":"Note that S. scapterisci is specific to mole crickets; general-purpose nematodes are not covered by these sources. Florida peak months reflect adult activity (Apr–May) and new adults (Sep–Oct)."},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Steinernema scapterisci nematodes","setting":"outdoor","note":"UF says apply in spring or fall and that it can establish permanently. Clemson says no commercial product is currently available. Check availability before recommending it.","sources":["s25","s26"]},{"agent":"Larra bicolor wasp (plant nectar flowers) and Ormia depleta fly","setting":"outdoor","note":"Natural or established biocontrols in Florida and the Southeast; support the wasp with nectar plants.","sources":["s25","s26"]}],"products":[],"guide":null,"confidence":"medium","house_notes":[],"sources":["s25","s26","s40"],"zone_range":[7,11]},{"id":"chinch-bugs","name":"Chinch bugs","group":"lawn","aka":["southern chinch bug","hairy chinch bug"],"signs":"Yellowing patches in sunny, hot spots that turn brown and spread outward, easily mistaken for drought. A water-filled can pushed into the edge of a patch floats out the tiny bugs.","where":"nationwide","where_note":"Hairy chinch bug affects northern cool-season lawns. Southern chinch bug is a major St. Augustinegrass pest in southern states; about a third of Florida St. Augustine lawns have it. No full state list was found.","outdoor":{"stages":[{"label":"Overwintered adults return to lawns and lay eggs (once about 70°F)","action":"watch","anchor":"LSF","start":4,"end":34,"reference":"New Hampshire/New England: egg laying generally begins in May (s27). Uses Worcester MA LSF Apr 27 (s36) as a New England proxy.","sources":["s27","s36"]},{"label":"Nymphs feed; damage from June, with a second generation in August","action":"peak","anchor":"LSF","start":35,"end":126,"reference":"New England: damage first seen in June, new adults in July, second generation in August, which brings more damage (s27). Worcester LSF Apr 27 (s36).","sources":["s27","s36"]}],"frost_free":{"pattern":"Southern chinch bug: north Florida active about March–October; south Florida has many more generations and continuous activity.","peak_months":[3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10],"generations":"3–4 per year in north Florida; 7–10 in south Florida","sources":["s28"]},"notes":"No source supports nematodes for chinch bugs, so none are claimed. Florida peak months are the north Florida active season, not a sourced peak. Rainy weather slows chinch bugs. Endophyte-enhanced grass seed reduces damage."},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Big-eyed bugs (Geocoris), conserved rather than bought","setting":"outdoor","note":"Natural predators of nymphs and adults; avoid broad-spectrum sprays.","sources":["s27","s28"]},{"agent":"Egg parasitoid wasp Eumicrosoma benefica (natural)","setting":"outdoor","note":"Occurs naturally.","sources":["s28"]}],"products":[],"guide":null,"confidence":"medium","house_notes":[],"sources":["s27","s28","s36"]},{"id":"fleas-yard","name":"Fleas in the yard","group":"lawn","aka":["fleas","flea larvae"],"signs":"Pets scratching; tiny dark jumping insects on pets or socks in shady spots where pets rest. Larvae live in shaded, humid, still-air spots such as under decks and in dog runs.","where":"nationwide","where_note":"Distribution not stated in retrieved sources.","outdoor":{"stages":[],"frost_free":{"pattern":"No sourced seasonal pattern. The life cycle takes about 30–75 days depending on temperature and humidity.","peak_months":[],"generations":"Not stated","sources":["s29"]},"notes":"No extension source with a seasonal flea calendar was found, so no stages are given. Outdoor treatment is mainly for severe infestations; controlling fleas on the pet and indoors comes first."},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Steinernema carpocapsae nematodes","setting":"outdoor","note":"Spray on soil where pets rest, targeting flea larvae. Works best in moist, sandy soil and may be less effective elsewhere. No seasonal timing given; treat shaded pet areas, not the whole yard.","sources":["s29"]}],"products":[{"handle":"steinernema-carpocapsae-sc-nematodes","title":"Sc Nematodes","use":"On moist, shady spots where pets rest","kind":"treat"}],"guide":null,"confidence":"low","house_notes":[],"sources":["s29"]},{"id":"ticks","name":"Ticks (blacklegged / deer tick)","group":"lawn","aka":["deer ticks","blacklegged ticks"],"signs":"Tiny ticks (nymphs are poppy-seed sized) on people or pets after time in leaf litter, brush or tall grass edges.","where":"nationwide","where_note":"Timing comes from Minnesota and is shown for zones 3–7 only. Tick species and seasons differ in the South; check your state health department.","outdoor":{"stages":[{"label":"Adults active after snowmelt (peak in May)","action":"watch","anchor":"LSF","start":-24,"end":66,"reference":"Minnesota: adults emerge after snowmelt, peak in May and stay active through June (s30). Twin Cities first freeze typically Oct 1–10; Oct 5 used (s38). April start is approximate.","sources":["s30","s38"],"zones":[3,7]},{"label":"Nymphs active (highest bite risk)","action":"peak","anchor":"LSF","start":30,"end":66,"reference":"Minnesota: nymphs active from mid-May, peak late May–June, much less active by end of July (s30). Twin Cities FFF about Oct 5 (s38).","sources":["s30","s38"],"zones":[3,7]},{"label":"Nymphs still active (declining)","action":"watch","anchor":"LSF","start":66,"end":97,"reference":"Minnesota: activity tapers through July (s30). Twin Cities FFF about Oct 5 (s38).","sources":["s30","s38"],"zones":[3,7]},{"label":"Adults active again in fall until freezing or snow cover","action":"watch","anchor":"FFF","start":-10,"end":26,"reference":"Minnesota: late September through October (s30). Twin Cities FFF about Oct 5 (s38).","sources":["s30","s38"],"zones":[3,7]}],"frost_free":{"pattern":"No sourced data.","peak_months":[],"generations":"Not stated","sources":[]},"notes":"Per brief, timing only; no nematode or biocontrol claims. Spring stages are anchored to FFF because no sourced Twin Cities LSF was found."},"natural_enemies":[],"products":[],"guide":null,"confidence":"medium","house_notes":[],"sources":["s30","s38"]},{"id":"mosquitoes","name":"Mosquitoes (larval season)","group":"lawn","aka":["mosquito larvae","wrigglers"],"signs":"Wriggling 'tumblers' in standing water in buckets, saucers, tires, gutters, birdbaths and tarps.","where":"nationwide","where_note":"Container breeders such as the Asian tiger mosquito use any container holding rainwater; floodwater species follow spring rains.","outdoor":{"stages":[{"label":"Larval season: dump standing water weekly","action":"treat","anchor":"LSF","start":-2,"end":0,"reference":"Central Maryland (Zone 7a), LSF Apr 15, FFF Oct 25 (Univ. of Maryland Extension planting calendar); larval season - dump standing water weekly; treat water that can't be dumped ~Apr 13-Oct 25 -> LSF-2 to LSF+193. MDA urged action from mid-April; OSU (Oklahoma) says activity runs to the first frost. The start date is the MDA press-release date, a low-confidence proxy","sources":["f4","f47","f53"],"end_anchor":"FFF"}],"frost_free":{"pattern":"In Oklahoma, over 60 species are active from March to the first frost in November, with floodwater species peaking after spring rains (Apr-May) and permanent-water species later in summer. No frost-free calendar found.","peak_months":[],"generations":"Larvae can develop in 5–6 days; any container holding water 5–7 days can produce mosquitoes","sources":["f47"]},"notes":"The season start is weakly sourced; the end at first frost is supported by OSU."},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Biorational larvicide (Bti 'Mosquito Dunks'-type products)","setting":"outdoor","note":"Use in water that can't be dumped, all larval season, per the label. Kills only mosquito larvae.","sources":["f53","f47"]}],"products":[],"guide":null,"confidence":"low","house_notes":[],"sources":["f4","f47","f53"]},{"id":"cutworms","name":"Cutworms","group":"veg","aka":["black cutworm"],"signs":"Pock-marked spots like golf-ball marks with a small burrow, grass clipped around the hole and green frass in turf. In gardens, seedlings are cut off at the soil line overnight.","where":"nationwide","where_note":"Black cutworm moths can't survive New England winters. They overwinter to the south (about Maryland to the Carolinas) and fly back north on spring weather fronts. They are found in turf and garden settings nationally.","outdoor":{"stages":[{"label":"Larvae feeding; most obvious damage","action":"peak","anchor":"LSF","start":35,"end":126,"reference":"New England: damage from late May on, most obvious June–August (s20). Worcester MA LSF Apr 27 (s36).","sources":["s20","s36"]},{"label":"Overlapping generations continue for the rest of the season","action":"watch","anchor":"FFF","start":-46,"end":0,"reference":"New England: 2–3 overlapping generations, with damage possible all season (s20). Worcester MA median FFF Oct 17 (s36).","sources":["s20","s36"]}],"frost_free":{"pattern":"Overwinters in the South. No sourced generation count or peak months for frost-free zones.","peak_months":[],"generations":"2–3 per year in New England","sources":["s20"]},"notes":"Damage is most noticeable on turf mowed below about 1/2 inch."},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Steinernema carpocapsae nematodes","setting":"outdoor","note":"Target small caterpillars about 1/4 inch long, or 2–3 weeks after the peak moth flight. Apply late in the day and water in 1/2 inch. UC IPM also lists it for cutworms.","sources":["s15","s20"]},{"agent":"Bt kurstaki","setting":"outdoor","note":"On small caterpillars; stops feeding.","sources":["s20"]}],"products":[{"handle":"steinernema-carpocapsae-sc-nematodes","title":"Sc Nematodes","use":"On small caterpillars, late in the day","kind":"treat"}],"guide":null,"confidence":"medium","house_notes":[],"sources":["s15","s20","s36"]},{"id":"root-maggots","name":"Root maggots (cabbage and onion)","group":"veg","aka":["cabbage maggot","onion maggot"],"signs":"Transplants of cabbage, broccoli or radish wilt and stunt, or onion seedlings collapse. Small white maggots tunnel in roots or bulbs, often followed by rot.","where":"nationwide","where_note":"Each species stays on its own crop family. Distribution was not stated beyond New England and Wisconsin sources.","outdoor":{"stages":[{"label":"First-generation flies lay eggs at the base of plants (main damage generation)","action":"treat","anchor":"LSF","start":0,"end":35,"reference":"Massachusetts: soil above 95°F kills eggs, usually by late May–early June, and late-May planting is safer (s32). Wisconsin: cabbage maggot first-generation eggs when common lilac is in full bloom, 300 DD base 43°F (s33). Onion maggot flight starts at the cabbage maggot peak, around yellow rocket bloom (s32). Worcester MA LSF Apr 27 (s36). Window inferred.","sources":["s32","s33","s36"]}],"frost_free":{"pattern":"No sourced data.","peak_months":[],"generations":"3 per year in New England. Later generations are tracked by degree days, e.g. cabbage maggot at 1,476 and 2,652 DD43","sources":["s32","s33"]},"notes":"The degree-day or phenology cues (lilac and yellow rocket bloom) are more reliable than frost offsets. Note that the UMass page was last updated in 2016."},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Steinernema feltiae nematodes","setting":"outdoor","note":"Effective against cabbage maggot even at 50°F soil. Apply as a pre-transplant soak, in transplant water or as a post-plant drench. A post-plant drench is needed if flight starts more than a week after transplanting. Keep soil moist.","sources":["s32"]},{"agent":"Predatory ground beetles and natural fungal disease","setting":"outdoor","note":"Conserve them by avoiding broadcast soil insecticides.","sources":["s32"]}],"products":[{"handle":"treat-fungus-gnats-steinernema-feltiae","title":"Sf Nematodes","use":"In transplant water or as a drench at planting","kind":"treat"}],"guide":null,"confidence":"medium","house_notes":[],"sources":["s32","s33","s36"]},{"id":"wireworms","name":"Wireworms","group":"veg","aka":["click beetle larvae"],"signs":"Seeds fail to come up; seedlings are stunted with small holes in stems; potatoes and root crops have narrow tunnels. Larvae are shiny, tough and yellow-brown, in the top 6 inches of soil.","where":"nationwide","where_note":"Found almost anywhere, especially old fields and grass pastures. Worst in poorly drained soil within 1–4 years after sod is turned under.","outdoor":{"stages":[{"label":"Spring planting: larvae feed on seeds and seedlings in cool, moist soil","action":"watch","anchor":"LSF","start":0,"end":45,"reference":"Generic. Wisconsin advises planting later into warmer soil to shorten the vulnerable stage and using bait stations in spring or fall (s34). No sourced calendar window; tied to planting time.","sources":["s34"]}],"frost_free":{"pattern":"No sourced data.","peak_months":[],"generations":"One generation takes 1–6 years","sources":["s34"]},"notes":"No extension source found supports nematodes for wireworms, so none are claimed. Monitor with bait stations: soaked corn or wheat seed buried 6 inches deep, checked after one week."},"natural_enemies":[],"products":[],"guide":null,"confidence":"low","house_notes":[],"sources":["s34"]},{"id":"squash-vine-borer","name":"Squash vine borer","group":"veg","aka":["SVB","vine borer"],"signs":"Squash or pumpkin vines suddenly wilt at midday. Holes near the base of the stem are packed with sawdust-like orange frass. Red-and-black day-flying moths appear around the plants.","where":"nationwide","where_note":"Distribution was not stated in the retrieved sources (Massachusetts and Wisconsin extension pages). Verify the range before publishing.","outdoor":{"stages":[{"label":"Moths fly and lay eggs on stems","action":"watch","anchor":"LSF","start":59,"end":95,"reference":"Massachusetts: adults late June–early July, peak flight mid-July. Scout late June–early August or from about 900 GDD base 50°F (s31). Wisconsin: egg laying at 900–1000 DD50, when chicory is in full bloom (s33). Worcester MA LSF Apr 27 (s36).","sources":["s31","s33","s36"]},{"label":"Peak moth flight","action":"peak","anchor":"LSF","start":74,"end":84,"reference":"Massachusetts: mid-July (s31). Worcester LSF Apr 27 (s36).","sources":["s31","s36"]},{"label":"Eggs hatch; target hatching larvae before they bore in","action":"treat","anchor":"LSF","start":65,"end":102,"reference":"Massachusetts: 2–4 weekly sprays at stem bases once more than 5 moths per week are trapped, eggs are seen, or 900–1000 GDD is reached; eggs hatch in 10–15 days (s31). Worcester LSF Apr 27 (s36).","sources":["s31","s36"]}],"frost_free":{"pattern":"No sourced data. Massachusetts sees a possible second flight in late August in warm years.","peak_months":[],"generations":"1–2 per year","sources":["s31"]},"notes":"No extension source fetched supports nematodes for squash vine borer, so none are claimed. Plowing in spring or fall buries overwintering cocoons."},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis, aizawai strain preferred)","setting":"outdoor","note":"Spray stem bases at egg hatch.","sources":["s31"]}],"products":[],"guide":null,"confidence":"medium","house_notes":[],"sources":["s31","s33","s36"]},{"id":"cucumber-beetles","name":"Cucumber beetles","group":"veg","aka":["striped cucumber beetle","spotted cucumber beetle"],"signs":"Yellow beetles with black stripes or spots chewing seedlings, leaves and flowers. Cucumber and melon vines that suddenly wilt may have bacterial wilt, which these beetles spread.","where":"nationwide","where_note":"Striped cucumber beetle overwinters locally; spotted cucumber beetle migrates north from the southern US each summer. Also a listed pest in Florida gardens.","outdoor":{"stages":[{"label":"Striped beetles arrive on young cucurbits – protect seedlings (cotyledon to 3rd leaf)","action":"treat","anchor":"LSF","start":37,"end":56,"reference":"Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN (Zone 4b), LSF ~Apr 25 (Apr 24-27), FFF ~Oct 10 (Oct 9-12) (Minnesota DNR, Metro median); striped beetles arrive on young cucurbits - protect seedlings (cotyledon to 3rd leaf) ~Jun 1-Jun 20 -> LSF+37 to LSF+56. UMN: usually active from the first week of June in southern Minnesota","sources":["f7","f19"]},{"label":"Spotted cucumber beetles migrate in","action":"watch","anchor":"LSF","start":56,"end":76,"reference":"Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN (Zone 4b), LSF ~Apr 25 (Apr 24-27), FFF ~Oct 10 (Oct 9-12) (Minnesota DNR, Metro median); spotted cucumber beetles migrate in ~Jun 20-Jul 10 -> LSF+56 to LSF+76. UMN: late June or early July","sources":["f7","f19"]}],"frost_free":{"pattern":"Listed as a Florida garden pest; no month-level pattern found.","peak_months":[],"generations":"1 per year in Minnesota","sources":["f19","f49"]},"notes":"No biocontrol was named in cited sources; row covers until bloom are the main non-chemical tactic. Southern timing not found."},"natural_enemies":[],"products":[],"guide":null,"confidence":"medium","house_notes":[],"sources":["f7","f19","f49"]},{"id":"squash-bugs","name":"Squash bugs","group":"veg","aka":[],"signs":"Bronze egg clusters on leaf undersides, gray bugs hiding under leaves and at the plant base, and yellow spots that turn brown, with wilting runners.","where":"nationwide","where_note":"Pest of squash and pumpkins; cited timing from Minnesota.","outdoor":{"stages":[{"label":"Egg-laying period – crush egg masses, treat young nymphs","action":"treat","anchor":"LSF","start":37,"end":97,"reference":"Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN (Zone 4b), LSF ~Apr 25 (Apr 24-27), FFF ~Oct 10 (Oct 9-12) (Minnesota DNR, Metro median); egg-laying period - crush egg masses, treat young nymphs ~Jun 1-Jul 31 -> LSF+37 to LSF+97. UMN: females appear in early June and lay eggs through midsummer; farms scout eggs from July","sources":["f7","f18"]},{"label":"Peak feeding damage; adults and nymphs cluster on fruit","action":"peak","anchor":"FFF","start":-70,"end":-10,"reference":"Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN (Zone 4b), LSF ~Apr 25 (Apr 24-27), FFF ~Oct 10 (Oct 9-12) (Minnesota DNR, Metro median); peak feeding damage; adults and nymphs cluster on fruit ~Aug 1-Sep 30 -> FFF-70 to FFF-10. UMN: leaf damage often shows late summer into fall; nymphs die at frost","sources":["f7","f18"]}],"frost_free":{"pattern":"No frost-free data found.","peak_months":[],"generations":"1, with a partial 2nd in some summers (MN)","sources":["f18"]},"notes":"The UMN source names no natural enemies; board traps and egg crushing are the home-garden tactics."},"natural_enemies":[],"products":[],"guide":null,"confidence":"medium","house_notes":[],"sources":["f7","f18"]},{"id":"flea-beetles","name":"Flea beetles","group":"veg","aka":[],"signs":"Leaves riddled with tiny round 'shot holes', and very small shiny beetles that jump when disturbed. Seedlings can be stunted.","where":"nationwide","where_note":"Many species on brassicas, eggplant, potato and tomato; cited timing from Minnesota.","outdoor":{"stages":[{"label":"Spring seedling damage window","action":"treat","anchor":"LSF","start":0,"end":36,"reference":"Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN (Zone 4b), LSF ~Apr 25 (Apr 24-27), FFF ~Oct 10 (Oct 9-12) (Minnesota DNR, Metro median); spring seedling damage window ~Apr 25-May 31 -> LSF+0 to LSF+36. Low confidence on dates: UMN says adults are active from early spring and most damaging to emerging seedlings, and summer treatment is rarely needed. Window approximated as LSF to about 5 weeks after.","sources":["f7","f21"]}],"frost_free":{"pattern":"No frost-free data found.","peak_months":[],"generations":"1–2 per year","sources":["f21"]},"notes":"The window is tied to seedling emergence rather than a dated observation."},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Native braconid wasp Microctonus vittatae; lacewing larvae","setting":"outdoor","note":"Not sold commercially; conserve. Lacewing larvae have been seen feeding on flea beetles.","sources":["f21"]}],"products":[],"guide":null,"confidence":"low","house_notes":[],"sources":["f7","f21"]},{"id":"colorado-potato-beetle","name":"Colorado potato beetle","group":"veg","aka":["potato bugs"],"signs":"Yellow-and-black striped beetles, orange egg clusters under leaves, and humpbacked reddish larvae with black spots stripping foliage.","where":"nationwide","where_note":"Potato, eggplant and tomato pest. In Florida it is mainly a problem in the northern half of the state.","outdoor":{"stages":[],"frost_free":{"pattern":"Mainly northern Florida; no month-level data.","peak_months":[],"generations":"Usually 2 in southern/central Minnesota","sources":["f20","f50"]},"notes":"Phenology cue, not a date: overwintered adults emerge as potato plants emerge; 4th-instar larvae do ~75% of the damage, which is most critical once tubers bulk after flowering. No dated calendar was found, so stages are empty."},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Bt (and neem)","setting":"outdoor","note":"Organic option effective only on small larvae at low populations. The source does not name the tenebrionis strain.","sources":["f20"]},{"agent":"Lady beetles, predatory stink bugs (egg predators); Beauveria bassiana","setting":"outdoor","note":"Predators eat eggs but have limited effect; Beauveria products are still being researched.","sources":["f20"]}],"products":[],"guide":null,"confidence":"low","house_notes":[],"sources":["f20","f50"]},{"id":"mexican-bean-beetle","name":"Mexican bean beetle","group":"veg","aka":[],"signs":"Copper-colored lady-beetle-like adults with 16 spots, yellow spiny larvae under leaves, and lacy skeletonized bean leaves.","where":["MA","CT","NJ","MD","DE","PA","VA"],"where_note":"Sources cover New England and the mid-Atlantic, where Pediobius releases have a good track record. The wider US range was not verified in this review.","outdoor":{"stages":[{"label":"Adults move into beans and lay yellow egg clusters","action":"treat","anchor":"LSF","start":43,"end":72,"reference":"Springfield, MA (Zone 6a), LSF Apr 19, FFF Oct 15 (UMass 50% 32F freeze table, Springfield); adults move into beans and lay yellow egg clusters - release pediobius at first eggs ~Jun 1-Jun 30 -> LSF+43 to LSF+72. UMass: adults move into fields around June","sources":["f5","f40"]},{"label":"Peak damage as generations build (protect pod fill)","action":"peak","anchor":"FFF","start":-75,"end":-45,"reference":"Springfield, MA (Zone 6a), LSF Apr 19, FFF Oct 15 (UMass 50% 32F freeze table, Springfield); peak damage as generations build (protect pod fill) ~Aug 1-Aug 31 -> FFF-75 to FFF-45. UMass: early plantings often not damaging until August","sources":["f5","f40"]}],"frost_free":{"pattern":"No frost-free data found.","peak_months":[],"generations":"2–3 per season","sources":["f40"]},"notes":"Do not spray within ~5 days of wasp releases."},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Pediobius foveolatus (parasitic wasp)","setting":"outdoor","note":"Release when eggs are first found, ideally timed to egg hatch, and again 1–2 weeks later (2–3 releases for succession plantings). Home gardens need at least 10–15 mummies. Frost kills the wasp, so re-release every year.","sources":["f40"]}],"products":[],"guide":null,"confidence":"medium","house_notes":[],"sources":["f5","f40"]},{"id":"cabbage-caterpillars","name":"Cabbage caterpillars (cabbageworm, looper, diamondback)","group":"veg","aka":["cabbage worms","cabbage white","cabbage looper","diamondback moth"],"signs":"Ragged holes in cabbage, kale and broccoli leaves with green-brown frass in the heads. Diamondback larvae leave 'windowpane' patches on leaf undersides.","where":"nationwide","where_note":"Imported cabbageworm overwinters locally. Cabbage looper migrates north from the South each summer. Diamondback moth overwinters as adults, with heavy losses in cold winters. All three are listed Florida garden pests.","outdoor":{"stages":[{"label":"Cabbage white butterflies emerge and lay eggs","action":"watch","anchor":"LSF","start":-1,"end":13,"reference":"Madison, WI (Zone 5a), LSF May 2 (UW-Madison Weather Guys, 1981-2010 median); cabbage white butterflies emerge and lay eggs ~May 1-May 15 -> LSF-1 to LSF+13. UW: butterflies emerge early May; diamondback moth active from early spring","sources":["f13","f55"]},{"label":"Peak caterpillar pressure (2nd gen cabbageworm; cabbage looper arrives)","action":"peak","anchor":"LSF","start":74,"end":136,"reference":"Madison, WI (Zone 5a), LSF May 2 (UW-Madison Weather Guys, 1981-2010 median); peak caterpillar pressure (2nd gen cabbageworm; cabbage looper arrives) ~Jul 15-Sep 15 -> LSF+74 to LSF+136. UW: 2nd-generation cabbageworm from mid-July is most damaging; looper migrates in mid-July","sources":["f13","f55"]}],"frost_free":{"pattern":"In Florida these caterpillars are pests of fall-to-spring cole crops; no month-level peak found.","peak_months":[],"generations":"Cabbageworm 3, diamondback moth 3–5 (WI)","sources":["f49","f55"]},"notes":"Trichogramma and Cotesia were not covered in the sources retrieved for brassicas; omitted rather than asserted."},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki or aizawai)","setting":"outdoor","note":"Very effective on early-instar larvae with good coverage; use early to mid-season. Diamondback Bt resistance has been documented elsewhere in the US.","sources":["f55","f49"]}],"products":[],"guide":null,"confidence":"medium","house_notes":[],"sources":["f13","f49","f55"]},{"id":"hornworms","name":"Tomato and tobacco hornworms","group":"veg","aka":["tomato hornworm"],"signs":"Big green caterpillars with a horn at the tail, rapid stripping of leaves (sometimes fruit), and dark green or black droppings on leaves below. White rice-like cocoons on a hornworm mean it is parasitized.","where":"nationwide","where_note":"Pest of tomato, pepper, eggplant and potato; listed for Florida and Minnesota gardens.","outdoor":{"stages":[],"frost_free":{"pattern":"Listed Florida tomato pest; no month-level data.","peak_months":[],"generations":"2 in Minnesota (2nd starts midsummer, feeds into late summer/early fall)","sources":["f41","f49"]},"notes":"UMN gives the life cycle (pupae overwinter, moths emerge in spring, 2nd generation midsummer) but no dates, so no anchored stages are given."},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Cotesia congregata (braconid wasp)","setting":"outdoor","note":"Leave hornworms carrying white cocoons in the garden so the wasps emerge.","sources":["f41"]},{"agent":"Bt kurstaki","setting":"outdoor","note":"Works best on very young caterpillars.","sources":["f41","f49"]},{"agent":"Lady beetles, green lacewings (eggs/young larvae); paper wasps","setting":"outdoor","note":"Conserve.","sources":["f41"]}],"products":[],"guide":null,"confidence":"low","house_notes":[],"sources":["f41","f49"]},{"id":"corn-earworm","name":"Corn earworm (tomato fruitworm)","group":"veg","aka":["tomato fruitworm"],"signs":"Caterpillar feeding and frass at sweet-corn ear tips, with moldy kernels. In tomato and pepper, holes bored into fruit.","where":"nationwide","where_note":"Overwinters only in warmer climates and migrates north each year; in Utah it overwinters in the central and southern parts and flies into the north.","outdoor":{"stages":[{"label":"First (small) moth flight – begin silk protection","action":"watch","anchor":"LSF","start":50,"end":70,"reference":"Salt Lake City, UT (Zone 7a), LSF Apr 26 (USU Extension, Salt Lake City Airport 30-yr average); first (small) moth flight - begin silk protection ~Jun 15-Jul 5 -> LSF+50 to LSF+70. USU: first flight mid-June to early July in northern Utah","sources":["f12","f42"]},{"label":"Main moth flights – peak ear damage","action":"peak","anchor":"LSF","start":97,"end":157,"reference":"Salt Lake City, UT (Zone 7a), LSF Apr 26 (USU Extension, Salt Lake City Airport 30-yr average); main moth flights - peak ear damage ~Aug 1-Sep 30 -> LSF+97 to LSF+157. USU: larger 2nd (Aug) and 3rd (Sep) flights","sources":["f12","f42"]}],"frost_free":{"pattern":"Year-round survival in warm areas. Southern Utah's first flight starts 3–4 weeks earlier, with a possible 4th generation. Florida lists it as tomato fruitworm.","peak_months":[],"generations":"3 (northern Utah), up to 4 farther south","sources":["f42","f50"]},"notes":"Timing depends on silking date and southern migration; regional moth trap reports are best."},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Trichogramma egg parasitoid wasps","setting":"outdoor","note":"Release timed to egg laying on fresh silk; USU reports limited success in Utah, and timing is critical.","sources":["f42"]},{"agent":"Horticultural mineral oil on silks","setting":"outdoor","note":"Apply to silk tips every 2–3 days after silking; suppression only.","sources":["f42"]},{"agent":"Bt","setting":"outdoor","note":"Not effective inside corn ears; works on tomato/pepper if reapplied every 2–3 days.","sources":["f42"]}],"products":[],"guide":null,"confidence":"medium","house_notes":[],"sources":["f12","f42","f50"]},{"id":"spotted-wing-drosophila","name":"Spotted wing drosophila","group":"veg","aka":["SWD","fruit flies in berries"],"signs":"Soft, sunken, leaky spots on ripe raspberries, blueberries, cherries and similar fruit, with tiny white maggots inside, often a day or two after picking.","where":"nationwide","where_note":"Cited timing from Minnesota. SWD is widely reported in US fruit regions, but a range map was not reviewed.","outdoor":{"stages":[{"label":"First flies caught in traps – start protecting ripening fruit","action":"watch","anchor":"LSF","start":56,"end":76,"reference":"Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN (Zone 4b), LSF ~Apr 25 (Apr 24-27), FFF ~Oct 10 (Oct 9-12) (Minnesota DNR, Metro median); first flies caught in traps - start protecting ripening fruit ~Jun 20-Jul 10 -> LSF+56 to LSF+76. UMN: first appear late June or early July","sources":["f7","f22"]},{"label":"Peak populations","action":"peak","anchor":"FFF","start":-70,"end":-10,"reference":"Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN (Zone 4b), LSF ~Apr 25 (Apr 24-27), FFF ~Oct 10 (Oct 9-12) (Minnesota DNR, Metro median); peak populations ~Aug 1-Sep 30 -> FFF-70 to FFF-10. UMN: highest numbers in August and September","sources":["f7","f22"]}],"frost_free":{"pattern":"No frost-free data found.","peak_months":[],"generations":"Many overlapping; as little as 7 days per generation","sources":["f22"]},"notes":"No commercial biocontrol was named in the source. Exclusion netting (80 g insect mesh), frequent picking and bagging of fallen fruit are the main tactics; fruit is vulnerable from first color to harvest."},"natural_enemies":[],"products":[],"guide":null,"confidence":"medium","house_notes":[],"sources":["f7","f22"]},{"id":"japanese-beetle","name":"Japanese beetles (adults)","group":"ornamentals","aka":["jap beetles"],"signs":"Metallic green and copper beetles in groups skeletonizing leaves into lace, especially on roses, linden, grape and birch.","where":["ME","NH","VT","MA","RI","CT","NY","NJ","PA","DE","MD","DC","VA","WV","NC","SC","GA","AL","MS","TN","KY","OH","IN","IL","MI","WI","MN","IA","MO"],"where_note":"Per UMN: throughout the eastern US except Florida, and spreading west. The state list is an approximation of 'eastern US'. Grubs are covered separately. The state list is partial: populations also exist in some western-edge states.","outdoor":{"stages":[{"label":"Adults emerge and feed","action":"watch","anchor":"LSF","start":61,"end":122,"reference":"Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN (Zone 4b), LSF ~Apr 25 (Apr 24-27), FFF ~Oct 10 (Oct 9-12) (Minnesota DNR, Metro median); adults emerge and feed ~Jun 25-Aug 25 -> LSF+61 to LSF+122. UMN: emerge late June/early July and feed 6-8 weeks, mostly ending mid-late August","sources":["f7","f17","f25"]},{"label":"Peak adult feeding","action":"peak","anchor":"LSF","start":67,"end":97,"reference":"Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN (Zone 4b), LSF ~Apr 25 (Apr 24-27), FFF ~Oct 10 (Oct 9-12) (Minnesota DNR, Metro median); peak adult feeding ~Jul 1-Jul 31 -> LSF+67 to LSF+97","sources":["f7","f25"]}],"frost_free":{"pattern":"Not present in Florida per UMN.","peak_months":[],"generations":"1 per year","sources":["f25"]},"notes":"UMass reports adults by end of June in Massachusetts, consistent with these windows."},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Winsome fly (Istocheta aldrichi)","setting":"outdoor","note":"Lays white eggs on adult beetles in summer. Leave beetles with white dots alive.","sources":["f25"]},{"agent":"Bt galleriae (Btg)","setting":"outdoor","note":"Moderately effective on adults, about 1–2 weeks' protection; not harmful to bees.","sources":["f25"]}],"products":[{"handle":"heterorhabditis-bacteriophora-hb-nematodes","title":"Hb Nematodes","use":"Nothing we sell targets adult beetles. Treating grubs in late summer cuts your own lawn's next crop, but beetles still fly in from nearby yards.","kind":"treat"}],"guide":null,"confidence":"high","house_notes":[],"sources":["f7","f17","f25"]},{"id":"black-vine-weevil","name":"Black vine weevil and root weevils","group":"ornamentals","aka":["root weevils","vine weevil","strawberry root weevil"],"signs":"Adults chew notches (C-shaped) into leaf edges at night; this is mostly cosmetic. Larvae eat roots and can girdle stems at the soil line, so yews, rhododendrons and potted perennials wilt and die, often discovered in spring.","where":["ME","NH","VT","MA","RI","CT","NY","NJ","PA","DE","MD","VA","NC","SC","OH","MI","WA","OR"],"where_note":"Range runs from Maine to the Carolinas and west to Washington and Oregon; it is in all Ohio counties and spreads on nursery plants. The list gives only states named or clearly inside that range; states in between are likely present but not listed in sources.","outdoor":{"stages":[{"label":"Larvae resume root feeding in early spring","action":"watch","anchor":"LSF","start":-17,"end":27,"reference":"Ohio: larvae feed again in early spring before pupating (s13); Columbus LSF Apr 18 (s35). Window approximate.","sources":["s13","s35"]},{"label":"Adults emerge and notch leaves; females feed 3–6 weeks before laying eggs","action":"watch","anchor":"LSF","start":37,"end":80,"reference":"Ohio outdoors: adults emerge late May–early July (s13); Columbus LSF Apr 18 (s35).","sources":["s13","s35"]},{"label":"Young larvae feeding on roots. Best nematode window, mainly for container plants, while soil is above 55°F","action":"treat","anchor":"FFF","start":-67,"end":-21,"reference":"Ohio: larvae feed midsummer through fall; OSU says apply nematodes to potted perennials in September while media is above 55°F (s13). Columbus LSF Apr 18 (s35).","sources":["s13","s35"]}],"frost_free":{"pattern":"No frost-free outdoor timing found. In warm greenhouses or pots, pupation happens in Jan–Feb and adults appear in Mar–Apr.","peak_months":[],"generations":"1 per year outdoors","sources":["s13"]},"notes":"Adults live 90–100 days and lay about 200 eggs, which hatch in 2–3 weeks. No degree-day values were found in the OSU source."},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Heterorhabditis bacteriophora nematodes","setting":"outdoor","note":"Larvae in late summer or fall, with soil above 55°F. Listed for black vine weevil larvae by UConn and UC IPM.","sources":["s13","s14","s15"]},{"agent":"Steinernema carpocapsae or S. kraussei nematodes","setting":"outdoor","note":"UConn lists both for black vine weevil larvae. OSU notes nematodes work best in containers. In landscapes, pull back mulch and water before and after, and expect variable results.","sources":["s13","s14"]}],"products":[{"handle":"heterorhabditis-bacteriophora-hb-nematodes","title":"Hb Nematodes","use":"Young larvae, soil above 55°F","kind":"treat"},{"handle":"steinernema-carpocapsae-sc-nematodes","title":"Sc Nematodes","use":"Also listed for weevil larvae, best in containers","kind":"treat"}],"guide":null,"confidence":"medium","house_notes":[],"sources":["s13","s14","s15","s35"]},{"id":"spruce-spider-mite","name":"Spruce spider mite","group":"ornamentals","aka":["conifer mites"],"signs":"Older inner needles look speckled, yellowish or rusty and may drop, with fine silk among the needles. Tap a branch over white paper to see tiny moving mites.","where":"nationwide","where_note":"Wherever spruce, arborvitae, juniper, hemlock and other conifers are planted; cited timing is from Pennsylvania and Kentucky. Range not mapped in cited sources.","outdoor":{"stages":[{"label":"Spring activity (eggs hatch before new growth)","action":"watch","anchor":"LSF","start":-26,"end":20,"reference":"Lexington, KY (Zone 6b), LSF ~Apr 10 (NWS Louisville: most frequent last-freeze week Apr 7-13; not an official average); spring activity (eggs hatch before new growth) ~Mar 15-Apr 30 -> LSF-26 to LSF+20. UK lists mid-March through April","sources":["f11","f16"]},{"label":"Spring control window","action":"treat","anchor":"LSF","start":11,"end":30,"reference":"Allentown, PA (Zone 6b), LSF ~Apr 20, FFF ~Oct 20 (rough midpoint of NWS Mount Holly historical first/last freeze list for Allentown; not an official normal); spring control window ~May 1-May 20 -> LSF+11 to LSF+30. Penn State: early to mid-May is the best control window","sources":["f8","f24"]},{"label":"Fall resurgence / second control window","action":"treat","anchor":"FFF","start":-49,"end":-35,"reference":"Allentown, PA (Zone 6b), LSF ~Apr 20, FFF ~Oct 20 (rough midpoint of NWS Mount Holly historical first/last freeze list for Allentown; not an official normal); fall resurgence / second control window ~Sep 1-Sep 15 -> FFF-49 to FFF-35. Penn State: treat again in early September if needed; UK also lists September","sources":["f8","f16","f24"]}],"frost_free":{"pattern":"Cool-season pest active spring and fall, quiet in summer heat. No frost-free US data found; host conifers are uncommon in zones 9b-11.","peak_months":[],"generations":"7–10 per year (Penn State)","sources":["f24"]},"notes":"Timing is well supported, but no cited extension source names a proven commercial biocontrol for spruce spider mite. Allentown frost dates are rough estimates from an NWS list."},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Amblyseius andersoni (cool-tolerant predatory mite)","setting":"outdoor","note":"Active 42–104°F and usable outdoors; release while mite numbers are low. Low confidence: the source does not test it against spruce spider mite.","sources":["f52"]}],"products":[{"handle":"amblyseius-andersoni-bottles-predatory-mites","title":"Amblyseius andersoni","use":"Cool-tolerant predator; untested on this exact mite","kind":"treat"}],"guide":null,"confidence":"medium","house_notes":[],"sources":["f8","f11","f16","f24","f52"]},{"id":"chilli-thrips","name":"Chilli thrips","group":"ornamentals","aka":["chili thrips","scirtothrips"],"signs":"Bronzing along leaf veins, upward-cupped or distorted new leaves and buds, browning, and leaf drop. The damage is usually noticed before the tiny insects.","where":["FL","GA","LA","TX"],"where_note":"Invasive. Established in Florida since 2005 (first on roses in Palm Beach County), reported in Texas and Louisiana, and first detected in Georgia in 2022.","outdoor":{"stages":[{"label":"Heavy infestations on new flush in hot, dry weather","action":"peak","anchor":"LSF","start":77,"end":198,"reference":"Macon, GA (Zone 8b), LSF Mar 16, FFF Nov 11 (NWS Peachtree City averages); heavy infestations on new flush in hot, dry weather ~Jun 1-Sep 30 -> LSF+77 to LSF+198. UGA/UF: feeding on young blueberry flush mainly June-September","sources":["f9","f10","f30","f31"]}],"frost_free":{"pattern":"Breeds continuously in warm weather (egg to adult ~18–20 days at 77–81°F); worst during prolonged hot, dry spells on tender new growth.","peak_months":[6,7,8,9],"generations":"Many overlapping (not stated numerically)","sources":["f30","f31"]},"notes":"Timing comes from blueberry studies in south Georgia/Florida; ornamental (rose) timing may differ."},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Amblyseius swirskii (predatory mite)","setting":"outdoor","note":"Has shown some effectiveness in pepper studies; deploy on new flush before populations climb.","sources":["f30","f31"]},{"agent":"Minute pirate bug (Orius insidiosus), big-eyed bugs (Geocoris)","setting":"outdoor","note":"Feed on all thrips stages; conserve by avoiding broad-spectrum sprays.","sources":["f30","f31"]}],"products":[{"handle":"amblyseius-swirskii-thrips-treatment","title":"Amblyseius swirskii","use":"Release on new flush before numbers climb","kind":"treat"}],"guide":"/collections/thrips-treatment","confidence":"medium","house_notes":[],"sources":["f9","f10","f30","f31"],"zone_range":[8,11]},{"id":"lace-bugs","name":"Lace bugs","group":"ornamentals","aka":["azalea lace bug"],"signs":"Pale white-stippled upper leaf surfaces, worst on shrubs in full sun, with black tar-like spots and cast skins on leaf undersides.","where":"nationwide","where_note":"On azalea, rhododendron, Pieris, hawthorn, sycamore, oak and other hosts; cited timing from Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland and Massachusetts. Range not mapped in cited sources.","outdoor":{"stages":[{"label":"Azalea lace bug overwintered eggs hatch (Georgia)","action":"treat","anchor":"LSF","start":2,"end":18,"reference":"Atlanta, GA (Zone 8a), LSF Mar 23, FFF Nov 13 (NWS Peachtree City averages); azalea lace bug overwintered eggs hatch (georgia) ~Mar 25-Apr 10 -> LSF+2 to LSF+18. UGA: hatch late March-early April; treat the first generation","sources":["f9","f10","f29"]},{"label":"First-generation nymphs (Mid-South)","action":"treat","anchor":"LSF","start":21,"end":51,"reference":"Lexington, KY (Zone 6b), LSF ~Apr 10 (NWS Louisville: most frequent last-freeze week Apr 7-13; not an official average); first-generation nymphs (mid-south) ~May 1-May 31 -> LSF+21 to LSF+51. UK lists May; UMD says monitor from early May","sources":["f11","f16","f28"]},{"label":"Second-generation build-up","action":"peak","anchor":"LSF","start":82,"end":112,"reference":"Lexington, KY (Zone 6b), LSF ~Apr 10 (NWS Louisville: most frequent last-freeze week Apr 7-13; not an official average); second-generation build-up ~Jul 1-Jul 31 -> LSF+82 to LSF+112. UK lists azalea lace bug again in July","sources":["f11","f16"]}],"frost_free":{"pattern":"Azalea lace bug has at least four generations a year in Georgia, each taking about a month; hawthorn-type lace bugs have 3–4.","peak_months":[],"generations":"3–4+ per year in the South","sources":["f29"]},"notes":"No commercially released biocontrol for lace bugs was found in cited sources; soap and 2% horticultural oil sprays on leaf undersides are the low-impact options."},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Predatory mirid plant bugs and egg-parasitic mymarid wasps","setting":"outdoor","note":"Check for red-and-black mirid predators and egg exit holes before spraying; if present, hold off.","sources":["f28","f29"]}],"products":[],"guide":null,"confidence":"medium","house_notes":[],"sources":["f9","f10","f11","f16","f28","f29"]},{"id":"bagworms","name":"Bagworms","group":"ornamentals","aka":[],"signs":"Spindle-shaped bags of silk and plant bits hanging from branches, with browned, chewed evergreen foliage.","where":"nationwide","where_note":"UConn describes it as a pest across the eastern US on arborvitae, juniper, cedar, pine and many deciduous trees. Exact western limit not verified.","outdoor":{"stages":[{"label":"Eggs hatch; tiny larvae balloon to new plants","action":"watch","anchor":"LSF","start":30,"end":51,"reference":"Hartford, CT (Zone 6a), LSF Apr 25, FFF Oct 10 (UMass/NOAA 50% 32F table, Hartford); eggs hatch; tiny larvae balloon to new plants ~May 25-Jun 15 -> LSF+30 to LSF+51. UConn: hatch late May to early/mid June; UMass: 600-900 GDD","sources":["f6","f17","f26"]},{"label":"Young larvae, while bags are small: the easiest time to treat","action":"treat","anchor":"LSF","start":51,"end":81,"reference":"Hartford, CT (Zone 6a), LSF Apr 25, FFF Oct 10 (UMass/NOAA 50% 32F table, Hartford); bt window on young larvae ~Jun 15-Jul 15 -> LSF+51 to LSF+81. UConn: Bt works best mid-June to mid-July","sources":["f6","f26"]}],"frost_free":{"pattern":"No frost-free data found.","peak_months":[],"generations":"1 per year","sources":["f26"]},"notes":"Kentucky lists the feeding stage from mid-May to mid-June, earlier than New England, which fits the warmer site."},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Bt kurstaki","setting":"outdoor","note":"Spray soon after hatch while larvae and bags are small; effectiveness drops later in summer. Hand-pick bags from fall to early spring.","sources":["f26"]}],"products":[],"guide":null,"confidence":"high","house_notes":[],"sources":["f6","f17","f26"]},{"id":"boxwood-leafminer","name":"Boxwood leafminer","group":"ornamentals","aka":[],"signs":"Blistered, puffy boxwood leaves that turn yellow-brown, with orange maggots inside. In spring, small orange flies swarm the shrubs.","where":"nationwide","where_note":"Wherever boxwood is grown; cited timing from Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and Kentucky. Range not mapped in cited sources.","outdoor":{"stages":[{"label":"Adult flies emerge and lay eggs (weigela in bloom)","action":"treat","anchor":"LSF","start":11,"end":41,"reference":"Allentown, PA (Zone 6b), LSF ~Apr 20, FFF ~Oct 20 (rough midpoint of NWS Mount Holly historical first/last freeze list for Allentown; not an official normal); adult flies emerge and lay eggs (weigela in bloom) ~May 1-May 31 -> LSF+11 to LSF+41. Penn State: adults in May; time treatment to weigela bloom","sources":["f8","f27"]},{"label":"Adult emergence, New England","action":"treat","anchor":"LSF","start":21,"end":36,"reference":"Springfield, MA (Zone 6a), LSF Apr 19, FFF Oct 15 (UMass 50% 32F freeze table, Springfield); adult emergence, new england ~May 10-May 25 -> LSF+21 to LSF+36. UMass: adults by mid-May after late-April pupation","sources":["f5","f17"]}],"frost_free":{"pattern":"No frost-free data found.","peak_months":[],"generations":"1 per year","sources":["f27"]},"notes":"No biocontrol named in cited sources."},"natural_enemies":[],"products":[],"guide":null,"confidence":"medium","house_notes":[],"sources":["f5","f8","f17","f27"]},{"id":"spotted-lanternfly","name":"Spotted lanternfly","group":"ornamentals","aka":["lanternfly","SLF"],"signs":"Black-and-white spotted nymphs that later turn red, then large gray-pink planthoppers with red hindwings massing on tree-of-heaven, grape and maples, with honeydew and sooty mold below. Mud-like gray egg masses on flat surfaces in fall and winter.","where":["CT","DC","DE","GA","IL","IN","KY","MA","MD","MI","NC","NH","NJ","NY","OH","PA","RI","SC","TN","VA","WV"],"where_note":"States with spotted lanternfly quarantines or detections (CDFA list, July 2025, plus New Hampshire's first detection in August 2026 and DC). Quarantines cover counties, not whole states, and the list keeps growing.","outdoor":{"stages":[{"label":"Egg hatch – black nymphs","action":"watch","anchor":"LSF","start":5,"end":25,"reference":"Allentown, PA (Zone 6b), LSF ~Apr 20, FFF ~Oct 20 (rough midpoint of NWS Mount Holly historical first/last freeze list for Allentown; not an official normal); egg hatch - black nymphs ~Apr 25-May 15 -> LSF+5 to LSF+25. PA: hatch late April-early May; UMass notes hatch around mid-May","sources":["f8","f15","f17"]},{"label":"Adults feeding and massing","action":"peak","anchor":"LSF","start":89,"end":0,"reference":"Allentown, PA (Zone 6b), LSF ~Apr 20, FFF ~Oct 20 (rough midpoint of NWS Mount Holly historical first/last freeze list for Allentown; not an official normal); adults feeding and massing ~Jul 15-Oct 20 -> FFF-97 to FFF+0. Adults from mid/late July until first hard frost","sources":["f8","f15","f17"],"end_anchor":"FFF"},{"label":"Egg laying – scrape and destroy egg masses (through winter)","action":"treat","anchor":"FFF","start":-30,"end":11,"reference":"Allentown, PA (Zone 6b), LSF ~Apr 20, FFF ~Oct 20 (rough midpoint of NWS Mount Holly historical first/last freeze list for Allentown; not an official normal); egg laying - scrape and destroy egg masses (through winter) ~Sep 20-Oct 31 -> FFF-30 to FFF+11. PA: late September through October","sources":["f8","f15","f17"]}],"frost_free":{"pattern":"Not established in frost-free US areas per the cited quarantine list.","peak_months":[],"generations":"1 per year","sources":["f48"]},"notes":"No commercially available biocontrol was found in cited sources. Report sightings outside known areas to the state department of agriculture."},"natural_enemies":[],"products":[],"guide":null,"confidence":"high","house_notes":[],"sources":["f8","f15","f17","f48"]},{"id":"lily-leaf-beetle","name":"Lily leaf beetle","group":"ornamentals","aka":["red lily beetle"],"signs":"Bright red beetles on lilies and fritillaria, then slug-like larvae covered in their own black excrement, chewing holes until stems are bare.","where":["ME","NH","VT","MA","RI","CT","NY"],"where_note":"Introduced in Massachusetts in 1992 and spread through New England and New York; UMass expects it to spread across much of North America.","outdoor":{"stages":[{"label":"Overwintered adults emerge as lilies sprout","action":"watch","anchor":"LSF","start":-4,"end":11,"reference":"Springfield, MA (Zone 6a), LSF Apr 19, FFF Oct 15 (UMass 50% 32F freeze table, Springfield); overwintered adults emerge as lilies sprout ~Apr 15-Apr 30 -> LSF-4 to LSF+11. UMass: around mid-April in warmer Massachusetts","sources":["f5","f23"]},{"label":"Egg laying – crush egg rows, hand-pick adults","action":"treat","anchor":"LSF","start":12,"end":42,"reference":"Springfield, MA (Zone 6a), LSF Apr 19, FFF Oct 15 (UMass 50% 32F freeze table, Springfield); egg laying - crush egg rows, hand-pick adults ~May 1-May 31 -> LSF+12 to LSF+42","sources":["f5","f23"]},{"label":"Larval feeding (most damaging stage)","action":"peak","anchor":"LSF","start":21,"end":72,"reference":"Springfield, MA (Zone 6a), LSF Apr 19, FFF Oct 15 (UMass 50% 32F freeze table, Springfield); larval feeding (most damaging stage) ~May 10-Jun 30 -> LSF+21 to LSF+72. Hatch in 4-8 days, larvae feed 16-24 days; the end date is inferred from egg-laying plus development time","sources":["f5","f23"]}],"frost_free":{"pattern":"Not documented in frost-free areas.","peak_months":[],"generations":"1 per year","sources":["f23"]},"notes":"One generation; adults overwinter in soil and debris."},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Tetrastichus setifer, Lemophagus errabundus, Diaparsis jucunda (larval parasitoid wasps)","setting":"outdoor","note":"Released by researchers from 1999 to 2016 in New England and New York and established at several sites (e.g., Wellesley MA, Cumberland RI). Not a garden-release product per cited source.","sources":["f23"]}],"products":[],"guide":null,"confidence":"medium","house_notes":[],"sources":["f5","f23"]},{"id":"sawfly-slugs","name":"Rose slugs and pear slugs (sawfly larvae)","group":"ornamentals","aka":["roseslug","pear slug","sawflies"],"signs":"Slimy slug-like larvae on leaves that eat away the leaf surface, leaving brown, see-through 'windows' and a scorched look.","where":"nationwide","where_note":"Cited timing from Massachusetts and Kentucky. Pear slug attacks pear, cherry, plum, cotoneaster, hawthorn, mountain ash and serviceberry.","outdoor":{"stages":[{"label":"Roseslug larvae feeding","action":"treat","anchor":"LSF","start":31,"end":72,"reference":"Springfield, MA (Zone 6a), LSF Apr 19, FFF Oct 15 (UMass 50% 32F freeze table, Springfield); roseslug larvae feeding ~May 20-Jun 30 -> LSF+31 to LSF+72. UMass: monitor late May through June (~230 GDD start); UK lists mid-June","sources":["f5","f16","f45"]},{"label":"Pear sawfly gen 1 larvae","action":"treat","anchor":"LSF","start":43,"end":103,"reference":"Springfield, MA (Zone 6a), LSF Apr 19, FFF Oct 15 (UMass 50% 32F freeze table, Springfield); pear sawfly gen 1 larvae ~Jun 1-Jul 31 -> LSF+43 to LSF+103. UMass: monitor June-July","sources":["f5","f44"]},{"label":"Pear sawfly gen 2 larvae (often worse)","action":"peak","anchor":"FFF","start":-75,"end":-15,"reference":"Springfield, MA (Zone 6a), LSF Apr 19, FFF Oct 15 (UMass 50% 32F freeze table, Springfield); pear sawfly gen 2 larvae (often worse) ~Aug 1-Sep 30 -> FFF-75 to FFF-15","sources":["f5","f17","f44"]}],"frost_free":{"pattern":"No frost-free data found.","peak_months":[],"generations":"Roseslug 1; curled rose sawfly 2–3; pear sawfly 2","sources":["f44","f45"]},"notes":"Hosing larvae off or insecticidal soap and oil sprays work on these soft larvae."},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Natural enemies (Trichogramma minutum egg parasitism reported; lacewing larvae, predatory bugs)","setting":"outdoor","note":"Effectiveness against these sawflies in North America is not established. Note: Bt kurstaki does not work on sawfly larvae.","sources":["f44","f45"]}],"products":[],"guide":null,"confidence":"medium","house_notes":[],"sources":["f5","f16","f17","f44","f45"]},{"id":"broad-cyclamen-mites","name":"Broad mites and cyclamen mites","group":"indoor","aka":["broad mites","cyclamen mites"],"signs":"Too small to see without strong magnification. New growth looks twisted, hardened, cupped or bronzed underneath. Buds die or blacken, and flowers fail to open. The damage often appears suddenly in spots and is easily mistaken for herbicide injury, nutrient deficiency or cold damage. With a 20x lens, broad mite eggs can sometimes be seen as tiny eggs covered in white bumps.","where":"nationwide","where_note":"Indoors and in greenhouses anywhere.","indoor":{"season_pattern":"Cyclamen mites prefer cool, very humid conditions (about 60°F, 80–90% RH), and severe outbreaks often come in fall and winter. Broad mites prefer warm, humid conditions (70–80°F, 80–90% RH). Both spread on hands, clothing, contact between plants and propagation material, and broad mites also hitch rides on whiteflies.","triggers":[{"label":"Cool, humid fall and winter (cyclamen mites)","anchor":"heating-season","start":null,"end":null,"explanation":"UConn notes severe cyclamen mite outbreaks often occur in fall and winter.","sources":["i16"]},{"label":"New or propagated plants brought in","anchor":"year-round","start":null,"end":null,"explanation":"Introduced on vegetatively propagated material and spread by handling.","sources":["i16"]}],"recheck_days":{"value":"7","basis":"Broad mites can go from egg to adult in about 1 week, and broad mite eggs hatch in 2–3 days.","sources":["i16"]},"notes":"Remove infested plants early. Scout these areas last so you don't carry mites to clean plants."},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Neoseiulus cucumeris","setting":"indoor","note":"Use preventively, before populations and damage are high (UConn).","sources":["i16"]},{"agent":"Amblyseius swirskii","setting":"indoor","note":"Use preventively, before populations are high (UConn).","sources":["i16"]},{"agent":"Neoseiulus californicus","setting":"indoor","note":"Use preventively (UConn).","sources":["i16"]},{"agent":"Amblyseius andersoni","setting":"indoor","note":"UMass names it for broad mites as well as russet and spider mites. It may need repeated releases.","sources":["i27"]}],"products":[{"handle":"amblyseius-cucumeris-thrips-control","title":"Neoseiulus cucumeris","use":"Release early, before damage is heavy","kind":"treat"},{"handle":"amblyseius-swirskii-thrips-treatment","title":"Amblyseius swirskii","use":"Release early; warm humid rooms","kind":"treat"},{"handle":"amblyseius-andersoni-bottles-predatory-mites","title":"Amblyseius andersoni","use":"Broad and russet mites; may need repeats","kind":"treat"},{"handle":"amblyseius-andersoni-predatory-mites-sachets-multi-mite-control","title":"Amblyseius andersoni Slow-Release Prevention Sachets","use":"Prevention only","kind":"prevent"}],"guide":null,"confidence":"medium","house_notes":[],"sources":["i16","i27"]},{"id":"russet-mites","name":"Russet mites (tomato and hemp)","group":"indoor","aka":["tomato russet mite","hemp russet mite"],"signs":"Microscopic and spin no webbing. On tomato, bronzing or browning starts on the lower stem and moves up. Leaves curl, yellow or bronze and look glossy underneath, then wither. On hemp, leaf edges curl up and leaves look dull, russeted or speckled. A leaf-shake test does not work for these mites.","where":"nationwide","where_note":"Indoors and in greenhouses anywhere.","indoor":{"season_pattern":"A greenhouse and high-tunnel problem in warm, dry conditions. Tomato russet mite has no dormant stage, so it survives winter only on living plants in heated greenhouses and nurseries and is carried into spring plantings from there.","triggers":[{"label":"Hot, dry greenhouse conditions","anchor":"year-round","start":null,"end":null,"explanation":"At about 80°F and 30% RH, populations can double every 3–4 days.","sources":["i27"]},{"label":"Transplants from overwintering greenhouses","anchor":"undated","start":null,"end":null,"explanation":"UMass says Massachusetts infestations likely originate in greenhouses or nurseries that stay in production over winter. No timing offset is given.","sources":["i27"]}],"recheck_days":{"value":"3-7","basis":"The life cycle takes about 7 days in warm, dry conditions (tomato russet mite), or 8–15 days for hemp russet mite.","sources":["i27","i26"]},"notes":"Control solanaceous weeds and keep petunias out of tomato houses (UMass)."},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Amblyseius andersoni","setting":"indoor","note":"Prevents or controls low infestations in greenhouses and high tunnels. Repeat releases may be needed. Wait 48 h after a pesticide application before releasing.","sources":["i27","i26"]},{"agent":"Neoseiulus californicus","setting":"indoor","note":"Purdue lists it for hemp russet mite but notes that efficacy research is limited.","sources":["i26"]}],"products":[{"handle":"amblyseius-andersoni-bottles-predatory-mites","title":"Amblyseius andersoni","use":"For low infestations; repeat releases","kind":"treat"}],"guide":null,"confidence":"medium","house_notes":[],"sources":["i26","i27"]},{"id":"silverleaf-whitefly","name":"Silverleaf (sweetpotato) whitefly","group":"indoor","aka":["sweetpotato whitefly","bemisia"],"signs":"Smaller and more yellow than greenhouse whitefly, and holds its wings tent-like. Pupae are yellow without filaments. Causes honeydew, sooty mold and yellowing. Can transmit viruses to tomato.","where":"nationwide","where_note":"Indoors and in greenhouses anywhere.","indoor":{"season_pattern":"Year-round in greenhouses. It likes heat, with adults most active above 80°F. It is a major pest of poinsettia in the fall production season. The Q-biotype resists many insecticides.","triggers":[{"label":"Incoming cuttings/poinsettias","anchor":"year-round","start":null,"end":null,"explanation":"UMass advises inspecting incoming plants and cuttings, with a threshold for poinsettia cuttings.","sources":["i15"]}],"recheck_days":{"value":"7","basis":"Eggs hatch in about 7 days at 65–75°F, and egg to adult takes 14–40 days. Sticky cards are changed weekly.","sources":["i15"]},"notes":""},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Eretmocerus eremicus","setting":"indoor","note":"Best at 77–84°F and inactive above 86°F. More pesticide-tolerant than Encarsia.","sources":["i15"]},{"agent":"Eretmocerus mundus","setting":"indoor","note":"Targets B-biotype only. Works over a wider temperature range than E. eremicus. Keep out of direct sun.","sources":["i15"]},{"agent":"Amblyseius swirskii","setting":"indoor","note":"Eats whitefly eggs and nymphs.","sources":["i15"]}],"products":[{"handle":"amblyseius-swirskii-thrips-treatment","title":"Amblyseius swirskii","use":"Eats whitefly eggs and nymphs","kind":"treat"}],"guide":null,"confidence":"medium","house_notes":[],"sources":["i15"]},{"id":"shore-flies","name":"Shore flies","group":"indoor","aka":[],"signs":"Stout, house-fly-shaped flies about 1/8 inch long with short legs and 5–6 pale spots on each dark wing. They are stronger fliers than fungus gnats. Look for them around algae, puddles and wet benches. Larvae have no black head. Their fecal specks on leaves are mostly cosmetic.","where":"nationwide","where_note":"Indoors and in greenhouses anywhere.","indoor":{"season_pattern":"A greenhouse and indoor plant room pest wherever surfaces stay wet with algae. Not strongly seasonal indoors. They build up fastest in warm conditions and in overwatered, poorly drained setups.","triggers":[{"label":"Standing water/algae from overwatering","anchor":"year-round","start":null,"end":null,"explanation":"Algae is their food. Puddling, poor drainage and constantly wet media favor them.","sources":["i25"]}],"recheck_days":{"value":"7","basis":"Egg to adult takes as little as 8 days at 78°F, or 14 days at 68°F.","sources":["i25"]},"notes":"Sanitation and algae control are the main tools. Nuisance pest."},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Dalotia coriaria (rove beetle)","setting":"indoor","note":"A generalist that eats shore fly eggs and larvae. Release in the evening. Best used preventively along with drying out surfaces and controlling algae.","sources":["i25"]},{"agent":"Steinernema nematodes","setting":"indoor","note":"UConn reports insufficient control because shore flies breed in semi-aquatic sites. Some growers use repeated high rates of S. carpocapsae.","sources":["i25"]}],"products":[{"handle":"dalotia-coriaria-rove-beetle-fungus-gnat-treatment","title":"Dalotia coriaria - Rove Beetle","use":"Eats shore fly eggs and larvae; dry out wet surfaces too","kind":"treat"}],"guide":null,"confidence":"medium","house_notes":[],"sources":["i25"]},{"id":"root-aphids","name":"Root aphids","group":"indoor","aka":[],"signs":"A white, powdery or waxy coating on the root ball that looks like root mealybug, so check with a hand lens. Plants are stunted, wilt in midday heat, or look nutrient-deficient.","where":"nationwide","where_note":"Indoors and in greenhouses anywhere.","indoor":{"season_pattern":"Present in greenhouses year-round. Development is much faster in warm soil, so populations rise quickly in late spring and summer. Crawlers move between pots through drainage holes, water, reused pots, stock plants and weeds under benches.","triggers":[{"label":"Warming soil in late spring/summer","anchor":"undated","start":null,"end":null,"explanation":"Life cycles shorten in warm soil, so populations grow quickly in late spring and summer. The source is industry technical content (Premier Tech), not extension.","sources":["i28"]}],"recheck_days":{"value":"14","basis":"No sourced development time. A University of Maryland trial assessed treatments at 14 and 28 days.","sources":["i29"]},"notes":"Premier Tech says biological controls have had limited success. Inspect roots and discard infested plants."},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Beauveria bassiana (fungus)","setting":"indoor","note":"Significantly reduced rice root aphid at 28 days (not 14) in a 2020 University of Maryland greenhouse trial.","sources":["i29"]},{"agent":"Soil predators (rove beetles, predatory mites)","setting":"indoor","note":"Observed active in root zones in the University of Maryland trial. Ants tending the aphids may need control for biocontrol to work. No efficacy data.","sources":["i29"]}],"products":[],"guide":null,"confidence":"low","house_notes":[],"sources":["i28","i29"]},{"id":"springtails","name":"Springtails (harmless)","group":"indoor","aka":["white jumping bugs in soil","snow fleas"],"signs":"Tiny (1/16–1/8 inch) wingless white, gray or dark specks that jump when the soil is watered or disturbed. Harmless, and they feed on fungi and decaying matter.","where":"nationwide","where_note":"Indoors and in greenhouses anywhere.","indoor":{"season_pattern":"Active year-round wherever soil stays damp. Large numbers in pots point to overwatering, especially in peat-rich mixes.","triggers":[{"label":"Overwatering","anchor":"year-round","start":null,"end":null,"explanation":"UMN: common in overwatered houseplant soil, and a sign of excess moisture.","sources":["i30"]}],"recheck_days":{"value":"7-14","basis":"Recheck after letting the soil dry. No development time is sourced.","sources":["i30"]},"notes":"A nuisance only. Fix moisture, and no treatment is needed (UMN)."},"natural_enemies":[],"products":[],"guide":null,"confidence":"high","house_notes":[],"sources":["i30"]},{"id":"greenhouse-caterpillars","name":"Caterpillars in greenhouses","group":"indoor","aka":["european pepper moth"],"signs":"Chewed leaves and flowers with droppings (frass), rolled leaves tied with silk, and bored stems or buds. European pepper moth causes webbing at the soil line and stem-base collapse that looks like root rot.","where":"nationwide","where_note":"Indoors and in greenhouses anywhere.","indoor":{"season_pattern":"Caterpillars overwinter outdoors, and moths fly into greenhouses in summer and fall through doors and vents, drawn by lights at night. Scout near openings, weedy areas and vegetable fields. European pepper moth rises in late summer.","triggers":[{"label":"Moths fly in through vents and doors","anchor":"FFF","start":-120,"end":0,"explanation":"UConn: caterpillars migrate indoors in summer and fall. The offsets are an approximate mapping of 'summer and fall' to before first fall frost and are inferred.","sources":["i31"]}],"recheck_days":{"value":"7","basis":"No sourced development time. Bt breaks down under UV and must be reapplied (UConn).","sources":["i31"]},"notes":""},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Bt)","setting":"indoor","note":"Needs thorough coverage and works best on young larvae. Reapply because UV and watering remove it.","sources":["i31"]},{"agent":"Trichogramma (egg parasitoid)","setting":"indoor","note":"Attacks only moth eggs, so timing is critical. Its cycle takes about 7–10 days. Protect it from ants.","sources":["i31"]}],"products":[],"guide":null,"confidence":"medium","house_notes":[],"sources":["i31"]},{"id":"grain-mites","name":"Grain mites and mold mites","group":"indoor","aka":["mold mites","grain mites in isopod cultures"],"signs":"Masses of near-invisible mites that make stored material seem to 'move', and a tan 'mite dust' on surfaces near the food. Infested products include flour, grain, pet food, moldy hay and other stored feed. Handlers can get skin irritation.","where":"nationwide","where_note":"Indoors and in greenhouses anywhere.","indoor":{"season_pattern":"Tied to moisture rather than season. Infestations follow damp, warm, humid storage and mold. Grain mites thrive at about 14% moisture content and become a serious problem at about 15–18%. In lab studies, warmer (20°C) and more humid (80% RH) conditions sped development and egg-laying.","triggers":[{"label":"Damp/humid storage of feed or substrate","anchor":"year-round","start":null,"end":null,"explanation":"Store dry, at 13% moisture content or below for grain, with good air circulation.","sources":["i35","i34","i36"]}],"recheck_days":{"value":"7","basis":"Bohart advises freezing suspect food for 1 week. No sourced development time.","sources":["i36"]},"notes":"No reputable source was found for predatory-mite control of mold mites in feeder-insect or isopod cultures. Sourced guidance is to dry out, discard, clean, and freeze feed for 1 week or heat it to 120°F for 20 minutes."},"natural_enemies":[{"agent":"Cheyletus eruditus (predatory mite)","setting":"indoor","note":"Used routinely in Czech grain stores against Acarus siro. Worked on oilseeds only when infestations started at about 50 mites/kg or fewer, so it should be applied preventively.","sources":["i33"]}],"products":[{"handle":"amblyseius-swirskii-thrips-treatment","title":"Amblyseius swirskii","use":"Any Amblyseius predatory mite will take grain mites (FGMN house note)","kind":"treat"},{"handle":"amblyseius-andersoni-bottles-predatory-mites","title":"Amblyseius andersoni","use":"Another Amblyseius option (FGMN house note)","kind":"treat"}],"guide":null,"confidence":"low","house_notes":["The predatory-mite pick comes from the FGMN team; extension sources reviewed here only cover a different predatory mite in grain stores."],"sources":["i33","i34","i35","i36"]}],"sources":{"f4":{"title":"Vegetable Planting Calendar","publisher":"University of Maryland Extension","url":"https://extension.umd.edu/resource/vegetable-planting-calendar"},"f5":{"title":"Freeze/Frost Occurrence Tables for Massachusetts","publisher":"UMass Amherst Extension","url":"https://www.umass.edu/agriculture-food-environment/landscape/fact-sheets/freezefrost-occurrence-tables-for-massachusetts"},"f6":{"title":"Freeze/Frost Occurrence Tables for Connecticut","publisher":"UMass Amherst Extension","url":"https://www.umass.edu/agriculture-food-environment/landscape/fact-sheets/freezefrost-occurrence-tables-for-connecticut"},"f7":{"title":"Minnesota climate facts (freeze dates)","publisher":"Minnesota Department of Natural Resources","url":"https://dnr.state.mn.us/faq/mnfacts/climate.html"},"f8":{"title":"First/Last Freeze Dates - Philadelphia area climate sites","publisher":"NOAA National Weather Service, Mount Holly NJ","url":"https://www.weather.gov/phi/climate_firstlast_PHI"},"f9":{"title":"Average last freeze dates (Atlanta, Athens, Macon, Columbus)","publisher":"NOAA National Weather Service, Peachtree City GA","url":"https://www.weather.gov/ffc/last_freeze_dates"},"f10":{"title":"Frost/Freeze information - average first fall freeze","publisher":"NOAA National Weather Service, Peachtree City GA","url":"https://www.weather.gov/ffc/frostfreeze"},"f11":{"title":"Frost/Freeze climatology (Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, Frankfort)","publisher":"NOAA National Weather Service, Louisville KY","url":"https://www.weather.gov/lmk/frost_freeze_climo"},"f12":{"title":"Suggested Vegetable Planting Dates for the Wasatch Front","publisher":"Utah State University Extension","url":"https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/research/wasatch-front-planting-dates"},"f13":{"title":"When is the last frost?","publisher":"University of Wisconsin-Madison SSEC (The Weather Guys)","url":"https://wxguys.ssec.wisc.edu/2014/05/19/when-is-the-last-frost/"},"f14":{"title":"Armored Scale Insects on Trees and Shrubs","publisher":"University of Maryland Extension","url":"https://extension.umd.edu/resource/armored-scale-insects-trees-and-shrubs"},"f15":{"title":"National Pest Alert: Spotted Lanternfly","publisher":"USDA-NIFA Regional IPM Centers / Penn State / PA Dept. of Agriculture (hosted by NC State)","url":"https://ipm.ces.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/lanternfly.pdf"},"f16":{"title":"ENTFACT-447: Calendar for Common Kentucky Shade Tree and Woody Ornamental Pests","publisher":"University of Kentucky Entomology","url":"https://entomology.entomology.prod-web.ca.uky.edu/files/ef447.pdf"},"f17":{"title":"Professional Insect & Mite Guide - 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Entomol. Sci. 31:76-88)","publisher":"Journal of Entomological Science (peer-reviewed)","url":"https://jes.kglmeridian.com/downloadpdf/view/journals/ents/31/1/article-p76.pdf"},"i15":{"title":"Whiteflies on Greenhouse Crops","publisher":"UMass Amherst Greenhouse Crops & Floriculture","url":"https://www.umass.edu/agriculture-food-environment/greenhouse-floriculture/fact-sheets/whiteflies-on-greenhouse-crops"},"i16":{"title":"Broad Mites and Cyclamen Mites on Greenhouse Crops","publisher":"UConn Extension IPM","url":"https://ipm-cahnr.media.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/3216/2023/10/2023broadmitescyclamenmitesfinal.pdf"},"i17":{"title":"Biological Control of Aphids","publisher":"UConn Extension IPM","url":"https://ipm.cahnr.uconn.edu/ipm-biological-control-of-aphids/"},"i18":{"title":"Managing Mealybugs in the Greenhouse","publisher":"UConn Extension IPM","url":"https://ipm.cahnr.uconn.edu/managing-mealybugs-in-the-greenhouse/"},"i19":{"title":"Mealybugs (Pest Notes 74174)","publisher":"UC Statewide IPM Program","url":"https://ipm.ucanr.edu/pmg/pestnotes/pn74174.html"},"i20":{"title":"Biological Control of Mealybugs","publisher":"UConn Extension IPM","url":"https://ipm-cahnr.media.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/3216/2024/02/biologicacontrolofmealybugsfinal.pdf"},"i21":{"title":"Scales (Pest Notes)","publisher":"UC Statewide IPM Program","url":"https://ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/scales/"},"i22":{"title":"Scales on Houseplants","publisher":"Cornell University (eCommons)","url":"https://ecommons.cornell.edu/bitstream/handle/1813/14350/Scales%20on%20Houseplants.pdf?sequence=2"},"i23":{"title":"Scales","publisher":"University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension Horticulture","url":"https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/scales/"},"i24":{"title":"Leafminer Pests of Greenhouse Crops","publisher":"UConn Extension IPM","url":"https://ipm.cahnr.uconn.edu/leafminer-pests-of-greenhouse-crops/"},"i25":{"title":"Managing Shore Flies in the Greenhouse","publisher":"UConn 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