Regarding its pests, the Northeast region of the United States has a vast diversity. Several states, including New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine, are covered by insects in New England. There are many habitats for pests in the area, some of which are coastal and some of which are densely forested. These insects not only bother humans, but they may also harm crops and seriously infest trees.
The insects of New England exhibit a range of offensive tactics. Many bothersome insects will visit the home garden, but borers and other bugs are also prey in larger wild areas. Recognize the local flying and crawling creatures and be aware of the best course of action to minimise any potential harm.
Insect Pests in the Vegetable Garden
Gardeners who grow food understand the need to protect their vegetables from pests. Insects such as Japanese beetles, Colorado potato beetles, tomato worms, and Mexican bean beetles can all be hand-picked from plants because they are so large. But smaller pests like aphids require organic control such as gardening soap. Row covers are an excellent way to protect vegetables from small pests such as flea beetles. Removing old vegetation reduces the habitat of insect eggs and larvae. Insects, such as the European corn borer and squash bug, overwinter in old plant debris. Diatomaceous earth is an effective deterrent to slugs and snails that eat the leaves of the plant.
Lawn Insects in the Northeast
Insects can pose a health hazard in New York and other Northeastern states. Many home gardeners have to deal with larger pests like gophers and moles, but bugs can cause the most devastating damage. Many types of caterpillars live under the grassroots. Some of them eat leaves, others eat roots. Their tunneling behavior disrupts roots and causes sod areas to die off. Brown spots in the grass indicate a possible caterpillar infestation. Cream-colored Japanese beetle larvae are often the culprits, but acid webworms may also be present. Other insects found in sod are chin bugs, bluegrass bull bugs, crane flies and cutworms.
Northeast Pests of Trees
New England has many beautiful and historic forests. Unfortunately, their health is threatened by pests, many of which are not native. The spotted lanternfly is one of these and it can kill a heavily infested tree. Abnormal formations on the cheeks or torso may indicate the possibility of dangerous mites. Many forms of caterpillars feed on plants and damage the health of trees. Borer plants are particularly dangerous, as they burrow into the interior of the tree, disrupting the flow of nutrients and water. These are some common tree pests:
- Mount Katni scale
- Bronze birch borer
- Spinal worm
- Eastern tent caterpillar
- Brown stink bug
- Cyst worm
- Spruce spider mite
- White pine weevil
- European pine soufflé
- Carpenter ants
- Birch leaf miner
- Emerald ash purier
Although some insects prefer a particular type of tree, there are many insects that have equal chances of infesting different species. Control is often done by spraying. In larger trees, a contracting professional is often the best method of control. Some systemic insecticides may also provide relief.