Insects

  • Fly infestation on cow back

    As temperatures climb across Northeast Georgia, fly populations increase rapidly and become one of the most common summertime challenges for beef cattle producers. While flies are often viewed as little more than a nuisance, they can significantly reduce cattle performance and profitability if left unmanaged. An effective fly control program not only improves animal comfort…

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  • two brown winged planthoppers; one with closed wings and the other with open wings.

    A newly detected invasive insect in Georgia is raising concerns among agricultural officials and plant professionals due to its potential to damage a wide range of ornamental and fruit-producing plants. The Brown Winged Planthopper (Pochazia shantungensis), a species native to China, has recently been confirmed in Georgia and is now being monitored by researchers and…

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  • The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys, is an invasive pest that has become a significant issue for both agriculture and landscaping in the United States. Native to Asia, it was introduced in the mid-1990s and spread rapidly, largely due to its unique overwintering behavior. The BMSB seeks dark, dry areas like vehicles and…

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  • The Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA), in coordination with the USDA and the University of Georgia, announced the confirmation of the non-native Yellow-Legged Hornet (Vespa velutina) in Savannah, Georgia on the 9th of August. This is the first confirmed sighting of this hornet in Georgia. The Yellow-Legged Hornet is originally from Southeast Asia and can…

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  • Fire ants are the most common insect pest of home lawns. Fire ant control is a never-ending battle in the South, but there are steps you can take to keep your lawn and landscape relatively free of these troublesome pests. The easiest, cheapest, most effective thing you can do to control fire ants is to…

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  • Flies can be a pesky pest, especially indoors. Although they may occur year-round, the usual abundance of ripening produce this season in many homes tend to attract more fruit flies. Fresh fruits and vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet, so don’t let fruit flies deter you from eating right. Here are a…

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  • The onset of cooler temperatures often brings unwanted pests into our homes.  Several species of ants look to enter homes during colder weather to overwinter. Also, more pleasant temperatures outside bring people outdoors which can mean more interaction with wasps and yellowjackets.  The following article by Emily Cabrera, public relations coordinator for the integrated Pest…

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