All articles tagged with #pests
The USDA confirmed a New World screwworm infection in a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas, and launched a 12-mile infested zone with quarantines, border traps, and an Incident Command Team to eradicate the parasite; a sample is being validated by the NVSL, and authorities note thousands of cases in Mexico and the potential risk to livestock and rare human infections.
North Carolina State University researchers confirmed Prionus imbricornis as the beetle driving blueberry losses in North Carolina—the first verified NC sighting—with larvae that feed on roots. Traps across six farms captured over 5,000 beetles and genetic sequencing linked the larvae to the adults. The findings, published in the Journal of Integrated Pest Management, should improve pest identification and help guide future control efforts, though effective treatments and timing remain under study as North Carolina remains a major blueberry producer.
Ginger, known for its antimicrobial properties, can be used in gardening to combat root rot, fight pests, and act as a natural fertilizer. To incorporate ginger into your garden, make ginger water by boiling grated ginger root and mixing it with water. Use this ginger water to water your plants, directing it around the roots. The leftover ginger peels can be added to your compost pile in moderation.
A video of a strawberry under a microscope has revealed the presence of small mites crawling on it, which are likely species of small mites that live on strawberries and their plants. While some larger insects lay their eggs inside strawberries, there is no evidence suggesting that these mites are damaging to human health.