Featured Pests

This is a new and important pest of apples, blueberries and other deciduous plants, especially in Southeastern New England. They can severely reduce yields and/or defoliate bushes. Moths emerge from the soil usually in late November and may be active into January.

Lyme disease is an infection caused by the corkscrew-shaped bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi. In the northeast, the bacteria are transmitted to humans by the bite of infected deer ticks, Ixodes scapularis. The infection can cause serious long-term joint, heart and nervous system problems, if not recognized and treated early.

As the day light hours become shorter, we prepare for winter and so do other species. Very noticeable these days are insect species that prepare for winter by invading our houses. The primary invaders are the cluster fly, box elder bug, the Asian multicolored ladybird beetle and the ferocious looking western conifer seed bug.

Heracleum mantegazzianum Sommier & Levier (Apiaceae)

Giant Hogweed was recently found at three sites in Granville, Massachusetts. This is a nasty plant. It is invasive: dispersing through seeds and by spreading roots. When the sap contacts skin and reacts with light, large, liquid filled blisters result. The infestation in Granville was started by an enthusiastic gardener, but now has spread into neighboring areas and along the roadway. It is very likely to be found in other sites in Massachusetts and it should be eradicated.