Today’s agricultural operations are plagued by more pests than ever before. From pests that thrive in high humidity, like termites and stinkbugs, to those that thrive in extreme temperatures, like freezing-point beetles and frost bugs. The result?
Agricultural operations are under attack from pests all year long and not just during the warmer months when most people are active outdoors. In order to prevent pest incursions into your operation orchardists must be able to identify potential problems early on so that preventive measures can be taken before problems become majorly problematic. Here are some of the most common pest issues we hope you never see:
Termites
Termites are some of the most common pests in the United States. They are found in most states and in excess of 90% of all homes have some level of infestation. These ants, which feed on wood, are very adaptable and commonly found across a variety of landscape structures and crops. The most beneficial control methods for termites include stucco, wood-foam insulation, wood structural components and wood-pallet products. However, if these methods are unsuccessful, pest control companies are available and licensed to treat your infestation.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes can be annoying, but they are mostly harmless. They are most active during the warmer months of the year, but they may also be found outdoors during other seasons. Wherever humans congregate or produce, mosquitoes can find you.
They are attracted to different types of humans, depending on age, gender, body type and health. There are many ways to prevent mosquito problems, but some are easier than others. Always wear insect repellent. Outdoor mosquito control measures include using mosquito-control chemicals, using mosquito screens, and using mosquito netting.
Black-Basset Hounds
Black-Basset Hounds are a common pest to peach orchards. These insect-eating birds feed primarily on locusts, caterpillars and other pests that can be a problem for farms and orchards. They prefer cultivated land to foraging in the wild, so finding one in your orchard is an unusual occurrence. They are a beautiful bird and can be very entertaining, but they are also problematic.
The threat they pose to peaches is two-fold. First, their droppings pose a potential threat to your orchard by damaging trees and spreading decay. Second, the damage they do could allow the spread of pests and diseases that can affect your trees. Black-Basset Hounds are a protected species in most areas, so humane trapping is the only option. If a black-bassyet hound has been a problem in your orchard, call a pest control company to trapping the bird.
Stinkbugs
Stinkbugs are some of the most common and troublesome insects in the United States. These insects feed on a variety of plants and crops, but stinkbugs are primarily found on apples and other soft fruits. The key to stinkbug control is to identify and understand the species that are a problem. Stinkbugs can cause damage to a variety of plants. Damage usually occurs when the insect is disturbed or when it is trying to feed. Stinkbugs are most often found on plants during the warm months, but they are generally nocturnal, which means they are most active at night.
Stinkbug damage is not serious and it is easily fixed. The best way to prevent stinkbugs from becoming a problem is to identify them early on. There are a few ways to do this. During the day, when the insects are most active, look for the telltale signs of stinkbug damage such as holes in leaves and flowers. Also, be on the lookout for stinkbugs as they move from plant to plant. If you see stinkbugs, you can be sure that there are others that have gone unnoticed.
Asian Longhorn Beetle
The Asian longhorn beetle is a serious threat to cotton crops, including cottonwood trees. This pest is well-adapted to survive in extreme temperatures and it feeds on a variety of plants. Most commonly, it damages cotton fields by feeding on the leaves of cotton plants, but it has also been reported to attack other plants, like fruit trees and ornamental shrubs.
Asian longhorn beetles are a serious threat to cotton crops and they are now widespread in the eastern United States. They are most damaging during the summer months, when temperatures are high, but damage can occur any time during the year. The best way to prevent damage caused by this pest is to identify it early on. Look for the characteristic damage, such as holes in leaves. Also, keep an eye out for the insects as they move from plant to plant, which can be a clue to their presence.
Bark Beetles
Bark beetles are common agricultural pests that feed on trees and shrubs, including fruit trees and ornamental plants. The damage they cause is usually caused by bark beetles exiting the plant and attacking other plants. The most common species of bark beetles in the United States are native and non-native. Non-native species are the most damaging because they do not feed on native plants and they are not dependent on weather patterns that are particular to the region.
The best way to prevent damage from bark beetles is to allow native plants to establish in your landscape. Once you have established these plants, they will serve as a buffer against damaging non-native insects. Also, if you notice damage to trees and shrubs in your landscape, look for beetles as they exit the plant. If beetles are present and you discover their exit holes, they should be removed.
Flea Beetles
Flea beetles are most common in the southern United State, but they can be found in other parts of the country. They feed on a variety of trees and shrubs, including fruit trees, ornamental plants and cotton crops. Flea beetles cause little actual damage to plants, but they can be a nuisance because they are attracted to light and are frequently found where outdoor lighting is present. There are a number of ways to prevent flea beetle problems, but the best way is to remove any infested plants from your landscape. Once you have removed any infested plants, you can prevent their reinfestation with the best defense being an offense approach. That is, use pesticides to kill the insects and prevent their entry into your landscape. When pesticides are not used, flea beetles are the most common pest in the United
Ice Borers
Ice bores are serious pests that damage plants, including fruit trees and ornamental plants. They are classified as winter annuals and occur in a number of different plant families. The damage they cause is usually caused by ice bores exiting the plant and attacking other plants. Ice bores are most damaging during the winter when the temperature drops below freezing, but they can occur at any time during the year. The best way to prevent ice bore problems is to identify the insect early on. Like flea beetles, ice bores are most damaging when they are unnoticed, so keep an eye out for them as they exit plants. Also, keep your landscape free of infested plants, which can help prevent their reintroduction.
Conclusion
The pests we discussed above are just a few of the many pests you will encounter when growing food in the tropics and temperate regions of the United States. The only way to prevent pest incursions into your operation orchardists must be to be able to identify potential problems early on so that preventive measures can be taken before problems become majorly problematic. The most effective way to prevent pest incursions is to communicate effectively with all the stakeholders on your operation, from the growers and handlers to the regulatory agencies to the pest control companies. Communicate early and often, and you will be able to prevent a majority of problems.
