Question: Our hibiscus plants have aphids in the tips of the shoots. How do we control them without affecting the bees? Answer: Curling leaves and stunted shoots are often signs aphids are sucking ...

Garden columnist Dan Gill answers readers' questions each week. To send a question, email Gill at [email protected]. My problem is with black stuff on my crape myrtles' leaves and bark. It ...

Dear Master Gardener: I had a hibiscus on my patio last summer and brought it in for the winter. Now it has little specks all over it and they move, so I suspect I have some sort of insect pest. What ...

You love caring for your plant babies in your garden and harvesting fresh fruits, veggies, herbs and flowers all summer. Although you diligently maintain your plants’ health, sometimes they can ...

Crape myrtles are commonly attacked by crape myrtle aphids. This often leads to a black fungus, called sooty mold, forming on leaves and branches in mid- to late summer. Control these insects by ...

Q: During the first year with my apricot tree, I sprayed it with soapy water to control aphids. Every day I check the leaves, but the apids never stop. Is this good a spray to use? A: Soap sprays are ...

Scout for aphids on fruit trees at least twice a week. The first place to check is on the undersides of leaves at the ends of twigs and branches. Aphid feeding can cause leaves to curl or twist. It ...

* Healthy, fertilized hibiscus plants often tolerate insect attacks. Orthene and an unscented liquid detergent soap control most hibiscus pests. The honey-like secretions of several insects can ...

Ladybugs are among the most efficient of the beneficial insects, particularly for home gardeners. The adults and larvae feed voraciously on aphids and mites, among other plant pests. Dean Fosdick ...