Remedies:

Malathion

Insecticidal Soap

Neem Oil

These insects can be identified on crape myrtles and gardenias by a black, sooty mold that appears on the top side of the leaves and small branches in late summer or fall. The mold results from a non-parasitic fungus which grows on "honey dew" excretions from the aphids. It is a common problem on crape myrtle when the crape myrtle aphid is not controlled. The unsightly coating of the sooty mold fungus can be easily wiped or washed from the plant parts. It does not damage the shrub or tree unless it coats the tree heavily. We usually leave these insects alone as the problem occurs late in the season just before dormancy.

Remedies:

Triazicide

Insecticidal Soap

Scale insects are very small, soft-bodied pests that secrete a protective covering over their bodies. These coverings vary in color from white to red to black. Some are flattened while others are more turtle-shaped. This covering protects the scale and makes control difficult. Scale insects are most easily controlled when insecticide applications are timed for the first instars or "crawler" stage of the scale. We've seen these insects most on euonymus and camellia.

Fire ants pose a medical threat to people and animals. Their mounds also detract from the appearance of the landscape and can damage lawn care equipment. For the homeowner, we suggest individual mound treatment using acephate dust. In the late afternoon or evening, apply dust on top and around mound at rate recommended on container and in the morning the entire mound will be dead. Do not water chemical in. Do not disturb the mound. Acephate is more effective than any other product we have tried. One can treats from 54 to 108 mounds.

Remedies:

To control the Japanese Beetle grub:

Triazicide Granules

These insects are primarily found on azaleas. Presence of lace bugs can be identified when the leaves on your azaleas have tiny white spots on the upper leaf surface and black or brown spots on the lower leaf surface. Lace bugs can be controlled with sprays such as Sevin or Malathion. The systemic product imidacloprid (Bayer Advanced Shrub and Tree Insect Killer) also will control these pests. Make 2 applications at a 10 day interval with all products except Bayer in which one early spring application should be sufficient.

Slugs rasp on leaves, stems, flowers and roots. They produce holes in the leaves or just scar the leaf surface. Small seedlings in the garden can be especially vulnerabIe to these creatures. Silvery slime trials are evidence of slug infestations. Beer traps are very effective in controlling slugs. Empty cans buried up to the lip and partially filled with beer can be effective slug traps. Beer should be changed every few days to remain effective. You can also place jar lids on the ground or patio and fill them with beer.

Spider mites, often called "red spiders," are most often found on the backs of leaves. They are so small they can barely be seen with the unaided eye. We see them more on junipers than any other plant. If you notice junipers turning yellow or brown it may be evidence of spider mites. To be sure, shake the foliage over a sheet of white paper. If you see small red specks crawling around on the paper these are spider mites. Treat plants as soon as possible with insecticide following instructions on package label.