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Assassin Bug Assassin bugs are beneficial insects. There are hundreds of species of assassin bugs. Assassin bugs have broad bodies and narrow heads with a sharp curved proboscis—like a beak–which they use to impale their prey—thus the name assassin bug. Assassin bugs feed on aphids, cabbage worm, Colorado potato beetles, cucumber beetles, cutworms, earwigs, Japanese

Tachinid fly The tachinid fly is a beneficial insect. Tachnid fly larvae are parasitic; they feed on the living tissue and vital organs of many caterpillars including cabbage worms, cutworms, corn ear worms, sawfly larvae, and tobacco budworms. They also feed on Colorado potato beetles, cucumber beetles, Japanese beetles, and Mexican bean beetles. Adult tachinid

Roasted butternut squash Small winter squashes such as butternut, Delicata, and acorn can be roasted in halves to serve right in the shell. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Halve the squash and scoop out the seeds. No need to remove the skin. Place the halves cut side up on an oiled rimmed baking sheet or

Soldier beetle The soldier beetle is a beneficial insect. Both adult and especially larvae soldier beetles are voracious eaters preying on insect pests including cucumber beetles, corn rootworms, aphids, grasshopper eggs, caterpillars, and beetle larvae. A second common name for the soldier beetle is leatherwings. Attract soldier beetles to the garden by planting goldenrod, milkweed

Praying mantis Praying mantids (plural praying mantis) are mostly beneficial insects. Praying mantids eat aphids, asparagus beetles, caterpillars, Colorado potato beetles, earwigs, leafhoppers, Mexican bean beetles, and squash bugs. Praying mantids also eat beneficial insects, butterflies, and bees. Attract praying mantids to the garden by planting shrubs and perennials that provide strong stems and branches

Bindweed Bindweed is a perennial vine with round white blossoms. There are two common species of bindweed: field bindweed and hedge bindweed. Bindweeds look somewhat like morning glories. Description and Life Cycle: Field and hedge bindweed have stems 3 to 10 feet long. Stems are smooth and climb or lie prostrate on the ground. Leaves

Crabgrass Crabgrass is an annual summer weed. It infests lawns, vegetables gardens, ornamental gardens, orchards, and vineyards. Description and Life Cycle: Plant 4/5 to 1⅓ inch tall. Stems (called culms) are erect and prostrate. Flat, pale green leaves, either smooth or covered with coarse hairs; membranous sheath on the inside of leaf blade. Leaves alternate

Harlequin bug Harlequin bugs are shield- shaped, have black-and-orange or black-and-red  triangles on the back, and are about ¼-inch long. The harlequin bug is a type of stink bug; it releases a foul odor when disturbed. Harlequin bugs–also called shield bugs–suck plant sap from cabbage-family crops and other vegetables. Harlequin bugs overwinter in garden debris

Beet armyworm Beet armyworm caterpillars are green with yellow undersides and dark green and yellow stripes. Fall armyworms are shiny brown with black heads and yellow stripes down their backs with a V-shaped white mark on the head. Armyworms are active at night and on overcast days. They get their name from their habit of