Pest and Diseases

Horticultural pest and diseases

Native bees are not affected by varroa mite (Supplied by Denis Crawford of Graphic Science)
Environment & SustainabilityPest and Diseases

The impact of varroa mite

By Denis Crawford

Varroa mite, the invasive parasite of European honey bees, has been detected in NSW. The current outbreak is very concerning but is there possibly a silver lining to this outbreak?

At the time of writing this article, the NSW outbreak of varroa mite (Varroa destructor) appears to be contained.… Continue reading

Read More
Sap-sucking harlequin bugs cluster together as early-stage nymphs
Environment & SustainabilityPest and Diseases

Understanding insect life cycles

By Denis Crawford

There is more than one type of insect life cycle. Understanding the life cycles of insects can help when managing pests and/or encouraging beneficial insects.

Control pest caterpillars before they reach full size
Control pest caterpillars before they reach full size (Supplied by Denis Crawford of Graphic Science)

In Pest Files of April this year I described the insect life cycle of ‘complete metamorphosis’ or holometabolous development, from egg to larva to pupa to adult.… Continue reading

Read More