Native Plants
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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
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Sunday - September 14, 2008
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Diseases and Disorders
Title: Insect infestation of plants, dog and home
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I have plants that some kind of bug is killing them, my fan plam, ficus tree and other plants. The leaves are drying up and falling off. Apparently, they also are infestion my apartment. I feel them crawling up me, in my bed and everywhere. My pour little dog is miserable with them on her too. Help, we're infested!! I've sprayed with pesticeds, usedthe grounded shell and fogged the apartment. I still have them!!! Help me please!ANSWER:
Our expertise here at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is in the sustainable use and conservation of native wildflowers, plants and landscapes. While we might try to determine the identification of insects that are associated with these native plants if we have a photograph or description of the insect, I'm afraid we can't be much help if we have neither a description nor a photo. We certainly have no expertise in identifying or exterminating insect pests infesting you, your dog, or your home. Mr. Smarty Plants suggests that you contact a pest extermination company that will come to your home and identify the pest and advise you how to deal with it.More Diseases and Disorders Questions
Red and black bugs on hibiscus
June 19, 2009 - I can't get your Keyword search to work.. I have tiny red and black bugs on my hibiscus. I have tried 2 different garden sprays and neither seems to kill the tiny bugs. They barely move on the pla...
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Need help with canker in willows in Flagstaff, AZ.
March 18, 2010 - We've got a lot of willows in high altitude desert conditions, irrigated. They've got canker and I want to know if there's anything I can paint on the pruning wounds when I go around trying to remo...
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Evergreen groundcover under pine tree in NY
May 23, 2008 - Hello! I live in upstate NY. I'm trying to find an evergreen ground cover to plant under a pine tree. I believe it's a white spruce (but I'm not postive). I've read conflicting information reg...
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Berry-looking parasites on live oak leaves
September 20, 2013 - Dripping Springs TX Live oaks. What are these berry looking parasites on my tree's leaves. As many as 4 1/4 in berries per leaf. I have 3 acres with dozens of liveoaks all having them on the leav...
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Problems with recently planted trumpet vine from Worcester MA
October 20, 2012 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, I have a question about my recently planted Trumpet Vines. First of all, I live in Massachusetts, zone 6. The soil is perfect for the two vines, which I bought from a local nur...
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