The “voracious feeders of box,” a native to east Asia, were first discovered in the UK in 2011. Now prevalent in the home counties, it is spreading across south-east England.…
pests
Brown stink bugs pose a threat to the UK
The brown marmorated stink bug has infested large swathes of America, with further outbreaks reported in Italy and France. Authorities fear the bugs, which emit a stink of rotting rubbish…
Tree killer Dutch elm disease is back
Dutch elm disease, which wiped out 25 million UK elm trees 40 years ago, is back. And to make matters worse, it has been spotted in Brighton, home to the…
Product profile – wasp trap
SUNNY weather means outdoor dining, and you can ensure there are no uninvited guests at your picnic or barbecue with this wasp trap created by award-winning Swedish designer Matz Borgström.…
Michelle’s blog: Pest control
Pest Control The never-ending quest to combat garden pests is now in full swing, especially in my greenhouse. A few weeks ago I fumigated it with a garlic candle,…
Red alert over Monty Don’s lily beetle tip
Plant protection firms have accused Gardeners’ World presenter Monty Don of issuing biased advice on how to control a troublesome plant pest. On BBC2’s flagship show last Month, Monty told how…
Michelle’s blog: An investigation commences
Even though the weather has prevented me finishing my winter digging in borders, I did manage to venture into the greenhouse last weekend. Trying to stay busy I decided to…
‘Devastating’ fuchsia gall mite is killing plants
Fuchsias are being hit by a ‘devastating’ new pest that is set to spread throughout Britain. Fuchsia gall mite, which was unheard of in the UK before 2007, has become…
Insect repellent patio planter – reader offer
Keep bugs at bay the natural way, says Kris Nothing Spoils the memory of a summer evening in the garden, like waking up the following day covered in insect bites. Biting…
Fuchsias at risk from gall mite attack
Gardeners have been urged to exercise caution when sharing fuchsia plants and cuttings this autumn – due to the risk of spreading fuchsia gall mite. “This is a devastating pest…