This Week's Observations

Pest Identification

Several insect specimens found in homes were presented for identification, including:

• A small (1–2 mm) strawberry root weevil. These are "accidental invaders" that do not burrow into wood or reproduce inside homes, but do feed on a wide range of weeds outdoors. Read more at this MSU link for Strawberry root wevil.
• A mysterious larva that could not be...

This Week's Observations

Diagnostic Issues

• Canaan Fir Tip Blight.  The diagnostic lab received Canaan fir samples showing tip dieback with Phomopsis/Diaporthe spores identified. The fungus is likely opportunistic, triggered by environmental stress (rain → drought cycles, cold, transplant stress). Stress likely predisposed seedlings, but is not considered ...

The Diagnostic Walkabouts for Green Industry professionals are a comprehensive, hands-on training. Participants examine and discuss plants, plant pests, plant diseases, landscape designs, and other points of interest.

A state-wide quarantine was announced on Spotted Lanternfly a week ago. What can a homeowner do now, this spring, this summer and in the fall to help control infestations on their property?

With the cold, long winter and heavy snow that stayed on the ground for a while, animals were looking for something to eat. As the snow goes away and temperatures moderate, there is evidence of animal dagame. The question is “Which animal?”

Gardening Planning and seed starting can be a fun activity to help break the winter blues, now is the time to start thinking about doing it.

Earlier today, the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) sent out a media release about the expansion of the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) quarantine. A copy of that media release is below. 

 

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) issued a statewide quarantine in Ohio for the invasive Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) effective February 17, 2026. Previously, 18 Ohio counties were under quarantine. 

 

Under the quarantine, products such as trees and nursery stock may not be moved out of Ohio without a compliance agreement, permit, or...

This conference brings together natural resource professionals/land managers from across the state to learn about the latest issues impacting our natural resources, current and applied research, and practical management strategies for both public and private lands.

The Ohio Biological Survey will be hosting their annual conference on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at the Mohican Lodge in NE Ohio. 

You may have noticed plants sparkling in the cold, crisp, still air just before dawn. It wasn’t Jack Frost. It was Hoarfrost. So, what is Hoarfrost? And are their different types of frost?