MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Help Identifying an Insect in My Home

Question: Hello, i submitted a query here a few minutes ago, but thought i'd add another picture, with a ruler, for some perspective... As i previously posted here, i have some insects that seem to invade my porch. this happened last summer, and again this summer. They look like little ants, but have wings, or grow wings as they migrate onto my porch floor. They're only around 1/8" long, with a slightly wider wingspan.
My biggest concern is that these ants, or insects may be breeding under my porch (it's over 100 years old) and eating the wood structure under the floor.
i have collected specimens, and am hoping that you can help me to get them identified. I can bring the sample specimens wherever i need to have someone look at them.

responder: Linda G Tenneson, Benton County Extension Master Gardener & Tree Care Advisor Replied July 11, 2024, 4:45 PM EDT
response: First of all, these questions are assigned by computer to U of MN Extension volunteers. Your first question was likely assigned to someone else.  Unless you can catch a live ant in a plastic bag or container and then freeze it, it is hard to identify because various body parts are damaged while capturing/executing the ant.   Using this web pages, I think you have ants rather than termites.  https://entomology.k-state.edu/outreach-and-services/diagnostician/lab-news/winged-ants-vs-termites.html From this web site, winged carpenter ants are a likely candidate. Both of these web pages suggest insecticides that may be used to remove them.  https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/winged-carpenter-ants https://extension.colostate.edu/topic-areas/insects/carpenter-ants-5-554 https://extension.umn.edu/insects-infest-homes/carpenter-ants

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 13, 2024, 9:05 AM EDT
response: Hello, I just wanted to thank you for the information, i think you're right! You people are wonderful, and have helped me several times over the last 40 years or so!
Pruning ribbon grass

Question: I have several ribbon grass plants that have gotten so big they are taking up space in the walking path to our front door. Is it OK to cut them back now (mid-July)? Any suggestions? Thanks!

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 12, 2024, 12:59 PM EDT
response: Hi Meg,  I did a bit of reading and most sources recommend the best time to prune such ornamental grasses is early spring to allow for rebounding new growth to appear and revitalize the plant. Short answer, I believe you can prune lightly the most offending parts of the plant now (the parts encroaching on your walkway) or remove clumps closest to the walkway and allow for the plants to spread in the following season to fill in. Here are some good sources I found to read more:  https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g6661#Ribbon https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2023-06-01-it-too-late-cut-back-ornamental-grasses#:~:text=Cutting%20the%20grass%20late%20in,leaf%20tips%20are%20more%20rounded. Long story short, I think its a less than ideal time to cut back, but it can be done if you are ok sacrificing some of the aesthetic value on your way to a more manageable bed next season!  Best,  Kristin

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 12, 2024, 3:10 PM EDT
response: Thank you, Kristin. Your response is very helpful.   —Meg  Sent from my iPad  On Jul 12, 2024, at 1:00 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:    ﻿
Help identify pest/disease

Question: I am attaching photo of this leaf pest. Any advice for treating the plant?

responder: UVM Extension Master Gardener Program Volunteer  Replied July 11, 2024, 9:17 PM EDT
response: Dear Robin:  Thanks for contacting the UVM Extension Master Gardener Helpline regarding the  problem with your plant. Please tell us what the plant is so we can focus on issues with the particular plant.  We look forward to hearing from you.  Regards,  Pat  ,

responder: UVM Extension Master Gardener Program Volunteer  Replied July 15, 2024, 9:44 PM EDT
response: Dear Robin:  The UVM extension plant pathologist identified the plant in your pictures as rudbeckia that has been affected by the rudbeckia psyllid nymph.  To control it, she suggests that you could try Neem or insecticidal soap. We attach a link to a resource that provides additional information.  https://ag.umass.edu/greenhouse-floriculture/photos/rudbeckia-psyllid-nymph#:~:text=Rudbeckia%20psyllid%20nymphs%20cause%20large,and%20sucking%20out%20plant%20juices.  Good luck.  Pat

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 15, 2024, 9:57 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much Pat!     From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Monday, July 15, 2024 9:44 PM To: Robin Matathias <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Help identify pest/disease (#0146760)     You don't often get email from <personal data hidden>. Learn why this is important       CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the University System. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Issue on silky dogwood leaves

Question: We have a row of silky dogwoods many of which have purple spots on their leaves. They were planted about a little less than 2 years ago. What is wrong with them and what needs to be done if anything?

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 11, 2024, 1:34 PM EDT
response: This type of leaf spot infection is fairly common on several dogwood species (including Silky, Cornus amomum), and despite being an eyesore, fortunately they don't tend to cause serious long-term damage to the plant. Treatment is not needed, nor would use of a fungicide provide much benefit at this stage, since it can only protect healthy growth from infection (and sometimes fails, at that); it cannot cure existing disease. Additionally, we seldom recommend fungicides since they may risk harm to other organisms, including pollinators visiting flowers in a treated area. When they are warranted, treatment begins in the spring and several applications of fungicide tend to be needed well into the summer.  It's hard to say what pathogen is responsible since symptoms from one agent to another can overlap greatly; leaf spots can be fungal or bacterial in origin, though fungal is more common. Elsinoe Leaf Spot, for example, can be common on its relative Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida), and while this spotting may be due to a different fungus, it can't be ruled-out here. In either case, as the leaves shed this autumn, you can rake them up and dispose of them (don't compost) in order to reduce the spore presence for next year's disease cycle. That is not a foolproof solution, though, and reinfection might occur anyway from spores blown-in on the wind. Years with wet spring weather, as we experienced this year before drought set in, tend to increase the likelihood of infection. Since weather can be highly influential in plant disease development, one year's outbreak won't necessarily result in as heavy an infection the next year.  For now, just monitor the plant for watering needs and irrigate as needed to minimize stress on the shrub, since Silky Dogwood naturally grows in habitats that tend to stay evenly moist and our ongoing drought is stressing lots of plants in the landscape.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 16, 2024, 5:06 PM EDT
response: Thanks so much.Susan  On Jul 11, 2024, at 1:34 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 16, 2024, 5:35 PM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Fell  from Ceiling

Question: Attached is a picture of something that fell from the ceiling that was alive.Is this a fruit fly?Prior to today, I have been having problems daily with things falling from the ceiling that appear white.What could that be and what can I do to not have this problem?Where are they coming from?Recently I found out that the neighbor's apartment that is across the hall from me was infested.The hallways are inside here.Could bugs from her apartment be traveling to my apartment?What can I do to prevent this?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 16, 2024, 4:05 PM EDT
response: The insect you show is not a fruit fly.  Fruit flies are small, gnat sized (approximately 2 mm) flies usually with transparent wings and conspicuous red eyes.  I can't tell you from the photo what the insect is due to a lack of detail and interference from the bag.  Regarding the things falling from the ceiling that appear to be white—I'm afraid our focus here is on horticulture and horticultural pests.  I can't begin to guess what might be causing the falling white debris.  I'm similarly limited on speculating about bugs traveling from your neighbor's apartment to yours.    Rick Coke

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 16, 2024, 4:37 PM EDT
response: Thanks for your response. What else could this be falling from the ceiling?  What can be done to stop this?  I sweep and mop often during the week   Sometimes the dead tiny insects on the floor appear tiny and either black or tan. Some appear white and some appear to look like a rice shape and white.  What could this be?  Who can I contact to treat my apartment for this qa the apartment complex pest services have not helped.  I also periodically use cedarcide and have fogged a few times using cedarcide.  Bridget    On Tue, Jul 16, 2024, 3:05 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Weeds or plants?

Question: I have several weeds/plants in my landscaping that I would like help identifying. I have attached pictures. Also, if you have know any info on them (e.g., invasive, how to remove if weeds, etc.), it would be much appreciated. Thanks!

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied July 11, 2024, 8:58 AM EDT
response: Good Morning Jessy,  Thank you for contacting the U of M Extension Service.  The first photo on the left is garden phlox. Please click on the following link about garden phlox: https://extension.umn.edu/flowers/tall-garden-phlox The photo on the right with the pointed flower stem is Culver's Root: https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/gardening-shade#tall-perennials-1424063 Here is another link: https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/culvers-root It is a great native plant.  The third photo is germander: https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/germander Also a native plant.  Here is another link about creating much needed pollinator landscapes: https://extension.umn.edu/lawns-and-landscapes/flowers-pollinators All three of these plants support pollinators. I would not pull them out. You are supporting pollinators! Good Luck!

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 11, 2024, 1:01 PM EDT
response: This is amazing! Thank you SO much!! I really appreciate the quick response. I will be leaving them, enjoying the fact that they are native pollinators and that I now know what they are :)  On Thu, Jul 11, 2024 at 7:58 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Maureen Graber  Replied July 12, 2024, 9:57 AM EDT
response: You are welcome!
Green pepper plant issue

Question: One of my bell pepper plants is producing peppers with bad spots.
See attached photo. 
Please advise. 
Thank you!

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 10, 2024, 6:07 PM EDT
response: These symptoms look sunscald or blossom end rot, both of which are caused by environmental stress and not a pest or disease. In this heat wave, providing a little bit of shade for the plant might help it avoid more sunscald, and for blossom end rot, several management tips are included in the linked page. (What actions to take may depend on whether the plant is in a pot or in the ground. A container-grown pepper can be moved into a spot with some afternoon shade, at least temporarily, but one in the ground may need a piece of shade cloth draped over it.)  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 10, 2024, 10:08 PM EDT
response: Hi Miri, Thank you!  That's most helpful.  Lee

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 11, 2024, 8:58 AM EDT
response: You're welcome.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 11, 2024, 11:34 AM EDT
response: Good morning! Yes, I did receive your original reply.   I was just acknowledging receipt and thanking you for your time and effort.   You answer gave me exactly what I needed.   Thank you again!   On Wed, Jul 10, 2024, 6:07 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 11, 2024, 12:01 PM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Should I be concerned About these black carpet beetles?

Question: Recently, with this excessive heat wave, I suddenly have dozens of Brown dermestid beetles in my house. Especially in my bedroom and kitchen where there is light at night. 

In my bedroom they are all over the ceiling walls falling on me while sleeping, etc. at first I started to freak out, but then when I was outside, I realized they were flying everywhere and they were attracted to the light and we’re coming through the screen. I live on a farm outside of Selma OR. They are between 1mm and 2 mm long.

Should I be concerned that this can cause an infestation or something like that? Or is this just because of the heat wave and they’ll just go away on their own?

responder: Bill Gerth  Replied July 17, 2024, 3:26 AM EDT
response: Hi Soleil, I can't tell for sure from your photo, but I don't think the beetles you are finding are black carpet beetles and I can't even be sure that they are Dermestid beetles. Black carpet beetles are typically larger than 1-2mm long and look a bit different than the ones in your photo. Here is a link to a photo of a black carpet beetle for comparison... https://bugguide.net/node/view/95165/bgimage  Before trying to figure out what to do about your beetles, it would be a good idea to get a confirmed ID.  To get an ID, you could take some of the beetles to your local county OSU Extension office or you could send some specimens to us at the OSU Plant Clinic. If you'd like to send them to the Plant Clinic, here is a link to instructions for submitting a sample.... https://bpp.oregonstate.edu/how-submit-insect-and-spider-materials

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 21, 2024, 11:56 PM EDT
response: ﻿Hello Bill,  I was mistaken about their size, I would say that they are about 3mm long. I couldn’t find my measuring tape. Based on all the photos that I’ve seen I’m fairly certain that they are dermestids, I was looking at other possibilities…I have actually quite a lot of experience identifying insects (I was good friends for almost 2 decades with a professional entomologist so I spent a lot of time looking at bugs) in the pictures I sent the beetles head isn’t visible, but when it is it looks just like the picture you provided.  Here is a close up, but I can try taking more pictures…   Really my main concern is: do I need to be worried about an infestation? Dermestids can be extremely destructive. Do you know if they tend to just go away on their own or is this something I’m gonna have to deal with?  Thanks so much for all of your help.  Best wishes, Soleil    On Jul 17, 2024, at 12:26 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: Bill Gerth  Replied July 26, 2024, 1:38 PM EDT
response: Hi again, Soleil, Ok, so assuming your ID is correct, here is a link to a webpage from Penn State Extension that has great information about black carpet beetles. It also has information about getting black carpet beetle infestations under control if you think that is necessary... https://extension.psu.edu/black-carpet-beetle Best wishes!
Dying phlox

Question: Hello! Last year, one of my flocks plants died after struggling the year prior.   This year, a flux two plants over, appears to have the same disease. And another flocks that has been thriving for years about 5 feet away appears to be catching it as well. Help please! I love my phlox and something is killing them!  Jenny

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied July 11, 2024, 1:54 PM EDT
response: It looks like your phlox is suffering from iron chlorosis. Basically, it is a nutrient deficiency.  Your phlox is planted in rocks and my guess is there is a layer of plastic under those rocks making it difficult for the plants to receive much water or nutrients. They are also experiencing the heat from the rocks.  You could try spraying them with a foliar plant food for a temporary fix but over the long run, they will not do well in this environment.  https://extension.umn.edu/flowers/tall-garden-phlox https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/help-for-the-home-gardener/advice-tips-resources/insects-pests-and-problems/environmental/iron-chlorosis

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 11, 2024, 2:39 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your response. Are there any other possible options? The bigger plant has been there for five years and has gotten probably six times the original size and has thrived.  I think it receives quite a bit more sun, so that might be helpful. But they’re certainly getting plenty of water this year. It hasn’t been very hot either.    Get Outlook for iOS   From: ask=<personal data hidden> <ask=<personal data hidden>> on behalf of Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> Sent: Thursday, July 11, 2024 12:54:38 PM To: Jenny Andersen <<personal data hidden>> Subject: Re: Dying phlox (#0146600)

responder: Deb Reierson  Replied July 12, 2024, 9:37 PM EDT
response: While it is true that we are getting lots of rain this year, that rain is not getting to your plants because it can’t seep through the plastic that is under the stones. They probably have a very small opening around them where they were planted.  You could try feeding them with a very weak fertilizer to help them in the short term but I don’t believe it will work over the long run. It’s worth a try.
Fetter bushes - dead

Question: Hi
We planted 4 Fetter Bush (Lyonia lucida) in the fall (a little raised out of the bed, with amendments, etc), watered carefully (not too much, not too little - used a moisture meter), did not water when lots of rain - but they have all just died. This is the second time we have tried in this spot with the same result (the first time we were told by the nursery it was possibly too much water - which is weird for a swamp loving plant). Soil is well drained. 
The spot gets lots of morning sun (it is hot in summer - could this be a problem? - as it is close to a wall), and no afternoon sun.

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 10, 2024, 4:02 PM EDT
response: Hi,  Unfortunately  when the plant is this far gone and dehydrated, we are unable to really know what the culprit could have been. Root rot is a possibility from too much water, as is under-watering. Moisture meters might not be reliably accurate. We haven't ran any tests on them to know for sure. Is there a roof overhang from the building? Even with the spring rains it could have been staying mostly dry if there is something overhead.Root rot can also occur on moisture-loving species if the soil pH (acidity level) or microbial community is off. You can have a laboratory soil test done to determine the pH level of the soil, but there is not a way to test for microbial activity. A soil test my be helpful though if that is the plant of choice and it has failed twice now. If the pH is not acidic enough, which might be due to the location by the building foundation, then root-rotting pathogens can take advantage of stressed roots. The morning sun while not as strong as afternoon may be heating up the brick wall and sidewalk enough to be too much for this plant species too.  Lyonia lucida looks a bit different than these leaves, and it's pretty rare in the nursery trade Might this be a Leucothoe instead? Both can go by the common name of Fetterbush.  Let us know if you have further questions or would like assistance reading the lab report and determining the best plant for that space. Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 10, 2024, 5:33 PM EDT
response: Yes, sorry, I meant  Leucothoe! 

Thanks for the reply. 

Tim







On Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at 04:02:52 PM EDT, Ask Extension <ask> wrote:</ask>

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 10, 2024, 6:10 PM EDT
response: You're welcome.