Pest Identification Thread

Julia_G

I'd like to get this guy identified and if he is a pest or not, so thought to start a thread as the season is coming :)

I thought this might be just a butterfly, but then I found 3 of these caterpillars near each other, but IN the soil, as I was digging around today.

looksee

https://ukmoths.org.uk/species/agriphila-geniculea/larva/

I just did a reverse image search, I have no idea really. This looks like it though there are several very similar looking.

Ms2011

Could be a type of Webworm, there are some that survive on the roots of grass so can cause damage like brown areas.

81r2

https://www.irishmoths.net/pages-moth/m-672.html

Might this be the one? I personally cannot say. Just interested to find out.

Julia_G

I think yes, it looks like a moth! Interesting!

sarah88

Hi,

I've found a couple of these bugs in my polytunnel, I think they might be shield bugs according to google. Could anyone advice if they are likely to cause damage? I can't seem to find a definitive answer online.

Many thanks

blackbox

Yes. Definitely shield bugs.

They are generally considered do no damage.

sarah88

Thanks blackbox, would you know if it's the same story for the green version of these fella's? Generally harmless?

manonboard

Hey folks

I found these in two locations within my home. Behind furniture. Any idea what they are and if I need to call an expert in?

magicbastarder

Are they moths? Is there any wool in the furniture you moved?

Gen.Zhukov

Varied carpet beetle - A nasty infestation to have and is a long-term problem

looksee

Yes, you really have a problem with carpet beetles - my sister has spent at least 12 months trying to get rid of them, she has replaced all carpets (admittedly old and ready for replacement) with hard floors. You can get traps for them which at least show if they are still around (pheromone traps) but vaccuming, cleaning and getting rid of/hot washing infested fabrics/carpets/upholstery/furnishings/clothing is the only way to go. She has now pretty much suceeded but it has been a slog.

manonboard

Great. Thanks for the Info.

They must come from the couch as we don't have carpet.

The home was unoccupied for 8 weeks and we found them upon our return.

Gen.Zhukov

Don't be put off by their (stupid) name. From what I know, they love wooden floors and badly fitting skirting boards - The big issue that turns it into a war of attrition, is the fact that their eggs can lie dormant for years before hatching. This is the time of year for them

What are in your pics are either adults that came into the house or recent hatchees starting on their adult journey. The larvae are disgusting hairy little yokes and are basically eating machines that can munch through natural fibre cloths etc but will survive just fine eating the stuff on the floor (the same as ends up in a vac bag)

So you have to consider that the lads in pics were running amok while you were away and have laid lots more eggs around the place