Question From: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Q: nancy- a few months ago i bought pussywillows from the local acme store - they are real pussy willows and i am enjoying them; however, i notice tiny tiny tiny brownish-yellow critters that fly on the branches and on the puffy part of the willow itself. they crawl and fly - and are almost invisible to the naked eye - but they stick to the branches - and i notice that one thick branch has a pod - are they gestating? i have killed several - and wonder if and how to get rid of them...the pod first? or let them be? they are more annoying than harmful - are these called thrips?
A: Google photos of thrips for a positive ID. They will damage plants so you should not ignore them. The pod is not the source of the thirps. Its probably a type of moth or maybe even a praying mantis. Take it to an independent nursery or garden center for an accurate ID. They can also recommend a pesticide for the bug issue. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy
