Plant questions

squash

What are the small black bugs on my squash flowers and stems?

Those tiny dark insects clustered on the buds and young stems are aphids. Rinse them off with a strong spray of water, then treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil if they keep coming back.

lantana

How do I get mealybugs out of my outdoor flower beds?

Mealybugs don’t really live freely in garden soil; they survive on plant roots and stems, so the key is to treat the plants (and any ant activity) thoroughly and repeatedly. Start by cutting back the worst‑infested growth, washing plants hard with water, then using a soapy spray or horticultural oil every 5–7 days until you see no new bugs.

zucchini

Are the small black insects on my zucchini leaves squash bugs?

These are not the typical gray, shield‑shaped squash bugs. They look like small slender plant bugs or thrips, which are usually much less serious. Check for real damage first, and only treat if leaves are actually being sucked dry or distorted; start with washing them off before using anything like diatomaceous earth.

apple tree

What are the insects eating my ripe apples on the tree?

Those look like wasps (or similar stinging insects) feeding on already damaged, over‑ripe apples. Remove damaged fruit and keep the area clean; if needed, use traps away from the tree rather than spraying the whole tree.

Are these orange long‑legged bugs on my plants good or bad?

This looks like a young assassin bug, which is a beneficial predator that eats other garden pests. Leave it in the garden, but avoid handling it because it can give a painful bite if disturbed.