The saddleback caterpillar is interesting to look at, but it can deliver a painful sting to the curious handler. EXTENSION SERVICE PHOTO Visit the Photo Place

Beware of bugs that bite

Avoid stinging caterpillars

Date published: 8/11/2006

COMMON INSECTS to avoid at this time of year are yellow jackets and the other solitary and social wasps. They usually hang out around eaves and windowsills of homes and sheds.

But there are other, less common insects in the garden to avoid, as well, including wheel bugs and stinging caterpillars.

The wheel bug is very unusual-looking. From the side it looks as though it has a large watch cog imbedded in its back. Wheel bugs have strong, piercing mouth parts and can deliver a painful bite to the unsuspecting person who handles them.

Wheel bugs do not seek out people to bite, but are content to roam the garden ecosystem searching for their insect prey. For this reason they should be left alone, as they are very efficient pest killers.

Stinging caterpillars can deliver a very nasty "bite" when handled or brushed. These insects have special hairs on their body that help them deal with predators. If these hairs penetrate the skin of a curious handler and break off, an irritating fluid is released. This results in an itching, burning feeling that lasts for about two hours.

Most stinging caterpillars are black and white, with long, droopy hairs. There is also a smooth one that is green and white. It has a distinctive saddle-like marking on its back, and for this reason is called the saddleback caterpillar. These insects are making their appearance now--as are the more common wooly bear caterpillars--and should be avoided.

Yellow jackets are another pest to avoid. The best way to do that is through good sanitation. They seek protein and sweets. Keep trash cans well-covered, and clean up old fruit or other sources of food.

Fall bulb planting

This time of year usually finds large home and garden stores offering some great bargains on bulbs for the fall planting season. I have seen some wonderful assortments of bulbs for less than 15 cents apiece. When garden shops are selling the same Dutch bulbs for over 30 cents apiece, this is the time to buy.

Once you get them home, a little preparation will bring you a colorful spring garden. Good drainage is key. If your soil is high in clay, mix in a little organic matter such as compost or peat moss to help it drain better.

MAC SAPHIR is an agent in Virginia Cooperative Extension's Bowling Green office who specializes in crop and soil science. The office is at 111-B Ennis St. Contact him by phone at 804/633-6550; by fax at 804/633-2429; or by e-mail at msaphir@vt.edu.

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Date published: 8/11/2006