Class Preview: CSI for Bugs

You didn't see it, but you know it's been there. The tiny pest that's inhabiting your plant has yet again left its mark. Try as you might to seek out and identify the little bugger, all that is left is another discolored leaf or flower and your irrevocable frustration.

Do you give up? Allow the pest to feast? Hire a private investigator? No need. On June 15 you can become the private investigator when you attend our instructive class, CSI for Bugs: Honing Your Diagnostic Skills. Michael J. Raupp, Professor of Entomology and Extension Specialist from the University of Maryland will instruct the class, which will be held at the Fort Dupont Activity Center from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m.

Thrips are only one milimeter long, but they can discolor your plant significantly. Photo credit: Maximilian Paradiz

Throughout the evening, you will learn how to identify pests and insects based on the evidence they leave behind. If leaf discoloration is the problem, you'll learn what clues to look for: if there are streaks, for example, you're probably dealing with thrips. In addition to discoloration, the class will also cover distorted plant parts, eggs, and other common types of damage.

Learning to identify the perpetrator is an important step in effectively getting your plant's pest problem under control. At the end of the evening, you will get to put your new skills to the test with a field activity. We know all the evening's talk about your pests' dining habits may make you hungry, so don't worry. A light dinner will be provided.

Register online for the CSI: Honing Your Diagnostic Skills class. Space is limited and registration is required. You can also read about instructor Michael J. Raupp's Bug of the Week here.  Also don't forget to check out the rest of our upcoming events. We hope to see you June 15 at this fun and informative event!