It looks kinda' like an immature wheel bug which is a good bug, except it doesn't have much of an up-turned abdomen. It's so hard to tell the immature wheel bugs and other assassin bugs from the immature leaf footed bug. There's got to be a way to tell them apart. What do some of you think? If no one on here can say try posting the picture on the Insect Forum.

Can't tell what the top is... it looks like some sort of fly pupa. The bottom, on the other hand, are mealybugs that need to be destroyed! Put out some ant bait out while you're at it since they protect the mealies. -Tom ::EDIT:: Yeah, the bottom is cotton cushion scale, oops. Either way, they're bad!

No idea. I would return to the nurseries and show them exactly what you are talking about. Normally, if I do not observe them causing damage for several minutes, I then ignore them. Yeah, I know; hee hee hee. not a very scientific approach but oh well..... Like I said before, go back to the nurseries ad show them. If you find out this way, post an update.

Hi Natasha. Great questions. My hope is that it is never bad enough that I need to use Bayer again! The active ingredient in it kills all sorts of beneficial bugs (and bees) too... and I really try my best not to use pesticides. If I only saw 12 or so in a hole I would feel really good about just using predator nematodes. I'm applying predator nematodes in about 2 weeks, then again in about a month. It is warm enough here to apply them now, but I just applied horticultural oil for the first time to some roses and citrus so I want to give that some time since the oil could smother the beneficial nematodes too. Have you gotten any rain in Phoenix? I think the reason why the nematodes didn't work that well in the fall for me is because the ground was just too dry. It needs to be wet in order for them to move around and get the grubs. At least 6 inches down. FINALLY after all the rain we have had it is wet about 6 inches down here now. If you're thinking about nematodes, I would say go for it! Just make sure to apply them when there has been some rain to make it easier on yourself and your water budget (that way you don't have to soak the soil in order to water them in). Good luck!