Suddenly, there are thousands of caterpillars on the two huge trees and the leaves are all eaten. How do I get rid of them?
Bacillus thuringiensis or Bt are generally good treatment for caterpillars.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/prevent-caterpillars.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/tent-worms-control.htm
Some sort of rodent ate my beets while they were still in the ground. Each time I pulled one, it was half or more eaten. What could this be?
Voles, mice, rats, gophers or moles could be the culprits.
Here are some articles that will help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/mole-control.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/garden-mouse-control.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/eliminate-rats-in-gardens.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/vole-control.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/eliminate-gophers.htm
Why do you continue to recommend mothballs to repel animals such as raccoon? Mothballs are a federally regulated insecticide. This practice is against the law!
No, we do not recommend the use of Mothballs.
Here is a link with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/mothballs-in-gardens.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/getting-rid-raccoons.htm
The last couple of years my pear tree has been infested with stink bugs that ruin the fruit. They cause hard spots and misshapen pears that are unable to be used. This tree was labeled as a Bartlett pear when I bought it; however, the pears are like an Asian pear and have been very delicious in the past. The pears are not ready for picking usually before October.
I'm listing several links for you that will provide you more information.
https://extension.psu.edu/plants/gardening/fphg/stone/insect-and-mite-pests/plant-stink-bugs
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/pear/growing-pear-trees.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/pear/how-to-grow-an-asian-pear-tree.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/pear/fixing-pear-tree-problems.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/pear/pear-tree-diseases.htm
We have decided to remove two espalier apple trees that we've had for several years, as they are now, despite best efforts with various treatments, overcome with woolly aphid damage. However, we usually plant vegetables such as lettuce, beans, etc. in the same bed, as it has the best orientation. Will the bugs survive in the soil and destroy other plants also? Thank you, Barbara
There are numerous species of wooly aphids, but it sounds like you had the "wooly apple aphid" which feeds on apple tree bark and roots. It is generally not considered a foliar pest in vegetable gardens. That being said, you should be okay, unless you sprayed a chemical application that would affect the soil around the trees.
If you decide to replace your apple tree, choose one grafted onto a wooly apple aphid resistant rootstock.
Can Sevin granules be used on the ground under fruit trees before Plum Curculio emerges?
Here is a link that will help you with the proper course of treatment for Plum curculio.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/plum/plum-curculio.htm
I am tilling up 50 x 100 ft of grass for a vegetable garden and have noticed grubs in the soil. How concerned should I be? And is milky spore the only answer to get rid of them? Also, I cannot afford to fence it in. Are there any ways to detour woodchucks and deer?
Finding a few grubs now in the garden soil isn't too much of a concern.
They have likely done all of their eating and are just hanging out to morph into their adult form.
If you do want to address the issue, you can use beneficial nematodes.
Here are some articles that will help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/get-rid-of-grub-worms.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/beneficial/nematodes-as-pest-control.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/animals/camouflage-gardening.htm