About Jeff Rugg

Jeff Rugg

Jeff Rugg

With degrees in science, zoology, horticulture and landscape architecture Rugg uses his many interests to help others learn about nature. He has managed garden centers in Texas and Illinois and owned a water garden and wild bird nature store.

He is currently an employee of Pond Supplies of America. His articles and photographs have appeared in Pond Keeper, Water Garden Magazine, Landscape Architect and Specifier News, Landscape Contractor Magazine, Ponds USA, American Nurseryman and other publications. He is currently an Illinois Certified Nurseryman and Registered Landscape Architect.

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Spider Mites on Houseplants Oct 29, 2025

Q: As I was bringing in one of my houseplants for the winter, I noticed that it has spider mites. I put it in a room by itself and have been spraying it with rubbing alcohol. It seemed to be working, but then the mites came back. What works the best ... Read More

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Can Trees Get Sunburned? Oct 22, 2025

Q: We noticed that the bark is starting to fall off one of our trees. The tree was planted about three years ago and has been doing fine. The trunk is about 6 inches across, and the lowest branch is about 6 feet above the ground. We peeled off the lo... Read More

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What Do You Do With Baby Redbud Trees? Oct 15, 2025

Q: I have been cleaning up my flower beds, and I noticed that there are dozens of small trees sprouting up everywhere. I think they are redbud trees from the neighbor's tree. They range from a couple of inches to a couple of feet tall. I am thinking ... Read More

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Ladybug Invasion Oct 08, 2025

Q: My house is being invaded by ladybugs. Why are they coming indoors when there is nothing in here for them? How do I get rid of them? A: There are several thousand species of ladybugs, or lady beetles or ladybirds, as they may be called, depending ... Read More