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At that point, control will not work and in most cases, this is a cosmetic issue and control is not needed. When we see the gall, the insect is either safely living inside the gall or it has fled to complete another stage of its life. Many galls, unusual growths on plants, are caused by insect feeding. Often when we see the damage on our plants, control will not help. Finding pest problems early makes hand removal easier and may be all that is needed. Make a note on next year’s calendar to watch for and manage the pest if you feel control is really needed. Revenge spraying may make you feel better but does nothing to fix the problem. In other cases, the damage is done, and the insect is no longer present. Consider tolerating the damage and masking it with nearby plantings or garden art. In these cases, control is for us not the health of our plants. Some insect damage is just cosmetic, meaning the plant’s health and longevity are not adversely affected – it just looks bad. Once identified, you will need to decide if control is needed. They often provide timely tips on pests in your area. Look for websites hosted by your local University, extension service or botanical garden. You can find lots of helpful information and images online. Often the insect that is most visible is not the one causing the damage. Proper identification of the plant-damaging culprit is the first step in managing problems. The rest help pollinate plants, feed upon or parasitize bad insects, or help decompose plant debris. Fortunately, only a very small percent of insects in our landscapes are harmful. One challenge gardeners face each year is managing insect pests while keeping the pollinators safe. Every garden season is filled with beautiful and tasty surprises along with a few challenges.