Insects can produce the honeydew sooty molds

Fungi that most commonly cause sooty molds in garden and landscape situations are in the genera Capnodium, Fumago, and Scorias. Less common genera include Antennariella, Aureobasidium, and Limacinula. The species of sooty molds present are determined by a combination of the environment, host, and insect species present. Some sooty mold species are specific to particular plants or insects, while others might colonize many types of surfaces and use honeydew produced by several kinds of insects.
A number of insects can produce the honeydew sooty molds need for growth. Their common characteristic is that they all suck sap from plants. The insects include aphids, leafhoppers, mealybugs, psyllids (including eucalyptus lerp psyllid), soft scales, and whiteflies. Both the immature and adult stages of these insects feed by sucking sap from plants, producing honeydew.

mealey bugs

Bed Bugs

Bed Bugs

Stink Bugs

This image provided by the Nevada Department of Agriculture shows a Say's stink bug. The Nevada Department of Agriculture says the little green insect has been invading yards and some fields in western Nevada. As it name suggests, the bug releases a smelly odor when disturbed. (AP Photo/Nevada Department of Agriculture )

The bugs can be found in high concentrations, sometimes several hundred per square yard. And they become more difficult to control once they become adults.
Adult stink bugs are also good flyers and are highly attracted to lights. If outdoor lighting becomes a stink bug hangout, Knight said homeowners should install amber- or yellow-colored light bulbs that are less alluring to the insects.
He also suggested homeowners try using an insecticidal soap and over-the-counter products containing carbaryl to control stink bug numbers.

 http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/d0423db57ac74ee99ddbe47423384d57/NV--Stink-Bugs

Damaging Garden Insects

Colorado Potato Beetles —
Pretty but Damaging Garden Insects

 

It's too bad that Colorado potato beetles (also called potato bugs) are such pesky garden insects because they're actually quite pretty. Mottled and striped in bright yellows and oranges, Colorado potato beetles have a rather hand-painted quality that would probably be appreciated under different circumstances. Unfortunately, these little garden pests would much rather munch on your eggplants, peppers, tomatoes and potatoes than pose for a photoshoot or two. Signs of Colorado potato beetle infestation include ragged leaves and (in serious cases) stripped stems (often called stemming).
Looking for ways to deal with your garden bugs? Check out these herbs, flowers and plants that repel insects.
Images graciously provided by csontoslea, wikimedia, sumeja and beto camin. Thanks!

 Slimy Garden Pests: Slugs and Snails
Slow but no less irritating, slugs and snails are nasty garden pests that can do considerable damage to tender seedlings and low-growing fruits and berries (especially in warm and semi-tropical growing zones). Worse yet, they're slimy. Feeding on the soft tissues of young plants, snails and slugs are nocturnal, so if you want to find them, grab a flashlight and inspect your garden at night. How will you know if you have snails in your garden? Look for raggedy-edged holes and slime trails.
  

Tiny Garden Pests — Aphids

 

Aphids are tiny, semi-translucent garden insects that can infect just about every garden vegetable imaginable. But don't let these tiny garden pests fool you, because females give birth to live young, they can can spread quickly. Signs of aphid infestation include deformed plants, curled leaves, and stunted growth. Sooty mold can also develop from their honeydew (which makes leaves sticky).

 Adult sweetpotato whitefly.
can also cause Sooty mold.

http://www.gardenswag.com/2011/12/5-common-garden-insects-and-pests/

Bugs and Insects

Bugs and Insects