“Hanging around, nothing to do but frown, Rainy days and Mondays always get me down.” Karen Carpenter sang about this deadly combination and it’s effect on her emotions. Now, Matt and Erin pile on with a list of insect pests that are active in the state of Iowa. Thankfully, it is not all bad news as we review the biology and pest status of spider mites, soybean aphids and a mix of caterpillar species. We discuss how the weather can help determine if a spider mite outbreak is likely and some tips for dealing with one if it occurs. Matt reveals an upcoming gig in which he will speak at a “Conservation Biological Control Short Course” hosted by the Xerces Society for invertebrate conservation. This all-day event is on 21 August at the ISU Field Extension Education Lab. Email us your questions at oneal@iastate.edu and ewh@iastate.edu.