| | Figure 1. Nymphs and adult chinch bugs. |
| | | Figure 2. Fall armyworm larva. |
| | | Figure 3. Cicada ovipositing on tree. |
| | | Figure 4. Predator wasp, cicada killers, female and male. |
| | | Figure 5. Asian wooly hackberry aphid. |
| | | Figure 6. Yellow jacket workers and queen. |
| | | Figure 7. Assassin bug or wheel bug. |
| | | Figure 8. Black turpentine beetle and injury. |
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Ladies and Gentlemen:
We are seeing some replays on some pest and a few new ones.
1. Chinch bugs – Until the recent rains, we were seeing some high populations of cinch bugs. They didn’t seem to have any particular preference for type of grass. Any that were hot and dry seemed to be the favorite host. Had calls from several areas, and all populations were high. In some cases where populations are just beginning, try watering the yards two to three times a week. They do not like the wet areas. (Figure 1)
2. Fall army worms – We are seeing a resurgence of this pest from earlier populations we had in cane fields. Now they are in yards, athletic fields and pastures. Earlier we had some high instances of parasites on the population. Check populations before you treat, as they may also return to help out. Check just behind the head and look for a crescent-shaped white or pearly egg. If you have these on a good portion of the population, try not to use anything but a growth regulator or a Bt. for control to save the parasite. Set out the plot flags to check for egg masses, and check the overhangs and fascia boards on light-colored houses. Remember Orthene does not have a turf label except for mound treatment of fire ants. (Figure 2)
3. Cicadas -- Although it's a little early, we have seen larger numbers of cicadas. Watch the new or last flushes of growth on woody plants and trees for oviposition. Where they're found, prune out and destroy them, as there is really no effective spray. (Figure 3)
4. Cicada killers – You know once you have cicadas the cicada killers are not far behind. Several reports say the population of these predators will be high this year. Remember, they are not aggressive but will sting if caught in hands, clothing or hair or stepped on with bare feet. The male is the one everyone worries about because he actively guards the entrance to the nest site. There is only one pair per hole, but areas can have hundreds of holes. One can mow over the top of a colony and not get stung. (Figure 4)
5. Asian hackberry aphid – The snow or ash as it has been called is back in several areas. Even the chancellor had a problem. These aphids are specific to hackberry, although they will be seen on other plants. They excrete a very high amount of honeydew, and that sticky mess will turn black with sooty mold. The wax filaments secreted from the body once they begin feeding helps them to float on the hot air currents and breezes we’ve had the last couple of weeks. Where populations are found, systemics are the best control. Drench the soil at the drip lines and water-in well. This will help to protect the beneficial populations feeding on them. (Figure 5)
6. Yellow jackets -- Another predator that is not a welcome guest. They are very aggressive and will sting with little provocation. Keep trash cans tightly covered and set up traps where you can to catch the scouts, or they will be back in larger numbers to aggravate your party, picnic or cookout. (Figure 6)
7. Wheel bugs – This predator is in high numbers as well. Several people have been bitten, and this is a painful bite. In many cases the beak has to be removed by a doctor. Once bitten, the area may swell and remain red and sore for several days. They are good predators, as they will eat anything they find -- yellow jackets, bumble bees, wasp on the nest and anything they can sink their beaks into. They are characterized by the sprocket-like ridge on the thorax. (Figure 7)
8. Black turpentine beetles – We still are seeing some bark beetle problems from the damaged trees from the storm. This is the only one we recommend any control for. Use Thiodan or a pyrethroid with oil and spray the lower six to seven feet of the trunks. The secondary pests like long-horned beetles and buprestids are secondary and indicate the trees are in a state of decline. (Figure 8)
9. Fire ants – With the rains we will begin to see many winged queens emerging from the mounds to look for a new place to start a colony. Watch your yards and pastures and keep ahead to them before they cause problems. When mounds are initially starting is an excellent time to put out the growth regulators to keep them in check. It would be a good time to start area- or community-wide programs. Contact me for additional information.
Until next month
Dale |