Pest Control
Dormant Oil – Insects’ Worst Nightmare
It may be the middle of winter but that doesn’t mean your trees and shrubs are free from insects. You may not see them at this time because both the insects and the plant are dormant. Come spring, though, the insects will be active again, feasting on the leaves of your trees and shrubs. And, […]
What Insects Will We Be Fighting This Season?
Plant Health Care (PHC) professionals are our industry’s doctors. It’s their job to examine plants, diagnose any insect or disease problems and treat the plant in the most environmentally friendly way. This is a pretty tall order, and I thank them for taking on this task. Like doctors who treat humans, PHC professionals have to […]
Stock Up On Firewood, Not Insects
You’d be surprised at what’s lurking in your firewood. It won’t be a pleasant surprise, however, if these hitchhikers turn out to be one of the increasing number of invasive pests that have been assaulting our trees. Most of these insects “sneak” into the country by hiding in the packing material of shipments from foreign […]
Time To Start Checking For Grubs
As July fades into August, lawn grubs are hatching and beginning their fall feast on your tender grass roots. This fills their bellies and sustains them as they descend below the root line to overwinter. It also kills your grass, although it may not be apparent until next spring. Checking for grubs is easy. Using […]
The Future of Your Ash Tree
Soon the tiny, metallic green emerald ash borers (EAB) will make their annual appearance. Seeing these tiny insects is rare because of their size. Their sole purpose is to mate so a new generation of larvae can continue the damage the adults began last year. And, they do this dastardly deed high up in the […]
Now Is A Great Time To Protect Your Ash Trees
Last week I explained how the emerald ash borer (EAB) made its way to our area and how you can keep more from arriving. Today, I’m going to tell you how to protect your own trees from attack and how to treat them if they’re already hosting this insidious pest. We can apply a preventive […]
Be Careful When You Buy Firewood For Winter
A wood-burning stove or fireplace can keep you cozy and warm. But if you aren’t careful where you buy your firewood, that coziness could come at a tremendous cost – the death of your valuable trees. The fastest way to spread tree insects and diseases is by moving firewood from one place to another. It […]
Lawn Grubs Are Back
It happens every year in late summer and early fall. A new generation of grubs hatch in many area lawns and begin their feeding frenzy. But, they are small, weak and near the surface, making them vulnerable to pest control efforts. Grubs are the larvae of European chafers and Japanese beetles. They are white, soft […]