![]() In this section on insect management we offer a general overview of the six major insect pest complexes that affect turfgrass systems in NY State such as home lawns, recreational areas, sports fields, golf courses and sod farms. Finally, pest management in turf is also challenging because there are few non-chemical control options that offer reliable alternatives, and because the availability of chemical options is continually changing due to restrictions and market-driven alterations. As a result, there is great potential for outbreaks and damaging infestations. Unintentionally introduced to the Northeast U.S., these species have arrived without the natural enemies, competitors or other factors that might have kept their populations in check across their native regions. Compared to above-ground foliar feeding insects, below-ground root feeding insects are harder to monitor and the products used to control them are harder to accurately deliver.Īnother challenge for insect pest management is the number of exotic pests that affect turfgrass. This poses challenges for their management because of how difficult it is to monitor, interpret and manipulate interactions that are being played out below the soil surface. Most of the insect pests of turfgrass conduct some stage of their life underground. Navigating these stages toward improved pest management will also depend on how well we understand natural history, i.e., the associations among insects, the grasses they feed on, and the overall turfgrass habitat. As the weather gets colder they migrate further down into the soil.Īs with all pesticides, make sure you read and follow the directions on the label.The most effective and efficient pest management programs include (1) diagnosis – correct identification of the insect(s) involved (i.e., who or what are the culprits behind the problem), (2) decision-making – a systematic process to decide if control is necessary (i.e., whether the situation requires a response), and (3) intervention – selecting, targeting and integrating the most appropriate control tactics (i.e., when and where to apply a control in concert with other management techniques). Around July-August the eggs begin to hatch and the grubs start feeding on grass roots near the surface. In the summer the adult Japanese beetles lay their eggs in the soil. The best time to apply milky spore is in the fall. The better coverage you have the higher likelihood a grub will eat a spore.Īfter application water it in to wash it off the grass and into the soil. If the grubs don't eat the spores they don't get sick and die. I like this method better because it more evenly disperses the powder across the lawn. ![]() The instructions recommend applying 1 teaspoon of powder every 4 feet in a grid pattern. Next just fill up the can with the Milky Spore powder and start tapping or shaking it around your lawn. Diatomaceous earth has a similar texture and this may work well to dispense that as well. A 3-4' long stick depending on your height will eliminate any bending over while applying the powder. ![]() To make the milky spore dispenser, take an old coffee can, clean and dry it, then punch a few holes in the bottom of the can using a hammer and nail. It is safe for humans, pets and wildlife as far as I've read. Here it was found that milky spore bacteria was still around and spreading 25 years after initial application. The bacteria multiplies in them and when it eventually kills them more milky spore disease is spread throughout the lawn.Ī study showed that the bacteria can persist in the soil for many years. As the grubs ingest the spores they get infected. This disease infects the white grub larvae of the Japanese beetle and kills them. Milky Spore Powder is a bacteria called Paenibacillus popilliae. My solution was to poke some holes in the bottom of an old coffee can and tape it to a stick. They also sell a Dispenser tube for Milky Spore and a spreadable Milky Spore that can be applied with your seed spreader but I didn't get either of those and need to come up with something on my own. Gabriel Organics Milky Spore Powder to spread over the lawn. They like to eat them.Īfter my lawn started to grow back I purchased some St. Skunks were also digging up some areas to get at the grubs. Last fall when I was renovating my lawn I noticed some, but not a lot of grubs in some areas. Everything's better when it's on a stick! Here's a cheap and easy tool you can make your self to spread Milky Spore powder over your lawn.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |