UMass Extension Landscape Message June 20, 2014

.....................................................................................................................
"Landscape Turf

Insects

We are now in a perfect time to apply a neonicotinoid to control white grubs. Any time between now and the middle to end of July should work very well for most of you. However, remember that neonicotinoids have special statements regarding bee safety on the label, and that the labels all clearly state that the product should not be applied when bees are foraging. Now that clover is blooming actively in many lawn settings, you need to exercise considerable care when using neonicotinoids. If clover is blooming, avoid those patches. (Studies from the University of Kentucky also indicate that mowing immediately before application, to remove the clover blossoms, can greatly reduce bee exposure to neonicotinoids.)

Otherwise it has been a pretty quiet spring, with only a few questions a few weeks ago about the summer generation of "common crane fly". You can expect chinchbug and billbug activity to start to pick up as the temperatures begin to increase.

Report by Dr. Pat Vittum, Professor & Extension Entomologist, UMass Stockbridge School of Agriculture and Interim Director, UMass Center for Agriculture Food and the Environment"

.....................................................................................................................
Claire