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Ornamentals and Turf |
With the loss of Dursban and Lindane for borer control on ornamental plants by homeowners, alternative chemicals are fewer and less tested. Pyrethroid insecticides are mostly available for borer protection. The following list contains a few chemicals labeled for borers that may be found on the shelves. The chemicals may be used if the site is listed on the label. This is not a guarantee of control for all pests.
One of the relatively common species of tip borer that attacks maples is Proteoteras aesculana (Riley). This pest has been found boring terminals and crumpling leaves of maples in May and early June. Adults occur from March through late August. Apparently the caterpillars feed on some other kind of tree or shrub later in the season. In nurseries, Orthene plus Tame or Talstar in mid-April when plants are with one or two pair of leaves is the best time to spray. Orthene alone is labeled for use on maples to control several kinds of caterpillar pests and it is safe for homeowners to use. Early treatment is important. After that, pruning may be needed for retraining the plant.
I usually write about insect pests and suggestions on how to handle them. This note is a little different since it tends more toward an educated guess. Much of the state, especially west of the Piedmont Triad has been under less than normal rainfall conditions for many months with no clear relief in sight. Such dry conditions place stress on trees (and other plants of course). In the past we have had higher than usual numbers of bark beetles such as southern pine beetle and ambrosia beetles attacking trees. I think these beetles, scale insects, and other possible pests may be in greater numbers this year and we should be on the alert for them and other pests which thrive on stressed trees. Thrips and spider mites also thrive in hot, dry conditions.
Springtails are among the smallest insects in the home landscape. They are flea-like and barely visible. Springtails possess a forked structure folded under the body that when flicked, allows it to catapult around quite well. Springtails may differ in size, shape and color. They are slightly smaller than a flea and do not bite. Springtails prefer moist environments and feed on decaying plant material, fungi, etc. and are most often seen in mulch. Sometimes they may annoy people if they occur by the millions in a yard and show up on the foundation, the driveway or in the swimming pool. If they are very prolific, they may be found indoors on floors.
Control is not very effective. If desired, they can be hosed off hard outdoor surfaces with or without a little soap added. Infestations are short lived and rarely justify the expense of control. Determined homeowners may use one of the available lawn products containing a pyrethroid such as permethrin, bifenthrin or cypermethrin.
Employment and program opportunities are offered to all people regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.
Last modified on May 13, 2002 by Stephen J. Toth, Jr.