You Are Here: Management Updates 1998 Archive June 30, 1998

Date: June 30, 1998
Category: Insects
Subject: White Grubs, Hyperodes Weevil, Black Turfgrass Ataenius, Sod Webworms

White grub update - most species are pupating or have already emerged as adults. We have seen significant numbers of Japanese beetles on rose bushes on the Amherst campus - at least ten days earlier tan "normal". Anyone planning to use the relatively new longer residual products such as imidacloprid (Meritª) or halofenozide (Mach 2ª) should plan to make those applications by the end of July, and even sooner if the primary grub species is European chafer.

Sod webworm - we have observed considerable adult activity on some lawns in western Massachusetts during the past week (20-29 June). However, damage from webworms is very sporadic and activity usually does NOT warrant treatment. Scout areas about two weeks after moth flight activity subsides and treat as needed.

Annual bluegrass weevils (Hyperodes weevils) - samples from the metropolitan New York area show that most weevils are now pupating or emerging as adults. Treatments in southern New England through New Jersey that are directed toward the second generation probably should be completed by 10 July. Central and northern New England are just a little behind (many large larvae and pupae right now, 29 June), but new adults will be emerging soon. In most cases, it is too late to try and knock down the larvae - they will be pupating within a few days. Hold on and manage the damage for now. Plan to treat for the second generation where necessary, sometime between 6 and 20 July.

Black turfgrass ataenius - we have not received any reports of insect activity yet, but this insect has become more "sporadic" recently, in part a result of widespread use of Merit. BTA is strictly a golf course problem, and larvae, if present, will be showing up in the next few days.

- Submitted by: Dr. Pat Vittum