You Are Here: Management Updates 2005 Archive May 13, 2005

Date: May 13, 2005
Category: Insects
Subject: Annual Bluegrass (Hyperodes) Weevil, Black Turfgrass Ataenius, Chinchbugs, Billbugs, White Grubs

We have had several reports of annual bluegrass weevils (Hyperodes weevils) and black turfgrass ataenius on the move in western Massachusetts this week. The adults have been seen moving on the surface, on greens, tees, collars, and fairways. For superintendents in southern New England, this is a good time to use a pyrethroid to knock down those populations. (Note that we are conducting some trials this spring using some non-traditional materials that have shown promise in previous years. The tests this year should help us fill in some of the gaps in our understanding ... we hope to have some "answers" later this year!)

We have been collecting turf samples from a golf course in Westchester County, NY. So far we have not seen any larvae in those samples, but the smallest larvae should start to hatch there within the next week or so. Weevil development will be about a week later here in Massachusetts.

Meanwhile web updates in Ohio nudged me to remind you that chinchbug and billbug adults should be active in the next week or two in southern New England. Both spend the winter in areas that are somewhat protected (near the base of a building, in clumps of high grass). Billbugs sometimes can be seen walking on pavement at this time of year. Keep in mind that billbugs are perhaps the most misdiagnosed insect problem on turf in New England, so don't let your guard down. (The damage often resembles drought stress and shows up in July or August.)

European chafer grubs should begin to slow their feeding within the next week or two. The other species (mostly Japanese beetles, oriental beetles, and asiatic garden beetles) may feed for as much as another month before pupating. As always, this would be an excellent time to scout properties and determine which species are present this spring. While grubs do not always show up in exactly the same places from one year to another, there often is a correlation. And at the very least, monitoring would give you an idea of which species you are dealing with.

Submitted by: Dr. Pat Vittum

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