You Are Here: Management Updates 2006 Archive July 20, 2006

Date: July 20, 2006
Category: Insects
Subject: Chinchbugs, Billbugs, White Grubs

Just a quick reminder - now that the hot weather is here and rains are a bit less constant, turf may be going into heat-related stress. Remember to check for insect activity. Chinchbugs and billbugs are active now, and may be contributing to the stress.

Also we are getting numerous reports from around the region of heavy beetle flights, and I certainly have witnessed some remarkable flights of Japanese beetles and of oriental beetles. Right now the potential exists for a very heavy grub year, so be thinking about managing those areas that have historically been ravaged by grubs (and skunks and raccoons and crows).

Keep in mind that egg laying may take place in different areas this year. In places where soil moisture remains high, beetles may lay eggs in higher and drier places than you usually see.

And remember, those of you who are managing turf on school grounds in Massachusetts (and those of you in Maine and some other areas) don't have access to trichlorfon (Dylox™) as a clean up spray, so you should be thinking about protecting your turf now with a preventive material like imidacloprid (Merit™).

Submitted by: Dr. Pat Vittum

DISCLAIMER - As always, it is the responsibility of the applicator to verify the registration status of any pesticide BEFORE applying it. Different states have different regulations as well. The author and the University of Massachusetts are not liable for any consequences of any pesticide "recommendations". Mention of any trade name is not to be considered endorsement of a product.

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