You Are Here: Management Updates 2006 Archive May 17, 2006

Date: May 17, 2006
Category: Insects
Subject: Spring Conditions and Insect Management

The weather is dominating the news this week. The eastern end of Massachusetts (and southeastern New Hampshire) have been inundated with rain, but many areas in central and western Massachusetts also got more than four inches of rain and are facing varying degrees of flooding.

This is a quick note to mention that we cannot expect the flooding to reduce insect problems. It may move the insects, but many of them seem to be able to handle being submerged for several days. Last October we sampled turf areas that had been underwater for almost three weeks, and found very healthy European chafer grubs peering back at us. We do often see annual bluegrass weevil larvae floating in puddles after an area has been underwater, and they follow the "fall line", so they may move but most of them won't die.

Remember - don't apply any pesticides or fertilizers when the soil is saturated. We'll have to wait until things dry out and then reassess where we are.

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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