You Are Here: Management Updates 2007 Archive July 3, 2007

Date: July 3, 2007
Category: Insects
Subject: White Grubs

The beetles of most of the grub species are flying actively now. Of course I feel a little like the Pied Piper right now, because I managed to get a little bit of the oriental beetle pheromone on my car last week, and now wherever I go, there are several oriental beetles trying to get in the car when I come back to the car in the parking lot!

We have had reports of Japanese beetles, oriental beetles, and European chafers adults flying. Last Friday I watched as hundreds of oriental beetle adults were emerging from the ground a couple hours after sunrise.

So ... take this opportunity to observe the adult activity. Most of the preventive treatments should be applied at the time that beetles are ovipositing (laying eggs) - and we are just getting to the time now. Three active ingredients with similar characteristics include:

• imidacloprid (Merit™ and other trade names)
• thiamethoxam (Meridian™)
• chlothianidin (Arena™)

Remember to water the application in with at least 0.1 inch of water, or apply during or just before rain.

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. Trade names of materials are provided for informational purposes only and do not substitute for a thorough and careful reading of the label and application according to label instructions. 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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