Harmful Insect Control, In the Landscape
Most of us are still waiting for spring to get here so we can get out in the yard and start cleaning up after the winter. Speaking of cleaning up, hopefully we did a good job of getting the leaves off lawn areas last fall. There is sure to be damage to grass areas if leaves were not removed from the lawn.
One of the last things on our minds right now is any kind of bug or insect control in the yard. But one of the best ways to protect the bees and other pollinators is to avoid using harsh chemicals. Dormant spraying is a way to do that but timing is critical. Dormant Oil sprays are not toxic and when it is applied, in just a few weeks, before leaves and flowers begin to develop, this spray can suffocate harmful insects in the egg stage or very immature stage of development. It only makes sense to spray when the insects are most vulnerable and that is when they are just about ready to hatch and to begin to damage our plants. If we can cover the egg masses of mites, aphids and scales with a coat of very thin, highly refined oil, this will exclude the oxygen they need to survive and develop. These insects require the most oxygen just before they immerge so they are more vulnerable to suffocation about the first or second week in March.
We can only spray when temperatures will be above freezing for 48 hours after the spray is applied. Avoid spraying any needled evergreens that have blue foliage, like a blue spruce, because it may take the blue color away for that season. Read the label for other plants to avoid spraying.
This is the best way to eliminate harmful insects because it is:
• the most economical control,
• the least toxic to the environment and
• the most effective product to eliminate the most detrimental insects in the yard.
For information about a "soft" product to apply in early spring as a dormant spray go to http://qr.bonide.com/about/SearchForm?Search=dormant+spray&action_results. A dormant spray is particularly good for any scale insects. Bonide's oil spray is organic and can be used throughout the year, it is called All Seasons but an early dormant spray is most effective. If you have any Euonymus or Mugho pines in the landscape these plants are very susceptible to Oyster Shell Scale and should be sprayed annually before they begin growing in the spring. Rick, Scott or Earl can help answer any questions.
Send questions or comments to info@meadowview.com and we'll get back to you promptly.
Team Meadow View