On this page the following entries were made in the “Bad Bugs” category. Check out other categories in our Archives.
Bug Blog Archives for “Bad Bugs”
Trapping Yellow Jackets with Fall Sweets
In the Autumn the eating habits of yellow jacket wasps change a bit from a preference for savory snacks and proteins, to a preference for sweets like rotting fruit, as can be seen in the photo. In the photo a number of wasps are feeding on a green grape in a compost heap. This type of behavior is typically only seen in the fall. Knowing this, you can use this info to your advantage if you’re trying to get rid of them.
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Grubs Gone Wild — In the Northeast
Here in Southern New Hampshire nematodes can be used to advantage for maybe another week or two.
Apparently the numbers of white grubs in Massachusetts — and surrounding states — this year is much higher than normal according to a pest update provided by the UMass Turf Program authored by Turf Entomologist Dr. Pat Vittum.
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Coming in Out of the Cold
Two-legged and four-legged creatures have something in common with many of the six and eight legged creatures out there: The cold months are not well-tolerated. Some insects and mites curl up and die having completed their life’s reproductive mission. They’ve laid their eggs, but will never see their offspring. Others enter a quiescent state similar to hibernation — in other words they shut down until the warmer months return. (I know some two-legged creatures that look upon this practice with a certain fondness.) Some bugs, however, seek warmth where it is available and try to make a go of it during the colder months. If you’re a grower, some of these critters may be a cause for concern.
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Winter Clean-up
When it comes to cleaning, you may not do windows, but your growing environments should be at the top of your list.
So here it is, it’s January. Staying warm? Not much growers can do at this time of year, especially in the northern states. Starting plants is right around the corner for some. Until that time, though, there’s not much to do. Or is there? We know the chores put off during the summer may be (should be) attended to at this time: mending tools and whatnot, but there’s more that can be done. It’s time to clean and prepare the growing space, for one thing. We’re not talking about a quick hose-down and sweeping, we’re talking about a deep, invasive cleaning. Near-sterilization if possible.
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