Systemic insecticides may soon drastically change our present pest-control practices. These chemicals are absorbed either through the roots or leaves of actively growing plants in sufficient amounts to kill insects and related pests feeding on or breeding in them. They are effective even at considerable distances from the point where they are applied. They also … Read more
The most destructive of all lawn pests are insects. Unlike fungus diseases which damage only small portions of the lawn, or weeds, which we can tolerate temporarily, some insects are so dangerous that they must be eradicated soon after they are detected in the lawn. Effective Chemical Insecticides Several effective chemical insecticides are available for … Read more
Last winter, I brought one of the frothy egg masses of the praying mantis into the greenhouse. Within three weeks, 100 wee mantes emerged from foam, each with an appetite larger than its body. One tackled a sowbug 20 times its size the day it was born. The brawl was intense, but the mantis won. … Read more
The development of systemic pesticides for commercial use is progressing rapidly. These are chemicals that can be absorbed by a plant and transported throughout its tissues in an active form. They are non-harmful to the plant and can provide long-lasting protection against invading organisms. This dream has become a reality, as a select few of … Read more
Garden pest control is never wholly monotonous. Spraying may be routine but there are always seasonal problems to keep us awake even in lazy August. By then, we have to cope with a few late summer enemies and second broods of some of the spring foes, as well as black spots and other all-season troubles. … Read more
Although lace bugs are commonly present and occasionally destructively abundant on the foliage of various garden plants and many native trees and shrubs, they are seldom noticed. The leaf damage which results from their feeding is often conspicuous, but the insects themselves are minute, retiring, and, therefore, rarely observed. Since these small insects usually prefer … Read more
As our cities expand, more and more of us in suburban areas come face to face with moles, ground squirrels, pocket gophers, mice, and even rats. All of these animals may burrow in our lawns or gardens. All of them are annoying pests. Common Mole In Garden Let’s look at the mole first. He’s about … Read more
July may be a popular vacation month for many folks, but it certainly is not for insects. It is the month when some insects are most active. Hence the spray gun should get lots of use during July if insect damage is to be minimal. Let’s consider. Some insects and related pests become active during … Read more
A “HARDY PERENNIAL” question in gardening circles is, “Should I dust or spray my plants?” The only logical answer to this question is, “It all depends.” It depends upon what you want to accomplish, how many plants you have, how tight your budget is, and how much time and interest you give your plantings. If … Read more
Our scarlet tanager is no exception to the rule. It is one of the gorgeous birds in eastern North America. Its bright scarlet hood and sable wings and tail stand out in strong relief against the greenery of foliage. The female scarlet tanager is an entirely different hue—olive green above and yellow below. The male … Read more