Current Conditions
July was generally moist and warm for the majority of the region, although some areas remain in drought conditions and there were some cool night-time lows. The average rainfall amount across the region was approximately 2.00 inches. Most of the region experienced daytime highs in the 80s, though some areas enjoyed cool temperatures not reaching out of the 70s. Many herbaceous plants are flowering including goldenrod, Queen Anne’s lace, yarrow and astilbe, and hostas and hydrangeas continue to bloom. On average 261 growing degree days were added in the last 2 weeks of June bringing the season total to 1530. Of course as the growing season continues so do the potential pest problems, ticks and mosquitoes continue to be a very active nuisance. . Some previously discussed pests continue to plague the landscape while the life cycle of early season pests is complete and still more threats are appearing across the region. Pest activity sighted and reported around the region includes; fall webworm caterpillar, Asian longhorned beetle, dogwood sawfly, red-headed pine sawfly, warm season spidermites and Japanese beetles.
Ongoing Obstacles
As the season progresses, weather changes and plants continue to grow so do pest populations. Discussed below are some current pests of concern, now being sighted and reported around the region. Mosquitoes and ticks continue to be of great concern, as vectors of disease you need to remember to always take measures to protect yourself from these pests. Contact your arborist regarding additional treatments to safeguard yourself, your property, your family and pests from ticks and mosquitoes.
Fall webworm caterpillar has been active for several weeks now, but the damage remains small and minor. This species is native to our landscape and so has several natural controls, however, it can sometimes appear in larger numbers and require other control methods. By September these caterpillars should be done feeding.
The redheaded pine sawfly is currently active and has been primarily found on mugo pines. Left unchecked this pest can cause severe defoliation. If weather remains warm, redheaded pine sawflies may continue feeding through October.
The dogwood sawfly may already be active or, if not, it will be soon. These are major defoliators, feeding on the margins of host plants, eventually leaving only the mid-rib. Dogwood sawfly will target osier and grey dogwoods and probably others, so monitor yours carefully. This is another pest which can last through October if conditions remain mild.
Japanese beetle adults continue emerging from the soil and feeding, although the peak may have passed in many areas. This sun-loving pest may congregate in large numbers on host plants causing massive damage.
Warm season spider mites, like this 2-spotted spider mite, are still very active on host plants. Monitor your landscape plants carefully for chlorosis which may be an indication of a pest issue.
August is peak emergence time for Asian longhorned beetles in the north east. Monitor vigilantly and report sightings to your state’s environmental agency or contact your arborist to assist you with a positive ID.
Treatments need to occur at the times when they will be most effective, of course, sometimes the weather prohibits the ability or effectiveness of products. Your arborist and plant healthcare technician will schedule applications and monitoring as suited to your landscape’s needs, expected leaf out, insect life cycles and ideal weather. Because weather patterns are not one hundred percent predictable and pest problems are not an exact science, plant healthcare has to be flexible and adaptive, be assured they are doing their very best to get and maintain the optimal results for your landscape. Make sure you get in touch with a termite control Los Angeles firm, one similar to these if you suspect there to be pests present on your landscape. Most firms can deal with multiple species of pest, with subterranean termites being a large part of their work. If you hae other pests present, they will also examine your property to let try and guide you in the right direction to removing them.
