Scout your yard for sod webworms. It is amazing with 3
stores (Possum’s) the stories you hear from lawn care people and homeowners
about these worms. They can eat so much so fast it is amazing. Whether it is
the professional or the DIY homeowner that has worked hard all summer to grow a
uniform stand of turf, the sod webworm just doesn’t seem to care.
To scout for this varmint, look for scalped grass that has
bite marks on the leaf blade. Moths flying around in a zigzag pattern in and
out of the turf at dust is also a dead giveaway.
Scale, aphids, and lace bugs are still out there sucking the
life out of you plants. Evergreens you could use a drench product like
Dominion. If your plant or tree is losing leaves for the winter, horticultural
oil might be a better choice, depending on the infestation.
Winterizing your turf and shrubs should also be considered.
No one likes to go to sleep hungry! Possum Minors, 00-00-25 Sulfate of Potash +
minors, SeaHume, Cotton Burr Compost and / or Excell are a few options. Watch
out for the national marketing campaigns that promote products that were not
designed to be used in this area.
I’m sure you have put out one round of preemergent herbicide
by now for winter weed control in your beds and turf. If not, better late than
never.
If you are changing out flowers in containers or hanging
baskets, consider incorporating HydroStretch
or Hort-a –Sorb. These products help manage water and your plants will not
dry out so fast.
Fire Ants are out in big numbers after all the rain we had
earlier this year. One bait product that works very good and is very reasonably
price is Extinguish Plus. This product has a growth regulator in it and usually
keeps ants out of an area for 6 months. Bait products or contact killers
usually work best if spread over the whole yard.
Roaches, moles, fleas?
