ODA Will Begin Treating for Gypsy Moth in Ohio

 

The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) will soon begin aerial treatments designed to manage gypsy moth populations in Ohio. One management option includes treating young caterpillars in the spring. Counties where these treatments will be applied to designated blocks include:

 

  • Franklin
  • Fulton
  • Hocking
  • Lucas
  • Marion
  • Morrow
  • Perry
  • Ross
  • Sandusky
  • Seneca
  • Vinton
  • Wyandot

 

The treatments aimed at the larval stage will begin early to mid-...

Published on
Authors
Amy Stone

Look Up Before Parking Under Honeylocust Trees … and Elms, Hawthorns, Sweetgum, Zelkova …

We have a shopping center and hospital not far from my home in southwest Ohio that have parking lot tree planters with honeylocusts, lacebark elms, and a number of other types of trees. The trees provide shade, so they are car magnets. Unfortunately, a considerable number of the trees are heavily infested with Calico Scale.
Published on
Authors
Joe Boggs

Boxwoods Go Snap, Crackle, and Pop!

I've already posted a BYGL Alert on Boxwood Leafminer this season that described its life-cycle, detection, and management. However, I only briefly described one of the most notable side effects associated with this non-native midge fly: odd rustling or popping sounds radiating from heavily infested boxwoods.
Published on
Authors
Joe Boggs
Curtis E. Young

Wilting Buckeyes

The handiwork of the Buckeye Petiole Borer is now becoming evident on its namesake host in southern Ohio. Individual caterpillars of this tiny native moth bore into leaf petioles to disrupt vascular flow causing leaves to droop, wilt, and turn dark green to black. Damaged leaves will eventually detach producing mild defoliation. Symptoms may superficially resemble frost or freeze damage.
Published on
Authors
Joe Boggs

Horned Oak Galls "Pop"

The physical emergence of the "horns" that give horned oak galls their common name is such a short-lived event I've only witnessed it one other time in 26 years. I've commonly observed fully extended horns, but seeing them in the process of breaking through the gall surface is a rare treat and it's happening right now in southwest Ohio.
Published on
Authors
Joe Boggs

Mining Bees on the Wing

There are many species of bees that create individual (solitary) burrows in the soil. Several hymenopteran families are represented including Andrenidae (Mining Bees), Apidae (Tribe Anthophorini (Digger Bees)), and Colletidae which are called cellophane bees owing to the waterproof plastic-like material they use to line their soil burrows. They all have one thing in common: they are important pollinators.
Published on
Authors
Joe Boggs

Tigers on the Prowl

I spotted one of my favorite insect predators darting about on forest trails yesterday: Six-Spotted Tiger Beetles. Their common name is well justified as these tiny "tigers" hunt, kill, and eat other insects. They are equipped with huge eyes for excellent eyesight, long legs for agile speed, and huge mandibles for grabbing prey.
Published on
Authors
Joe Boggs