Each fall we get calls for termites that are actually citronella ants. The eastern subterranean termite is a spring swarming insect. Fall ant swarms are normally citronella ants and that can be easily verified by crushing a few between your fingers and smelling the distinctive lemony citronella scent. This ant Lasius interjectus generally does not forage […]
First colors of fall noticed this week. Fall invaders like stink bugs (western conifer seed bug) and lady bugs (the state bug of Massachusetts) will soon be heading for the higher structural elements like soffits and windows on south facing sides of homes. They are entering to overwinter and do not infest a structure. Make […]
Soil condition is a fired clay material added after aeration and overseeding to improve the moisture management in the soil and to reduce compaction in the future. This material can be added every year to continuously improve areas that have poor drainage or that dry out easily. It is used on playing fields to help […]
Time to aerate your lawn. Run your irrigation system first and mark any heads that could be damaged by aeration. Then aerate & overseed your lawn. This opens up the root zone for air, water and nutrients to penetrate and stimulate growth. The best time to aerate is August 15th to September 20th to allow […]
Carpenter Bees make holes around the size of the tip of your pinky finger. The female drills a round hole through the side, then drills a perpendicular hole along the grain of the wood. She will lay her eggs inside with an insect to serve as a food source, then she will close off the […]
Why is the Boston area obsessed with removing lawn clippings? No, granular fertilizer cannot be removed by mowing it. You should always leave your clippings on your lawn. Lawn clippings are mostly nitrogen and water and should be left to make your lawn healthier. Don’t bag the clippings, don’t let your landscaper bag the clippings. Clippings […]
If you find ants with wings in the spring, there is a possibility that you have termite swarmers. Termites swarming inside are an indicator that a mature termite colony has access to the structure. The termite has a thick waist versus an ant has a pinched waist. The termite has a curved antennae which appears […]
Spring temperatures are here in eastern Massachusetts. We are pulling soil tests and putting down the first applications of the year. Hold off on seeding until temperatures get warmer, usually mid – May is a good time is you must seed in the spring. Only seed bare dirt, salt or plow damaged areas. Any disruptive […]
Finally a chance to put our knowledge out in an audio only format. For people that like to learn new things on the move, our Pestcast podcast may be the ticket to learning something about pest control and lawn care.
A favorite spring insect, snow fleas or springtails, are making themselves known outside right now. These ground pepper sized insects flick their tails and jump to amazing heights. This jumping action is what gets them confused with fleas. This insect, pictured here from under a microscope, loves the cool wet conditions of spring. They are […]