We use snap traps in pairs. We normally set them in cardboard boxes. The boxes are inviting to rodents and lead to more trapped rodents. They also contain the trapped rodents to protect sensitive eyes from seeing the trapped rodents. This post contains images of trapped rodents if you are sensitive to those images. This […]
Sebum stains are used to identify mice activity. Sebum is oil from the sebaceous glands. Think about what is know as “ring around the collar.” That is a discoloration to a shirt collar from sebum. Sebum from rodent fur is left on runways. The more the runway is used, the more sebum builds up. This […]
What is causing the yellow and brown spots in my lawn? It is unusual in eastern Massachusetts to see turf injury in November. My initial reaction was a fungal disease. Looking at the margins of the injured areas the blades show symptoms similar to a disease, but without any characteristics to identify the disease. This […]
Soil testing is an important step for growing great lawns and ornamental plants. You can do a soil test anytime of year, but fall is a great time. First, the laboratory is a little slower than in the spring when they are inundated with soil samples to test. Second, the soil tends to have more […]
This grey yellowjacket nest on the side of a home is located at the base of the window shutter. Yellowjackets made paper to construct the nests by collecting wood in their jaws from siding, trees or fences and using water to build layers on the nest. Working together they build the protective shell. Inside are […]
What is making your arborvitae brown? Bagworm is the likely culprit. Bagworm is the second greatest cause of damage to arborvitae in Massachusetts, outdone only by deer. The bagworm larva starts feeding in June, when it can go unnoticed. Insecticide spraying must be done in June before the larva is too large. This larval stage […]
Happy Fourth of July. We are closed on Friday July 3rd, 2020 and Saturday July 4th for our team members to enjoy the holiday with their family and friends. Email or call in service calls, they will be prioritized for service on Monday morning. Emergencies, like yellowjackets in the baby’s room, will receive service over […]
Wood roaches look a lot like German cockroaches. Wood roaches do not have the two dark marks on the thorax (section of the body after the head) that distinguish German cockroaches. In eastern Massachusetts, wood roaches are very active in June. If you are in your yard or garden, especially in the late afternoon, you […]
Great news! Two local enemies of ornamental plants – winter moth and gypsy moths – are not problems we will face this spring. Over the past few years the winter moth population has been declining in eastern Massachusetts. The winter moth was controlled by an introduced parasitic fly, known as Cyzenis Albicans, that only attacks Winter Moths. Joseph […]
Ticks dry out easily. That is why they are not found in the middle of lawns. Ticks are present in large numbers at the edge of lawns where the forest and unmanaged grasslands begin. Tick control is focused on the perimeter of a yard to treat the tick habitat. The impact of leaf litter on […]