Pest Control
-
Fall armyworms are native to North America and can destroy lawn grass and other turf. They first reach Georgia in the spring or early summer, and caterpillars are noticeable in turfgrass in early July. The third, fourth, and fifth stages of fall armyworm caterpillars are the destructive stages. The younger stages (first through third larval stages) are tiny and hard to see in the grass. When infested, green turfgrass will gradually turn brown as the caterpillars grow. The damaged turfgrass may appear diseased or like it experienced drought.
|
-
Carpenter bees can be a serious pest on outdoor structures made of wood, such as patios, decks, siding of homes, sheds, furniture, etc. The large carpenter bee is the most common species found in Georgia. While these bees are pollinators, mated females bore tunnels into wooden structures to raise their larvae. This tunneling causes substantial damage to wood, and sometimes even compromises the integrity of the structures they affect.
|
-
Mosquitoes can transmit a wide variety of pathogens and significantly reduce our quality of life with their aggressive biting behavior. On the other end of the spectrum, pollinators are a critical part of our natural environment, contributing significantly to food production and ecological diversity. Honey bees, along with other pollinators, are susceptible to pesticides, and significant bee kills have occurred because of mistimed or misguided pesticide applications. When conducted properly, an integrated pest management approach does not pose a significant risk to honey bee colonies.
|
-
B 1088
Millipedes and Centipedes
Millipedes and centipedes do not carry diseases that affect people, animals or plants. Millipedes do occasionally damage seedlings by feeding on stems and leaves, and may enter homes in large numbers during periods of migration and become a considerable nuisance. They do not cause damage inside the home, although they may leave a stain if they are crushed. Centipedes, which have poison glands and can bite, pose an occasional threat to humans.
|
-
Though subterranean termites are a normal component of soil around buildings, structural infestations are not necessarily inevitable. As discussed later, a home’s susceptibility to termite infestation is dependent upon a number of things, including construction type, home maintenance, landscaping, and perhaps conditions in and around the structure that favor the activity, growth and survival of local termite populations.
|
-
Las termitas subterráneas son los insectos sociales que viven en una sociedad en donde la mayoría de los miembros son insectos inmaduros o juveniles. Sus colonias pueden incluir de miles a millones de termitas, y a pesar de tener un cuerpo-suave, frágil y delicado son insectos formidables. En la naturaleza, las termitas subterráneas están estrechamente asociadas con el hábitat o entorno del suelo en donde construyen túneles para localizar agua y comida (ej. madera, troncos, y otras materiales que contienen celulosa).
[Subterranean termites are social insects that live in societies whose members are mostly mature individuals. Their colonies, which can contain thousands to millions of termites, are formidable, even though each individual termite is soft-bodied and delicate. This publication contains comprehensive information about subterranean termites in the Eastern U.S.]
|
-
This section of the Home & Garden Edition covers pests of public health concern such as mosquitoes, bed bugs, gnats, fleas and ticks, house flies, lice, and more. Beginning in 2022, the Home & Garden Edition has been updated biennially. When purchasing a product based on a first-year recommendation of the Handbook, check the current product label before purchase to be sure it is still labeled for the use for which you are buying it. For pesticide products you have on hand from earlier purchases, you are allowed to use them until they are depleted without penalty under the law. Always follow label instructions before use. Contact the product’s manufacturer for the most up-to-date label.
|
-
This section of the Home & Garden Edition covers organic gardening practices. The USDA National Organic Program has established rules for commercial organic production. These rules do not apply to home gardeners, but they are a useful guide for choosing organic pest management alternatives. Beginning in 2022, the Home & Garden Edition has been updated biennially. When purchasing a product based on a first-year recommendation of the Handbook, check the current product label before purchase to be sure it is still labeled for the use for which you are buying it. For pesticide products you have on hand from earlier purchases, you are allowed to use them until they are depleted without penalty under the law. Always follow label instructions before use. Contact the product’s manufacturer for the most up-to-date label.
|
-
SB 48-10
Ornamentals
This section of the Home & Garden Edition covers pest control in ornamentals, such as indoor plants, flowers, shrubs, and ground covers. Beginning in 2022, the Home & Garden Edition has been updated biennially. When purchasing a product based on a first-year recommendation of the Handbook, check the current product label before purchase to be sure it is still labeled for the use for which you are buying it. For pesticide products you have on hand from earlier purchases, you are allowed to use them until they are depleted without penalty under the law. Always follow label instructions before use. Contact the product’s manufacturer for the most up-to-date label.
|