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Penn State Disclaimer

August 10 , 2007
Volume 1, No. 3

Editor:
Paul Heller, Professor of Entomology, PSU

ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS

*TURFGRASS INSECT UPDATE – Early August Scouting Report

SCARAB GRUB UPDATE: First instar Japanese beetle and northern masked chafer grubs were observed actively feeding on August 8 at a Central PA research site.  Damage from scarab grub feeding may be earlier than expected this year.  The only way you can distinguish the various larval instars of white grub species is to measure their individual head capsules.  I would suggest that sampling for scarab grubs should be completed on a regular basis to determine grub populations, map their distribution, and keep a close eye on possible damage symptoms.  In the future a registered ‘curative’ control measure may be needed.  Some individuals may be interested in the use of insect parasitic nematodes.  I would direct interested individuals to Ohio State’s excellent web site on IPNs which is located at http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/nematodes/ . Our 2007 Curative Scarab Grub Applied Research Program intends to evaluate insect parasitic nematodes as part of our program.  Research results will be shared at 2007-08 turfgrass conferences and workshops.

GREEN JUNE BEETLE: Green June beetle surface grub damage was observed in Lancaster County on August 3.  The typical mini-volcanoes were present on insect infested turfgrass areas.  Early instar grubs frequently can be found tunneling in the top 4 inches of soil. They will loosen the soil and eat or thin out the thatch. Grubs seldom consume enough turf roots to cause significant damage. However, their disruptive burrowing and mound-building activities can disfigure turf. The latter mounds frequently are 2 to 3 inches in diameter; plus, grubs leave distinct open, vertical soil burrows averaging 6 to 12 inches in depth. The diameter of the burrow is about the size of your thumb.  It is important to recognize that this grub species is not the only animal that makes mounds on grass. Earthworms also make mounds, the particles of which are distinct pellets.  Green June beetle grubs are 3/8 (first instar) to 1½ inches long with a white stubby body and short legs. The grubs have an unusual habit of crawling on their backs rather than relying on their small legs, which are extended upward as they move across surfaces. Ridges located on the upper surface of the grub’s body are covered with short, stiff hairs that assist them in moving on the surface of the grass.

Green June beetle larva

Green June beetle surface damage (hole on surface of grass)

CICADA KILLER WASP (CKW): Extensive damage from CKW nest building was observed on well drained dry areas of a golf course rough on August 3 in Mifflin County.  Our program has received quite a few calls on this ‘beneficial’ insect whose mound building activities create headaches for home owners and golf course managers. Adult cicada killer wasps are very large, up to 1-1/2 inches in length.  Adult CKWs are solitary insects and have a rusty red head and thorax, amber-yellow wings, and a black abdomen with pale yellow stripes.  CKW prefers to build their nests in areas receiving full sun, scant amounts of vegetation and light textures, and sandy well drained soil.  Each female adult CKW digs its own burrow into the ground.  The burrow is ca. ½ to ¾ inch in diameter and about one foot in depth.  The burrow may be a single tube or have several branches.  A mound of soil excavated from the burrow marks its entrance.  Adult females search for cicadas, then immobilize the insect by stinging it, and carries the large cicada back to her burrow, places it inside, and lays an egg on it.  The egg hatches into a larva that feeds on the body of one or two paralyzed cicadas.  The CKW larva feeds and molts as it grows throughout the summer.  The fully grown larva remains in the burrow throughout the winter and pupates in the spring, emerging in the summer as an adult.  Although these insects do construct mounds they are considered ‘beneficial’ insects.  You can access Dr. Holliday’s (Lafayette College) web site at http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~hollidac/cicadakillerhome.html which provides information on CKW.

Cicada killer wasp surface damage

Cicada killer wasp and mound

Note of Caution When Using a Website Mentioned in this Newsletter

Please remember that pest control suggestions to suppress insect and mite pests will vary between states and countries. Likewise pest control suppression strategies and timing also will vary. Always contact your local county extension office or department of agriculture to acquire the most current pest control suggestions.

Disclaimer

Please read this before using individual websites of this newsletter!

The development and appearance of pests will vary, depending upon your location. The treatment times discussed in this course are based on the best information we have at the writing of this course, but these times can vary from year to year. It is imperative that you monitor pest activity each year.

In addition, these materials contain pesticide suggestions that are subject to change at any time. These suggestions, when given, are provided only as a guide. Due to constantly changing labels and product registrations, some of the suggestions given in this website may no longer be legal by the time you read them. Not all products have been evaluated for each pest listed. If any information in these suggestions disagrees with the label, the suggestion must be disregarded. The user of this information assumes all risks for personal injury or property damage.

The authors and the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences and The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture assume no liability resulting from the use of these pest control suggestions. It is always the pesticide applicator's responsibility, by law, to read and follow current label directions for the specific pesticide being used.

Where trade names are used, no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by The Pennsylvania State University and The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is implied. Every attempt is made to produce information that is complete, timely, and accurate, the pesticide user bears the responsibility of consulting the pesticide label and adhering to those directions.

Pest control suggestions vary between states and countries. Listed links may include pest control suggestions which may no longer be registered for use or labeled for your individual state or country. Always check with your local county extension office, department of agriculture office, or state extension specialist to acquire the most current pest control suggestions. Also, always refer to current product labels for specific information.

Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences research, extension, and resident education programs are funded in part by Pennsylvania counties, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work, Acts of Congress May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Pennsylvania Legislature. D. Jackson, Director of Cooperative Extension, The Pennsylvania State University. This publication is available in alternative media on request. The Pennsylvania State University is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state or federal authorities. The Pennsylvania State University does not discriminate against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to the Affirmative Action Director, The Pennsylvania State University, 201 Willard Building, University Park PA 16802-2801; Tel. (814) 865-4700/V; (814) 863-1150/TTY. ©The Pennsylvania State University 2000.

P.R. Heller, Prof. Entomology
Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802
Internet Address: prh@psu.edu