An online soybean pest survey has been developed from a Pest Management Strategic Planning meeting held in August 2003. This is survey is intended for producers and others involved with soybean production in Kentucky, Tennessee, southern Illinois, and southern Indiana.
You can access this survey at: http://www.sripmc.org/KY/SoybeanPMSPSurvey/
The purpose of this survey is to demonstrate producer input on critical pest issues relative to soybean production in this region of the county. This information will be used by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in making decisions about pesticide registration issues and prioritization for the funding of extension and land-grant/government research projects.
This survey was developed through the Kentucky Pest Management Center (KPMC). The KPMC is a grant-funded program in the UK Entomology Department. We develop Crop Profiles and Pest Management Strategic Plan documents for commodities in Kentucky and the region. These documents were designed as a method for producers and those with first-hand or hands-on knowledge to provide input on what pest management tools are most critical for the production of Kentucky commodities. More information can be found at http://www.uky.edu/Agriculture/KPMC/KPMC.htm.
This is your chance to collectively provide "first-hand"
information to the USDA and EPA on current troublesome
pests and the potential impact of emerging pests. We
encourage those involved with soybean production in this
region (producers, industry, and extension) to take 10 to 20
minutes out of your day to provide your input on these critical
pest management issues.
Sclerotinia Collar Rot (collar rot) of tobacco is a girdling
stem canker and soft rot caused by the fungus Sclerotinia
sclerotiorum. Until the float system appeared, we very
rarely diagnosed cases of collar rot in tobacco transplants,
about ten cases in 50 years. However, since the arrival of
float beds in the 1990's, in spring time during prolonged
periods of cool and wet weather without much need to
heat, Kentucky's tobacco growers have begun to regularly
experience outbreaks of collar rot. Some region of the
Commonwealth experiences significant damage from
Sclerotinia each year.
Infections of Sclerotinia can occur at any time, but symptoms are seldom noticed until after the canopy has closed among seedlings and clipping has started. Plants that are growing rapidly during the five to seven-week period after germination seem to be most often involved, especially when this growth stage coexists with cool wet weather, but not so cool that heating of the system is necessary. First symptoms often appear as small cluster of plants with poor color or yellowing and wilting down, especially in drip zones and areas with poor air movement of the greenhouse. If Sclerotinia is involved, examination of the plants in these areas should reveal white cottony mycelium with or without sclerotia (these are white at first becoming dark with age, and resemble rodent droppings). These sclerotia play little role during the current season, but are the over-wintering stage that generate inoculum for later epidemics; therefore, be careful where you leave them.
Chemical controls are not an option for this disease. Moreover, the fungicides labeled for use in tobacco transplant production to control other diseases have no significant impact on Sclerotinia. Even where research has demonstrated control, chemical manufacturers have been unwilling to label the products for tobacco. Consequently, control efforts rest with careful manipulation of the environment (especially reducing moisture), clipping management, and reducing debris.
Reducing moisture around the plant is the most important step in control of Sclerotinia disease in transplant production systems. I cannot stress this point enough. In fact, longer periods with wet leaves and stem moisture is the main reason float beds experience Sclerotinia. Sclerotinia requires wet plant material to infect and to sustain colonization in seedlings. Moreover, the wet periods need to be long; 16-72 hours of continuous wetness are required to sustain the colony outside the host. Without these long periods of moisture, the colony is confined to scattered plants that are initially infected, rather than the "nest" which result with spread from single plants during the prolonged wetness. Therefore, any condition that contributes to long periods of a wet plant stem could favor disease. Taking steps to improve drying is important. Improving air circulation in the system and within the canopy by proper heating and ventilation is of great value. Also important is good air movement within the canopy, which can be improved with fans, lower plant populations, and keeping bays full of water so that the top of the tray is above the side-boards.
Weakened or dead plant tissues of any kind will greatly favor this disease, assuming the tissue is wet, so be very carefully with clipping operations. We have observed considerable secondary spread by mass movement of the mycelium during clipping and by increasing the amount of dead or dying tissues available to be colonized. It is especially important to avoid dropping clippings into the canopy. At the same time, clipping done correctly can be a valuable tool in reducing the disease by improving air circulation.
However, clipping is often also involved with encouraging the disease, especially when dull blades are used, the plants are extremely lush, or large amounts of clipping debris are left in the beds. All this macerated tissue is ideal food stuff for the fungus, encouraging its colonization and spread, so avoid "feeding the fungus". Use good clipping machinery that makes clean cuts and lift/vacuum the debris. Avoid dull blades that macerate leaves/veins, sling and drip tobacco juice everywhere, and leave clipping debris in the bed. Clipping more often is also important.
Any newly killed or dying plant tissues introduced into the transplants can serve as a good food base for this fungus. I have seen some very serious outbreaks associated with plantings where blossoms from trees and wild mustard have "snowed" outdoor beds and open greenhouses. Take steps to prevent flower petals from landing in tobacco seedlings during ventilation events.
Never discard clippings or unused seedlings near the transplant bed as these serve as important staging and over-wintering sites full of the pathogen with easy access to the next crop of transplants. Such debris sites should be located more than 100 yards away - better yet, bury the debris. Also, maintain regular weed control near the greenhouses to avoid build-up of Sclerotinia in its many weedy hosts..
For the latest blue mold status and other tobacco disease information, check the KY Blue Mold Warning System online.
http://www.uky.edu/Agriculture/kpn/kyblue/kyblue.htm
For more information about tobacco pests, visit "Insect Management Recommendations".
Although Kentucky corn producers are currently thinking
more about planting than harvesting, it is not too early to
consider harvest practices for the 2004 crop. A recently
published research paper from North Carolina State
University provided a rather careful look at the timing of
fumonisin contamination in North Carolina. Fumonisins
are a class of mycotoxins (toxins produced by fungi) which
cause toxicity to horses, swine, and other animals. There is
also concern about possible detrimental health effects of
fumonisins to humans. Fumonisins commonly are
produced by the fungus Fusarium verticillioides, the fungus
that causes Fusarium ear rot. Fumonisins do not occur
widely in Kentucky, but contamination of corn can
sometimes develop in the field, especially when hot, dry
weather occurs prior to and during silking.
Contamination can also occur under improper storage
conditions. More information on fumonisins in corn is
available online at
http://www.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/id/id121/id121.pdf.
Fumonisin contamination in the field has sometimes been associated with late-season rains on corn where harvest has been delayed, although this has not been carefully demonstrated in published research. The NC State study closely monitored both kernel infection by Fusarium verticillioides as well as fumonisin contamination during the grain fill period at two locations prone to fumonisin contamination over a two-year period. Key results of the study are as follows.
An important conclusion of this study is this: in years with stressful weather favorable for fumonisin contamination, it may be advantageous to harvest at a moisture content of 25-28% MC and dry down the grain to below 16% MC within 24 hours. This should help to reduce the risk of fumonisin buildup, as compared to letting the crop dry down in the field.
On a related issue, one would expect that a corn hybrid with partial resistance to Fusarium ear rot would have less fumonisin contamination. This is exactly what the researchers found in one of the two test locations. However, in the other location, it was surprising to see that the more resistant hybrid actually had more fumonisin contamination than the more susceptible hybrids in the test. Thus, use of a hybrid known to have partial resistance to Fusarium ear rot does not provide an assurance that fumonisin levels in the harvested grain will always be lower than in a more susceptible hybrid.
For information about corn pests, visit
"Insect Management Recommendations".
The choice and timing of burndown applications are key
factors affecting martestail control in no-till soybeans.
Glyphosate is typically preferred over paraquat for burndown control of marestail. However, there are occasions when glyphosate is inconsistent in managing this weed. Poor weather conditions, low herbicide rate for the size of weed, and tank mix antagonism have historically caused problems with glyphosate; yet a new emerging issue deals with biotypes that are highly tolerant or resistant to glyphosate.
The problems that we sometimes see with controlling marestail with glyphosate can often be overcome by including 2,4-D ester as a tank mix partner in early preplant burndown applications. The drawback with using 2,4-D ester is the risk of injury to soybeans. In order to minimize this risk, 2,4-D ester must be applied 7 to 30 days ahead of planting. Treatments with 0.5 lb (acid equivalent) ae of 2,4-D ester/A require a minimum of 7 days between application and soybean planting; whereas, 1 lb ae of 2,4-D/A requires at least 30 days between application and planting. The rate of product will vary depending on concentration of the 2,4-D formulation used. Consult the label for specific directions. Unacceptable crop injury may occur when 2,4-D is applied as a pre-plant treatment to soybean. Plant soybean seeds at least 1 " to 2 inches deep. Adjust planter press wheels to ensure that soybeans seed are completely covered with soil. Do not cut soybeans for feed or graze fields treated with a 2,4-D pre-plant application. Do not exceed 1 lb ai/A/season.
The following list of 2,4-D ester products helps illustrate the differences in formulations and importance for following label directions for recommended rates and waiting period between application and planting of no-till soybeans.
| PRODUCT | WAITING PERIOD | |
|---|---|---|
| 7 DAYS | 30 DAYS | |
| Product rate/A | ||
| Salvo (5 lb ae/gal) |
12.8 oz/A | 25.6 oz/A |
| Weedone LV 4 EC (3.84 lb ae/gal) |
1 pt/A | 2 pt/A |
| Weedone LV6 (5.4 lb ae/gal) |
0.67 pt/A | 1.33 pt/A |
| Weedone 638 (2.8 lb ae/gal) |
1.33 pt/A | 2.67 pt/A |
The size of marestail can also determine when to spray burndown applications. Ideally burndown treatments with 2,4-D ester should be applied before marestail exceeds 6 inches in height. In order to achieve this goal, treatments should be applied before the first of May. Emergence and growth of marestail is usually delayed where there is a heavy cover of vegetation or dead residue.
The fact marestail can emerge throughout the season can complicate your control strategy. Including ALS inhibiting herbicides such as Canopy XL, FrstRate, or Amplify with the burndown treatments, can provide soil-residual control as well as enhance burndown control of marestail that is tolerant or resistant to glyphosate. However, since ALS- resistant marestail has been confirmed in some neighboring states, there is a remote chance these herbicides may not provide the desired level of control.
As you prepare for this season, do not take for granted that rotating to corn last season will eliminate the risk of having marestail in your soybeans this year. There were reports of glyphosate-resistant marestail in no-till soybean fields that were in corn in the previous season. Marestail seed have plumes of hairs that can facilitate their movement in wind currents from adjacent or nearby infested fields. Observe fields early, particularly those that have a history of marestail or ones that are adjacent to problem fields. Prepare a strategy that will be timely. Delaying your tactics will decrease the chance of successfully managing this problem weed.
For more information about soybean pests, visit
"Insect Management Recommendations".
One of the most troublesome weed problems in Kentucky
pastures and hayfields are thistles. Thistle plants can
interfere with livestock grazing and limit the amount of
available forage. The spring and early summer months is
when thistles become a major problem for land owners
and livestock producers who graze cattle or produce hay.
Musk thistle, also called nodding thistle, is the most common type of thistle plant found in Kentucky. It is considered a noxious weed because of its ability to reproduce rapidly and limit pasture production. Musk thistle only reproduces by seed. Therefore, the major aspect of any control efforts is to prevent or limit new seed production.
Seed typically germinate in the fall and young thistle plants form a rosette which grows close to the ground during the winter months, often growing unnoticed until the spring. The most active vegetative growth period of the plant is in the spring throughout the early summer months. The leaf surface is waxy in appearance and contains spines along the leaf margins. Flower stalks emerge from the rosettes and are followed by bright purple to reddish flowers, which bloom in late May to early June. New seed develop within the flower heads and at maturity are easily carried by the wind and spread to other areas.
The most important step in a long-term control program for musk thistle is to prevent flowering, and the production and spread of new thistle seed. This can be accomplished by using various mechanical, biological, or chemical control methods.
Mechanical control consists of mowing, clipping pastures, or even hand-grubbing individual plants. These control methods should be initiated before flowers begin to open. Some regrowth and production of flowers can occur after mowing, but seed production will be notably less than if a timely mechanical control method had not been used. Thistle plants mowed or removed by hand after flowers have bloomed contain enough energy reserves that these plants will still produce viable seed.
A reduction in musk thistle populations can also be obtained through biological control methods. Two different insects are known to inhibit thistle growth and development, the Thistle-Head Weevil and the Thistle Rosette Weevil. The Thistle-Head Weevil can be found during the spring in many counties throughout central Kentucky. These insects feed on the maturing seed inside the developing flower head. The impact of the Thistle- Head Weevil will not eliminate all seed production, but can significantly reduce the amount of seed produced by individual plants in areas where the insect has become established.
Broadleaf herbicides labeled for use in pastures can be applied in grass pastures and non-cropland areas for control of musk thistle rosettes. For herbicides to be effective, however, the timing of the application is critical. Best results can be obtained if herbicides are applied to thistle plants that are in the early rosette stage of growth and actively growing. Therefore, the best times for herbicide application are in the early spring (during March and April when plants are actively growing) or in the fall (October or early November following new seed germination). When plants are in the rosette stage they are more susceptible to herbicide applications.
Herbicides which can be used in pastures include 2,4-D,
Banvel, Crossbow, Redeem R&P, and Weedmaster. For
spring herbicide applications apply when air temperatures
are above 55 F for 2 to 3 days. Complete spray coverage of
the plant is also important. When herbicides are applied
after flower stalks elongate, control will be less effective
and inconsistent. When using herbicides for control
consult the waiting period on the product label for
livestock grazing restrictions following a herbicide
application. Avoid spraying near crops such as tobacco,
vegetables, or ornamental plantings. Also, avoid spray
drift by not spraying on windy days or days with
extremely high temperature and high humidity.
Two European weevils that attack musk thistle are
established in Kentucky and are contributing to the
biological control of this weed. The thistlehead weevil was
released in central Kentucky in the late 1970's and has been
distributed over much of the state. The grub-like larvae of
this one-fourth inch long beetle feed in the flower heads
and destroy seeds. Larvae of the rosette weevil, the second
species, attack the rosette stage of the plant, burrowing
into the taproot, often killing it. This weevil is established
in central Kentucky, and in cooperation with the Ky
Transportation Cabinet, is being introduced into other
areas of the state. Together, these weevils provide a
sustainable component of control that will spread over
existing thistle infestations on their own. These insects
help to manage the weed in inaccessible areas or on land
where control measures are not implemented.
In the last edition of KPN we noted that the first true
armyworm and black cutworm moths were captured in
2004. Once again, we find both insects in our traps. At
present the numbers are small, which is what we expect.
However, it is time to begin watching for these pests. It
should also be noted that both insects have also been
caught in the So. Illinois trapping system. I spoke with Ron
Hines on the phone today (03/25/04) and he indicated
that their moth capture is increasing. We hope to have a
website address for the So. Illinois trap data in the next
issue or so.
By comparison the 2004 capture is about a week earlier than the 2003 capture. However, that probably does not mean much. Additionally, the timing of this years capture is about the same as the "rolling" five-year average. You may view pheromone trap data for field crops on the IPM Webpages at: http://www.uky.edu/Agriculture/IPM/ipm.htm just select "Pheromone Trap Counts" from the menu bar. This site holds current and historic data for a number of insect pests of KY field crops.
The only "major outbreak" of true armyworm in Kentucky for the last 20 or so years occurred in 2001. First generation peak flight then occurred about mid April. So, we should have plenty of time to watch for any buildup.
Even though we do not often have major outbreaks, true armyworms are present every year, so fields of small grains and corn may be subject to large local populations. Corn is especially at risk when planted early and into or near standing grasses (including small grains). Keeping a watchful eye is always the best economic investment.
Controlling true armyworm in either small grains or corn
is not especially difficult. The difficulty lies in knowing if
the field is infested and when the population reaches a
level that needs to be treated. Generally speaking unless
true armyworms are clipping the heads off of wheat or
other small grains, they are very unlikely to do economic
damage.
During recent years, we have been concerned about the possibility that Sudden Oak Death (SOD) disease caused by the fungus Phytophthora ramorum would be found in Kentucky. So far it has not been found here, but the threat is real because during the past year, SOD-infected nursery stock may have been shipped to Kentucky. In the February 25, 2002 Kentucky Pest News (issue 941) we reported the USDA SOD quarantine. Our 2003 survey for SOD in which it was reported that no SOD was found in Kentucky was described in the January 12, 2004 Kentucky Pest News (issue 1008). As of this writing, a new Kentucky quarantine is pending final approval.
The following information was obtained from the Kentucky nursery inspectors in our office of state entomologist.
[[Sudden Oak Death, (Phytophthora ramorum), has been confirmed on camellias from two California nurseries; Monrovia Nursery in Azusa and Specialty Plants in San Marcos. Specialty Plants is a mail order company that ships bonsai directly to the public. Eleven other nurseries in the area have laboratory samples that are currently being processed for confirmation. This is the only means to determine true positives. Unfortunately, there is more that is NOT known about this organism and the current situation than is known.
Monrovia has sent emails to all of their nursery customers (6 in Kentucky in early 2003) to inform them of the situation and asked them to segregate the host material received from Monrovia until USDA or we arrive to take official action. They are also requesting significant funding for a quality, comprehensive National Survey, and are looking at the components of that survey. It is not known how long this organism may have been in nursery settings. There are a massive number of locations nationwide that have received material and, depending on how long the organism has been present, a massive number of locations that have already been planted in the landscape. At the two confirmed nurseries, Monrovia and Specialty Plants, no hosts or associated hosts are allowed to move from the nursery. An agreement has been made with all 11 nurseries to voluntarily hold all shipments of hosts and associated hosts until final confirmation is received.
The USDA has decided to regulate all known hosts and associated host plants from the entire state of California. Before a nursery is allowed to ship these plants, they must under go a thorough inspection and samples are taken. However, our office doesn't feel that these measures are sufficient to protect Kentucky's forests and nursery trade due to the vast amount of unknowns surrounding this disease. We are currently working on implementing a quarantine against all California nursery stock that hopefully will better protect Kentucky's forest and nursery industry against this disease.
The following is background information about Sudden Oak Death and Phytophthora ramorum.
* Joe Collins is the Kentucky state nursery inspector in the
Office of State Entomologist housed in the U.K.
Department of Entomology.
Most eastern tent caterpillar egg masses should have
hatched by now in central Kentucky. Scattered
observations point to an overall population level
comparable to 2003. Caterpillar numbers should be well
below area-wide outbreak levels but there will be some
strong local pockets of infestation. Careful inspection of
wild cherry and related trees is the way to assess the
situation on your farm. Now is the time to begin looking.
ETC larvae are still very small but they are feeding on leaf buds and have started to form tents at branch angles. The tents will become more visible as the caterpillars grow and add to the structure. This will be the key to use to determine treatment sites and timing. At this point, the first full week of April should be the time to assess treatment needs, with continued inspections as needed.
Caterpillar management options are the same as those recommended for 2003. Foliar sprays of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) products or the pyrethroid Talstar should be made when the tents are about the size of a baseball.
Bt residues must be eaten by the caterpillars to treatment should be directed at foliage around active tents. Bt products are most effective against caterpillars that are no more than 1 inch long. Residues of these products are broken down by sunlight and remain on the foliage for less than one week. Two applications of Bt products may be needed for adequate control. Mortality results from disruption of the gut lining of the caterpillars so they do not die until several days after ingesting the material.
The pyrethroid Talstar has contact and stomach poison activity and has a residual life of about 1 week after application. As with Bt products, targeted applications should be used, not full tree sprays.
Trunk injections of Bidrin also have been used successfully
to control ETC larvae. As with foliar sprays, use of
baseball-sized tents is a good clue for timing treatment to
allow determination if injection is warranted.
Termite season has begun in Kentucky. During the next several weeks, you'll probably spend more time responding to termite calls than to any other insect pest. To complicate matters, the public has little understanding of termites, and what should be done if their home is infested. This column will help you answer their questions.
Q: Why be concerned about termites?
A: Termites cause billions of dollars in damage each year.
They primarily feed on wood, but also damage paper,
books, foam board insulation, and even swimming pool
liners and filtration systems. Termites can injure living
trees and shrubs, but more often are a secondary invader
of woody plants already in decline. While buildings may
become infested at any time, termites are of particular
importance when buying or selling a home since a termite
inspection is normally a condition of sale. Besides the
monetary impact, thousands of winged termites emerging
inside one's home are an emotionally trying experience,
not to mention the thought of termites silently feasting on
one's largest investment.
Q: Why are infestations often discovered during March - May?
A: Spring typically is when large numbers of winged termites, known as "swarmers", emerge inside homes. In nature, termites swarm to disperse and start new colonies. Triggered by warmer temperatures and rainfall, the winged termites emerge from the colony and fly into the air. The swarmers then drop to the ground, shed their wings, pair off with a mate, and attempt to begin new colonies in the soil. Few swarmers emerging outdoors survive to start new colonies. Swarmers emerging indoors are incapable of eating wood, seldom survive, and are best removed with a vacuum cleaner. They do, however, indicate that an infestation is present.
Q: How will I know if my home is infested?
A: Discovering winged termites indoors almost always
indicates an infestation warranting treatment. People
often confuse winged termites with ants, which often
swarm at the same time of year. Termites can be
differentiated by their straight antennae, uniform waist
and wings of equal size. (Ants have elbowed antennae,
constricted waists, and forewings that are longer than the
hind wings.) The swarmers are attracted to light and are
often seen around windows and doors. Termite swarmers
emerging from tree stumps, woodpiles, and other
locations out in the yard are not necessarily cause for
concern, and do not always mean that the house is
infested. On the other hand, if winged termites are seen
emerging from the base of a foundation wall or adjoining
porches and patios, there's a good chance the house is
infested also and treatment may be warranted.
Other signs of infestation are earthen (mud) tubes extending over foundation walls, support piers, sill plates, etc. The mud tubes are typically about the diameter of a pencil, but sometimes can be thicker. Termites construct these tubes for shelter as they travel between their underground colonies and the structure. To help determine if an infestation is active, the tubes may be broken open and checked for the presence of small, creamy-white worker termites. If a tube happens to be vacant, it does not necessarily mean that the infestation is inactive; termites often abandon sections of tube while foraging elsewhere in the structure. Termite-damaged wood is usually hollowed out along the grain, with bits of dried mud or soil lining the feeding galleries. Wood damaged by moisture or other types of insects (e.g., carpenter ants) will not have this appearance. Occasionally termites bore tiny holes through plaster or drywall, accompanied by bits of soil around the margin. Rippled or sunken traces behind wall covering can also be indicative of termites tunneling underneath.
Oftentimes there will be no visible indication that the home is infested. Termites are cryptic creatures and infestations can go undetected for years, hidden behind walls, floor coverings, insulation, and other obstructions. Termite feeding and damage can even progress undetected in wood that is exposed because the outer surface is usually left intact. Confirmation of infestation often requires the keen eye of an experienced termite inspector. However, even the most experienced inspector can overlook infestation or damage which is hidden.
Q: Can I treat the house myself?
A: Ridding a home of termites requires special skills.
Knowledge of building construction is needed to identify
the critical areas where termites are likely to enter. Many
of these potential points of entry are hidden and difficult
to access. Termite control also utilizes specialized
equipment such as masonry drills, pumps, large-capacity
tanks, and soil treatment rods. A typical treatment may
involve hundreds of gallons of a liquid pesticide, known as
a termiticide, injected into the ground alongside the
foundation, beneath concrete slabs, and within foundation
walls. In short, termite treatment is a job for professionals.
A possible exception would be if a mailbox post, sandbox
or other small wooden object not attached to the house
was infested. "Do-it-yourself" termite baits (see bait
comments below) sold at retail stores or bought over the
internet will seldom eradicate an existing termite problem.
Q: How do I choose a pest control company? Why is there such variance in price?
A: These are complex questions. The company should be
licensed by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.
Membership in the Kentucky Pest Control Association
and/or National Pest Management Association suggest
the company is an established firm with access to technical
and training information needed to do the job correctly. As
with any service company, references are invaluable.
Consider calling at least 2-3 companies. Requesting
inspections and estimates from more than one company
will help verify the existence of a termite problem and
allow you to compare services. Companies offer different
types of treatment methods and warranties. If termites
happen to return, most will retreat the affected areas at no
additional charge. A smaller percentage of firms also will
repair damage occurring subsequent to their treatment,
although dating onset of termite damage is a hard thing to
determine. In some cases, no warranty will be offered if
wells, cisterns, sub-slab heating ducts, drainage systems,
or inaccessible crawl spaces make it impossible to treat in
accordance with industry standards.
Take your time when selecting a company. Termites damage wood slowly; the amount of damage caused by taking an additional day, week, or month to make an informed decision is insignificant. Avoid firms that try to pressure you into signing a contract immediately with "specials" or scare tactics. The overall quality of a termite job depends less on the sales person than on the technician who does the work. A safe and effective treatment requires an experienced technician, not someone who was hired a few weeks ago.
Q: Which treatment methods and products are most effective?
A: Another challenging question. There are two general
categories of termite treatment, liquids and baits. Soil-
applied liquid termiticides have been around for decades.
Their purpose is to provide a long-lasting chemical barrier
that excludes termites in the ground from entering
buildings. In most cases, termites in the structure die off as
well since they cannot return to the soil. Most former
products were repellent rather than lethal to termites
foraging in the soil. Newer materials such as Termidor
(fipronil), Premise (imidacloprid) and Phantom
(chlorfenapyr) are non-repellent, and termites tunneling
into the treatment zone are killed. Overall the non-
repellent products are proving to be much more reliable in
their ability to resolve termite problems in the first
attempt. All registered termiticides (both repellent and
non-repellent) can be effective, however, and homeowners
should not base their purchasing decision on product
alone.
The other broad treatment category is baiting. Termite
baits consist of paper, cardboard, or other A termite-
friendly@ food, combined with a slow-acting substance
lethal to termites. The baits are installed below ground out
in the yard in cylindrical plastic stations. Others are
sometimes placed indoors over active termite mud tubes.
Foraging termites consume the bait and share it with their
nest mates, resulting in a gradual decline in termite
numbers. On some properties, baits may constitute the
only form of treatment; on others, they may be combined
with liquid applications to areas where termites are
observed. Several baiting systems are available, including
Sentricon , Exterra , FirstLine , Advance , and
Subterfuge .
Termite baiting is a very complex subject. A detailed
discussion of the considerations in having your home
treated with baits versus liquids is provided in
entomology extension publications, Entfact-639: Termite
Baits: A Guide for Homeowners. (All four of our termite-
related Entfacts were recently updated and posted on the
entomology department website). No matter which
method or product is selected, it's important to have an
experienced technician, backed by a responsible pest
control firm.
Q: Does the entire house need to be treated... or can they "spot treat" areas where I see termites?
A: Subterranean termite colonies may contain hundreds of
thousands of individuals foraging in many different
directions. For the homeowner, localized or "spot"
treatments are generally a gamble except in cases of
retreatment. Most reputable pest control firms will not
warranty spot treatments, since it's likely that termites will
eventually find other points of entry into the structure.
Some companies may offer to do a so-called "perimeter" treatment using one of the non-repellent liquid termiticides (e.g., Termidor or Premise). Typically this will involve a thorough application around the entire outside foundation wall of the building, and spot-treating any infested or high-risk interior areas. If the homeowner is considering such a treatment, they should inquire whether it will be accompanied by a service agreement in case termites return. (Service renewal agreements usually state that if termites return, the company will return and retreat the affected areas at no additional charge provided the renewal agreement is maintained.) Purchasing any treatment approach is a bit of a gamble, unless the offer is accompanied by an ongoing service agreement.
Q: How long will the treatment last?
A: All liquid termiticides are supposed to control termites
for at least five years when applied according to label
directions. The actual length of control on a given structure
will depend on such factors as thoroughness of the
application, environmental conditions, and density of
termites in the area. Should termites continue to be a
problem the year after treatment, it's usually because
termites have found an untreated gap in the chemical
barrier.
Q: Will the chemicals harm my family or pets?
A: Termiticides are tested extensively for adverse effects
on health. Before a product can be used, numerous studies
are conducted by the manufacturer and independently
evaluated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Based on the current body of knowledge, registered
termiticides pose no significant hazard to humans, pets or
the environment when applied according to label
directions. Despite the negligible health risk from a
properly performed termite treatment, people with
lingering concerns should consult their physician. Most of
the newer liquid products have essentially no odor. Clients
who are still apprehensive may want to consider having
their home treated with baits.
Q: Have I been cheated if termites continue to infest my house after treatment?
A: Not necessarily. Unlike other services such as plumbing
or electrical work, termite control involves living creatures.
The best treatments performed by knowledgeable firms
may fail at times, when termites find their way through
tiny, untreated gaps in the soil. While the intent is to
establish a continuous, impenetrable chemical barrier, this
is all but impossible to achieve in actual practice. In the
case of baits, it may take several months for termites to
initially find the bait stations in the soil, and several
months more to achieve control. The key is to hire a
reputable pest control firm employing experienced,
conscientious technicians. Companies will return and
retreat affected area(s) at no additional charge provided
the service agreement is purchased and maintained.
As mentioned earlier, four different termite-related
"Entfacts" were recently updated and are posted on the
entomology department website.
UKREC-Princeton, KY, March 19 - 26, 2004| True armyworm
| 6
| Black cutworm
| 1
| | |
NOTE: Trade names are used to simplify the information presented in this newsletter. No endorsement by the Cooperative Extension Service is intended, nor is criticism implied of similar products that are not named.
Lee Townsend
Extension Entomologist