Got Nature? Blog

Purdue Landscape Report: Sawflies are frequent pests in the landscape that attack a wide variety of plants, from ornamental flowers to large trees. You might start to see them damaging plants around this time of year as the first generations hatch and begin to feed on foliage. They are often mistaken for caterpillars, which are the larval stages of butterflies and moths (Order Lepidoptera). However, sawflies are actually wasp-like insects (Order Hymenoptera).

Let’s review how to tell them apart. Products that are labeled for caterpillars do not always work on sawflies, so proper identification is important.

• The most reliable characteristic are the prolegs. Sawflies have 6+ pairs of prolegs, or false legs, while caterpillars have < 6 pairs of prolegs. (Fig. 1)
• When disturbed, sawflies will lift their posterior into an “S” shape. Caterpillars don’t display this behavior. (Fig. 2)

Integrated management recommendations

Early in the year, before hatching starts, look for sawfly oviposition on your plants. This will vary depending on the species of sawfly. For example, the European Pine sawfly eggs look like yellow-orange spots evenly spaced on the needles (Fig. 3). The Bristly Roseslug sawfly uses her ovipositor to cut a slit into the leaf petiole where she inserts eggs. The gooseberry sawfly lays eggs on a leaf vein (Fig. 4).

If the eggs are readily visible, manual removal will help reduce the populations. This is best accomplished in early spring before the eggs hatch. Use a tool to smash the eggs, or prune of the affected plant material.

You may not notice any problem on the plant until you start to see holes appearing in the foliage. Monitor regularly in the spring for holes and “window pane” damage (Fig. 5). This is the time of year when sawflies are hatching, so don’t wait any longer to check your plants. Sawfly management is best accomplished when the larvae are still small. Prune or shake off the larvae from the plant, or spray with a biorational material so as not to disturb natural enemies and cause a secondary pest outbreak later in the summer.

For more information on sawfly biology, check out this five-minute video: Slaying Sawflies with Purdue Plant Doctor.

Specific management recommendations can be found on the Purdue Plant Doctor website. Type “sawfly” into the search and click on the species you would like to read more about!

Read the original article on Purdue Landscape Report: Sawflies: the caterpillar pests that are not caterpillars.

Question: Is it recommended to feed birds during the summer? Could this effect migration?

Answer: Continuing to feed birds in the spring and summer comes down to personal preference and is not a problem for birds.  Many things drive migration including daylength.  The only difference is some foods (e.g., suet) can become rancid. Even bird seed (especially wet seed) can spoil quicker. You can fix this by changing out your food regularly, or by not filling the feeders as full so that birds empty the feeder more quickly.

Resources:
The Basics of Bird Migration: How, Why and Where, Cornell Lab

Feeding Birds, Cornell Lab

Bird Feeding Tips, Audubon.org

More Resources:
Virtual Tour Brings Forest Management for Birds to Life, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) Got Nature? Blog
Breeding Bird Atlas, Indiana Department of Natural Resources
IN DNR Shares How to Keep Your Backyard Birds Healthy, Purdue Extension – FNR Got Nature? Blog
Question: Is there any risk of becoming infected with avian influenza virus by feeding backyard birds?, Purdue Extension – FNR Got Nature? Blog
Breeding Birds and Forest Management: the Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment and the Central Hardwoods Region, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
Forest Birds, The Education Store
Managing Woodlands for Birds, The Education Store
Managing Woodlands for Birds Video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
The Birders’ Dozen, Profile: Baltimore Oriole, Indiana Woodland Steward
Ask An Expert, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
Birds and Residential Window Strikes: Tips for Prevention, The Education Store
No Room at the Inn: Suburban Backyards and Migratory Birds, Education Store
Putting a Little Wildlife in Your Backyard This Spring, The Education Store
Subscribe, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel

Dr. Brian MacGowan, Extension Wildlife Specialist & Certified Wildlife Biologist
Department of Forestry & Natural Resources, Purdue University

Photo by: Richard Old, XID Services, Inc., Bugwood.org

Made infamous through the trial of Socrates, Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Macbeth, and several other works of classic literature, poison hemlock is an extremely toxic plant that will pose a risk this summer and should be handled with caution.

Poison hemlock is native to Europe. It is a biennial plant, meaning that it has a two-year lifespan. Last summer, it went through vegetative growth and largely stayed out of sight as a basal rosette. This summer, a long stem (up to 3 to 10 feet tall) will bolt and produce small white clusters of flowers. Poison hemlock is a member of the parsley family and can sometimes be confused with wild carrot. However, its distinguishing feature is its hairless hollow stalks with purple blotches.

The biggest risk with poison hemlock is ingestion. Lethal doses are fairly small, so it is important for animal owners or parents of young children to identify it in their area and remove it if possible. The toxins can also be absorbed through the skin and lungs, so be sure to wear gloves and a mask when handling these plants.

Symptoms of hemlock poisoning include dilation of the pupils, weakening or slowing pulse, blue coloration around the mouth and eventually paralysis of the central nervous system and muscles leading to death. Quick treatment can reverse the effects, so act quickly.

It is considered highly invasive and is listed on both Indiana’s noxious weed list and the terrestrial invasive plant rule list, Indiana General Assembly IC 14-24-12, IC 15-15, IC 15-16-7 to 10, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Terrestrial Invasive Species – Plants. Thus, its occurrence may have legal implications for landowners. Some Indiana counties aggressively monitor and spray poison hemlock, particularly along county roads. It primarily invades disturbed and early succession sites such as roadsides, stream and ditch banks, vacant lots, and field borders. However, it can spread into pastures, hay fields, and other grassland habitats.

Its sap contains alkaloid toxins which are highly toxic to humans and animals. Although humans would not normally purposely or accidentally ingest poison hemlock (Socrates was a notable exception), care should be taken when mowing or cutting to avoid dermal and respiratory inhalation exposure. Livestock farmers should control poison hemlock in pastures, feed lots and holding pens and ensure it is not baled in hay.

Poison hemlock spreads via seed, so effective management must prevent new seed production, prevent spread of existing seed, and exhaust the existing seed supply in the soil seed bank.

Poison hemlock seed is often inadvertently spread by mowing, road maintenance or agricultural equipment. Mow infested areas along roadsides, ditch banks and field edges before seed develops. A single mowing may delay but  not stop poison hemlock from growing another shoot and ultimately flowering and producing seed. Multiple mowings are likely required to prevent new seed production.

Herbicide control should focus on the first-year basal rosette. Herbicide control can still be achieved in the early stages of flower stem development. However, as the flower stem grows so grows the amount of herbicide required to provide full coverage and thus full control.  A 2% solution of glyphosate (41% active ingredient) in water with a non-ionic surfactant will provide good control of poison hemlock basal rosettes. If the poison hemlock is growing among desirable grasses, broadleaf-specific herbicides such as triclopyr and 2,4-D are also very effective on poison hemlock and will not harm the grasses. AS always, read the pesticide label for proper, safe handling and use.

For more information see Purdue Cooperative Extension Invasive Plant Fact Sheet Series FNR-437-W, Poison Hemlock.  For further guidance on poison hemlock control, contact your county Purdue Cooperative Extension office.

Resources:
Noxious and Invasive Weeds and the Weed Laws in Indiana, Purdue Extension – Botany & Plant Pathology
Be Careful Around Highly Toxic Poison Hemlock Plant This Summer, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR)
Poison Hemlock, Pest & Crop Newsletter, Purdue Extension – Entomology
Pest & Crop Newsletter, Purdue Extension
Recognizing and Managing Poison Hemlock, Purdue Landscape Report
Hemlock Woolly Adelgid: Distribution Update, Purdue Landscape Report
Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Invasive plants: impact on environment and people, The Education Store, Purdue Extension’s resource center
Woodland Management Moment: Invasive Species Control Process, Video, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
What are Invasive Species and Why Should I Care?, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR)
Indiana Invasive Species Council
Report INvasive, Purdue Extension & Indiana Invasive Species Council
Purdue Pest and Plant Diagnostic Lab

Ron Rathfon, Regional Extension Forester, Southern Indiana Purdue Agriculture Center (SIPAC)
Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources

Explore the dual nature of goldenrods in conservation plantings. While goldenrods like tall and Canada goldenrod benefit pollinators and wildlife, their aggressive growth can outcompete other plants, reducing diversity. This guide offers insights into managing goldenrods to maintain a balanced and thriving ecosystem. It is essential reading for land managers and conservationists committed to maintaining a diverse grassland ecosystem.

Check out the Managing Conservation Plantings series which include details on how to control invasive species and other problematic plants in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) plantings and native warm-season grass and wildflower conservation plantings.

Plant Facts

• Herbaceous broadleaf, typically 3-5 feet tall (can range from 1 to 7 feet)
• Perennial warm-season forb
• Growing period: April to October
• Flowering: late July through October
• Reproduction: by seed and rhizome

Whether you’re managing a pasture, wildlife area, or prairie restoration, this resource provides science-based strategies to control goldenrod effectively. Learn more about managing goldenrod species in grasslands and wildlife habitats, enhancing your land’s ecological health by reading the full publication: Managing Conservation Plantings: Goldenrod Control, (330kb, pdf).

This publication is part of a seven publication series The Managing Conservation Plantings Series. Publications in this series include:

• Golden Rod Control
• Thinning Native Warm-Season Grasses
• Sericea Lespedeza Control
• Woody Encroachment and Woody Invasives
• Johnson Grass Control
• Reed Canarygrass Control
• Teasel Control (Common and Cut Leaved)
• Controlling Introduced Cool-season Grasses
• Crownvetch, Sweetclover and Birdsfoot Trefoil Control

Resources:
Deer Impact Toolbox & Grassland Management, Purdue Extension Pond and Wildlife Management
Pond and Wildlife Management, Purdue Extension
Forestry for the Birds Virtual Tour and Pocket Guide, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
Frost Seeding to Establish Wildlife Food Plots and Native Grass and Forb Plantings – Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
Wildlife Habitat Hint: Tips for Evaluating a First Year Native Grass and Forb Plantings, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Drone Seeding Native Grasses and Forbs: Project Overview & Drone Setup, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
Ask an Expert: Wildlife Food Plots, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Handling Harvested Game: Episode 1, Field Dressing, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Managing Your Woods for White-Tailed Deer, The Education Store
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Forest Management for Reptiles and Amphibians: A Technical Guide for the Midwest, The Education Store
A Template for Your Wildlife Habitat Management Plan, The Education Store
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube channel
Nature of Teaching Unit 1: Animal Diversity and Tracking, The Education Store
Nature of Teaching, Purdue College of Agriculture
Invasive Species Playlist, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Report Invasive, Purdue Extension
Subscribe Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources YouTube Channel

Jarred Brooke, Wildlife Extension Specialist
Purdue Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

Hoosier Ag Today: White-tailed deer are very important to Indiana woodlands. But in many areas of the state, deer populations have grown far beyond what the land can support.

Trail cameras monitor deer impact on woodlands. Integrated Deer Management Project, Purdue University photo.

“Through their browsing and what they eat, they can actually reduce plant diversity and limit the growth of some of our tree seedlings, such as Oak, which are both economically and ecologically important,” says Jarred Brooke, Purdue Extension Wildlife Specialist.

“They can actually cause issues with increases in the invasive species that they don’t eat, like Japanese stilt grass or garlic mustard,” he says.

For woodland owners across Indiana who might not be sure if deer are even a problem on their property, how can they better understand and measure deer impacts?

“I think the first step is being aware and being tuned in to the problems that deer can cause,” he says. “Fortunately, with the help of The Nature Conservancy here in Indiana, we at Purdue Extension created a series of publications and videos called the Deer Impact Toolbox, which are designed to help landowners really understand, monitor, and address the impacts that deer have in their woodlands. These resources are a great starting point for any landowner that is interested in learning more about deer impacts.”

He adds that the best way to manage those impacts from deer are hunting, habitat management, and plant protection.

“Through the reduction of the number of deer by harvesting does on your property, that can be an effective way to reduce their impact,” he says. “Also if you can improve the habitat for deer on your property, either through forest improvement or through a timber harvest, you can actually create more food on the landscape, which reduces overall dear impact.

“The last big way is through protecting the plants that you’re trying to keep deer from browsing. That can be fencing, tree plantations, putting tree tubes or tree shelters on young trees, or fencing sensitive areas from deer browsing,” he says.

Read the Deer Toolbox Publications: Deer Impact Toolbox.

View the original article and listen to the Hoosier Ag Today’s radio News in the Hoosier Ag Today April 2025: Managing the Impact of White-tailed Deer on Indiana Woodlands.

Resources:
Purdue Extension Pond and Wildlife Management
Ask an Expert: Wildlife Food Plots, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
How to Build a Plastic Mesh Deer Exclusion Fence, The Education Store
A Woodland Management Moment – Deer Fencing, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Video
Managing Your Woods for White-Tailed Deer, The Education Store
Bovine Tuberculosis in Wild White-tailed Deer, The Education Store
Handling Harvested Game: Episode 1, Field Dressing, video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Deer Harvest Data Collection, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension – FNR
How to Score Your White-tailed Deer, video, Purdue Extension
White-Tailed Deer Post Harvest Collection, video, Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources
Age Determination in White-tailed Deer, video, Purdue Extension
Handling Harvested Deer Ask an Expert? video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Subscribe to Purdue Extension-Forestry & Natural Resources YouTube Channel, Wildlife Playlist

Jarred Brooke, Wildlife Extension Specialist
Purdue Department of Forestry and Natural Resources

Hoosier Ag Today

Congratulations to Liz Jackson, FNR Extension Specialist, on receiving the 2025 Indiana Hardwood Lumbermen’s Association (IHLA) President’s Award. This award is given for exceptional contribution to the forest products industry and to members of IHL. We are proud to celebrate her achievements along with seeing her featured in the April 2025 edition of the Agriculture & Natural Resources (ANR) newsletter.

Liz presenting an award plaque at a Walnut Council national conference.

Agricultural & Natural Resources (ANR) Newsletter: Liz has worked as an Extension specialist associated with three forestry organizations since March 2004. Liz obtained her BS in forest products (’82) from Purdue’s Forestry & Natural Resources Department and MS in business management (’84) from Krannert School of Business under a special forestry/business master’s program.

Before coming to Purdue Extension, Liz spent 15 years in wood products manufacturing as a plant manager at Aristokraft cabinets (now MasterBrand) and purchasing and inventory control manager at Lafayette Venetian Blind.

Liz’s Extension role is to provide programs and products on sustainable forest management and forest stewardship to address woodland owners’ concerns and needs. While representing the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, she works on behalf of three organizations.

The Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center (HTIRC) is a research partnership between Purdue FNR and the USDA Forest Service focusing on management, protection and improvement of fine hardwood species. For the HTIRC she coordinates annual meetings, research conferences and educational programs.

Liz presents on forest management to a group of schoolchildren at Martell Forest.

For the Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA) and National Walnut Council, she represents the interests of the members and manages all business of the associations, including board meetings, annual conferences and education programs, membership and finances, and communications, including newsletters, websites and social media.

Liz is involved in many partnerships around the state, including as a member of the Extension Invasive Species Working Group, on the editorial board for Indiana Woodland Steward newsletter, member of NRCS state technical committee, and advisory partner with Indiana DNR Division of Forestry Forest Stewardship Committee, Sentinel Landscapes, and Let the Sun Shine In Indiana programs.

A highlight of her career was traveling to Washington, D.C., in 2005 to see Sen. Richard Lugar of Indiana and representatives from HTIRC and Indiana forestry plant an Indiana walnut tree on the U.S. Capitol grounds. Ten years later she returned to the site and was thrilled to find the tree and see it was thriving.

Resources:
Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA) YouTube Channel
Observing Seasonal Changes in Nature Webinar with Amanda Wanless, IFWOA YouTube Channel
Magnificent Trees of Indiana Webinar with Author Carroll Ritter, IFWOA YouTube Channel
Ask the FNR Expert: Pests in your Woods, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Directory of Professional Foresters, Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA)
Indiana Woodland Steward E-newsletters, Eleven Member Organization
Invasive Species, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Invasive Plant Species Identification, Video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Subscribe – Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel

Agricultural & Natural Resources (ANR), Purdue Extension

Join Purdue Extension forester Lenny Farlee in this episode of “A Woodland Management Moment” as he explores the unique ecosystem of bottomlands. These flat, moisture-rich environments are home to a diverse array of species, shrubs, and trees. Watch the video to discover the key features and characteristics of these fascinating sites.

If you have any questions regarding trees, forests, wildlife, wood products, or other natural resource topics, feel free to contact us by using our Ask an Expert web page.

Resources:
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
The Nature of Oaks Webinar, Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel, Shared from Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association
Conservation Tree Planting: Steps to Success, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Shrubs and Woody Vines of Indiana and the Midwest, Purdue University Press
Native Trees of the Midwest, Purdue University Press
ID That Tree, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Investing in Indiana Woodlands, The Education Store
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners Video Series, Playlist, Indiana Department of Natural Resources YouTube Channel
Ask an Expert: Tree Selection and Planting, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Find an Indiana Professional Forester, Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA)
Purdue Arboretum Explorer

Lenny Farlee, Extension Forester
Hardwood Tree Improvement and Regeneration Center
Purdue Department of Forestry & Natural Resources

Hummingbirds are a popular attraction in any backyard and we receive questions on when they will be coming to Indiana and how to attract them to your backyard. Our Purdue professor emeritus of wildlife ecology Barny Dunning in this interview for CBS4 Indianapolis titled “How to attract hummingbirds during peak migration,” shares how planting a variety of plants that bloom will help draw them in along with a simple hummingbird mixture.

The ruby-throated hummingbird is the only species of hummingbird that nests in the Hoosier state. These colorful visitors are migratory and arrive from their wintering grounds around mid-April.

Dr. Brian MacGowan has a publication titled Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Yard that is a great resource to share along with this video showing how to prepare your hummingbird feeders and how to find out when they will be migrating to your area. Hummingbird Central also tracks spring and fall migrations. Anyone can submit sightings on their website and view up-to-date sightings.

Resources:
Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Yard publication, The Education Store-Purdue Extension resource center
Virtual Tour Brings Forest Management for Birds to Life, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension FNR
Birding Through the Seasons, Indiana Forestry & Woodland owners Association (IFWOA)
Behold! The Atlas of Breeding Birds of Indiana, MyDNR, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension FNR
Breeding Birds and Forest Management: the Hardwood Ecosystem Experiment and the Central Hardwoods Region, The Education Store, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources
Forest Birds, The Education Store
Managing Woodlands for Birds, The Education Store
Managing Woodlands for Birds Video, Purdue Extension-Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
The Birders’ Dozen, Profile: Baltimore Oriole, Indiana Woodland Steward
Birds and Residential Window Strikes: Tips for Prevention, The Education Store, Purdue Extension resource center
No Room at the Inn: Suburban Backyards and Migratory Birds, Education Store
Question: Is there any risk of becoming infected with avian influenza virus by feeding backyard birds?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension FNR
Preventing Wildlife Damage – Do You Need a Permit?, The Education Store
How to Construct a Scent Station video, The Education Store
Question: How do I properly relocate raccoons from my attic?, Got Nature? Blog, Purdue Extension FNR
Nuisance Wildlife, Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Subscribe – Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel

Brian MacGowan, Wildlife Extension Specialist
Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources

Purdue Landscape Report: These oak trees are showing the symptoms of smooth patch ( see below Figures 1, 2, 3).  This condition is the result of a fungal infection that is restricted to the outer bark, causing it to slough off. The bark layer remaining is smoother and lighter in color than uninfected, normal bark.

Patches can vary from a few inches to a foot or more in diameter and may occur on branches as well as the trunk.  Several fungi can cause this condition. A common species, Aleurodiscus oakesii, produces clusters of flat, disc-like spore-bearing structures on the surface of the smooth bark. These structures are gray or beige in color and are usually less than 1⁄2 inch in diameter (Figure 4).

The best time to see this interesting phenomenon in the forest is during wet periods in late winter before new spring growth begins, when the light gray bark stands out in the light penetrating the canopy. The fungal structures shrink when dry so will be more apparent following rainy weather.

The fungal structures may be mistaken for wood decay fungi, but because smooth patch fungi invade only the nonliving, outer bark tissues, they do not affect the health of the tree. No control measures are needed.

The fungal structures may be mistaken for wood decay fungi, but because smooth patch fungi invade only the nonliving, outer bark tissues, they do not affect the health of the tree. No control measures are needed.

Resources:
Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA) YouTube Channel
District Forester, Indiana DNR Division of Forestry, for over 10 acres of woodlands
Directory of Professional Foresters, Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association (IFWOA)
Indiana Woodland Steward E-newsletters, Eleven Member Organization
The Nature of Oaks Webinar, Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel, Shared from Indiana Forestry & Woodland Owners Association
Purdue Arboretum Explorer
Native Trees of the Midwest, Purdue University Press
A Woodland Management Moment, Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Conservation Tree Planting: Steps to Success, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Forest Improvement Handbook, The Education Store
Woodland Stewardship for Landowners, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
ID That Tree – Video Playlist, Purdue Extension – Forestry and Natural Resources (FNR) YouTube Channel
Invasive Species, Playlist, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Invasive Plant Species Identification, Video, Purdue Extension – FNR YouTube Channel
Report Invasive Species, Purdue Invasive Species
Subscribe – Purdue Extension-FNR YouTube Channel

Tom Creswell, Plant & Pest Diagnostic Laboratory Director
Purdue Botany and Plant Pathology

Purdue Landscape Report: The bitter winter cold has finally passed us (or has it? It’s hard to tell in the Midwest)! The days are getting warmer and longer, and that means the insects are coming out of their overwintering stages. As you prepare for your landscaping and gardening this year, are you implementing preventative measures for pests? Now is the time to think about those strategies to minimize the damage to your plants.

Preventing pest issues is foundational to integrated pest management. The first step is always to start with healthy and clean plants. Don’t be afraid to bring a hand lens to the store and check for those hard-to-see pests! You don’t want to bring a problem home. Next, remember that many pests will thrive due to improper watering, light conditions, or fertilization. Avoid these issues by reviewing the recommendations for your plants and consulting a soil test. (Read more about why soil tests are essential!)

Finally, which pests/diseases do you anticipate? What are the most common pests on the plants in your landscape? Perhaps you have had issues in past years and know what to expect. Review the biology of these pests and consider implementing preventative measures now. Let’s look at a couple of examples of frequent landscape pests and some management options you can add to your list of spring preparations.

Spider Mites

Spider mites overwinter on the host plant or in leaf litter. Around this time of year, cool season mites such as spruce mites and boxwood mites are the dominant issue. Check your plants now for these spider mites, and scout regularly to make sure populations aren’t getting out of control. A rainy spring will help keep the pressure low. If you have to spray, avoid chemicals that will harm natural enemies, which are vital to spider mite management. (Learn more about spider mite management: Spider Mites on Ornamentals; and check out the Purdue Plant Doctor Quick Guide: Managing Spider Mite Mayhem)

Bagworms

Bagworms overwinter as eggs in the bags left on the tree. They’re frequent pests of arborvitae, junipers, and several other trees and shrubs. Take action now to prevent an infestation in the summer that requires costly pesticides. Manually remove the bags from your tree and drown them in soapy water. (Learn more about bagworm management: Bagworms).

Lace Bugs

Lace bugs may overwinter as eggs or adults, depending on the species. They become active again in the spring, so now is a good time to check for these pests. Focus on the undersides of the leaves where the pests are found. Lace bugs prefer hosts planted in sunny areas with a lack of plant diversity, so consider including some flowering plants in your landscape to provide pollen and nectar to beneficials. (Learn more about Lace bug management from the Purdue Plant Doctor Quick Guide: Managing Lace bugs).

What pests do you encounter in the landscape? Take a moment to review their biology and your options for preventative management. Be proactive now and reduce your pest problems for the season ahead. Read the original article, Insects are waking up – are you prepared?

Alicia Kelley, Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS) Coordinator
Purdue Extension – Entomology