Anxious about that wasp nest near the back door that you hadn’t noticed till now? Not to worry. By this time of year, most wasp colonies have disbanded. Fertile young queens fly off to hide under tree bark or some other place to wait out the cold weather — to chill out, as it were….Continue Reading Deal with “Empty Nester” Wasps Now — Prevent Problems Next Year
This IPM Annual Report: A Good Read — No, Make That GREAT
Annual Report. Sounds like a snoozer, doesn’t it? But hey, ours is great. Worth bragging about, frankly. Because we tell true stories about the really cool IPM work, whether research or outreach, we do around New York — and even with partners around the Northeast and across the nation. Stories crafted with you, the busy…Continue Reading This IPM Annual Report: A Good Read — No, Make That GREAT
Critters Can Do — Match the Pest and What It Does
Match the critter to what it does — or in one case, what natural force could kill it. (Answer key below.) critter can do mouse 1 eats pests of crops or pollinates them — or both cockroach 2 emerges from cocoon when it feels vibration of approaching host aphid 3 makes tunnels within leaves flea…Continue Reading Critters Can Do — Match the Pest and What It Does
IPM for Wildlife — the Hotline Begins Here
Maybe it’s the chipmunk stashing a winter’s-worth of nuts and seeds in the cellar. Or momma raccoon bringing up baby in the attic (the latrine she made is conveniently nearby). Or any of 20-plus critters that set up shop where we want them least. Nationwide, Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardener volunteers are IPM-trained and equipped to…Continue Reading IPM for Wildlife — the Hotline Begins Here
What’s the Buzz — About Citronella Ants
In late September and early October, on warm days, you may notice a buzz in the air. This is the time of year when citronella ants swarm, and they can overwhelm a backyard with winged queens and kings looking for a mate and a new home. Citronella ants are a bit larger than pavement ants…Continue Reading What’s the Buzz — About Citronella Ants
IPM Head Smut Alert! Check Your Corn
When you don’t see a crop disease for decades, it’s easy to forget it even existed. And then to find it at an unlikely time of year — all we can say is “Farmers and gardeners, check your corn crops.” Just — well, just because. Indeed, that we found head smut at all proves the…Continue Reading IPM Head Smut Alert! Check Your Corn