Month: September 2016

Move Over, Medusa: Pretty? Poisonous! in the Caterpillar Clan

Our gratitude to Paul Hetzler, CCE St. Lawrence County, for letting us use this post. The IPM connection? ID those fuzzy beasts before you add them to your “warm and fuzzy” petting zoo.  When I was a kid I was fascinated by caterpillars but had trouble with the word. To me, the sweet little woolly-bear…Continue Reading Move Over, Medusa: Pretty? Poisonous! in the Caterpillar Clan

Trees and Drought Make for Less Colorful Fall (and the IPM Connection)

Many thanks to Paul Hetzler, CCE St. Lawrence County, for permission to use this piece. It turns out that, in terms of fall foliage, the color of too dry is officially known as “blah.” This would undoubtedly be the least popular color selection if it was included in a jumbo pack of Crayolas. Basically, it…Continue Reading Trees and Drought Make for Less Colorful Fall (and the IPM Connection)

Skip the Shampoo and Get Rid of Head Lice Just the Same

This post courtesy of Chris Gonzales, Northeastern IPM Center. Kids go back to school this season, and this could mean an encounter with head lice. I made a mistake by not consulting an expert before treating my kid for head lice in late August. Don’t repeat my mistake! I bought the pesticide shampoo because I…Continue Reading Skip the Shampoo and Get Rid of Head Lice Just the Same

Tick Talk, Tick Checks, Tick Folklore — and More to Come

I needed some quick advice on ticks. So I went to NYS IPM’s tick webpage and saw — oops. This page is due for a makeover. Now. Why? Conventional wisdom has it that a (so-called) deer tick needs to be attached to its host for at least 24 hours before it can transmit Lyme disease….Continue Reading Tick Talk, Tick Checks, Tick Folklore — and More to Come