Well, we got the heat predicted and then some. Things sure popped around here and we could use the predicted rain.

May 29                 June 3

Champlain           245                         271

Geneva                284                         321

Riverhead           316                         367

• Elongate hemlock scale crawlers start about 360 GDD.
• Two spotted spider mite starts about 363 GDD – spruce spider mite like it cooler so they may already be dormant, but two spotted like it warm – and dusty (hopefully you don’t have too much dust in the field but road edges might be dusty so scout there. ) Also insecticides used for other things sometimes cause a surge in mite populations as they kill off the naturally existing predators (often other mites).
• Keep checking for Doug fir needle midge adults (200-400 GDD) with yellow sticky cards or traps.
• Gypsy moth larvae are out there and best control is when they are smallest.  They can do an amazing job of defoliating trees so keep an eye out.  Especially if you have had them before.
• Not common because we don’t have many pines any more for Christmas trees, but check for pine needle scale. Remember dead scales don’t fall off the needles so flip some over with a needle and see if anyone is at home before applying a pesticide (if needed).

Have a great (and I think maybe cooler) week!