Most of us are still waiting for spring to get here so we can get out in the yard and start cleaning up after the winter. Speaking of cleaning up, most of us did a good job of getting the leaves off lawn areas last fall. There is sure to be damage to grass areas if leaves are not removed from lawn areas. It is late to take care of this now but it still would be better to get any heavy accumulation of leaves off any grass areas to prevent further deterioration of turf. One of the last things on our minds is any kind of bug or insect control in the yard. Since there is a great deal of emphasis about protecting the honey bees we need to take a look at ways to control insect pests without hurting our bees. These pollinators are required for our food supply and we need to protect them anyway we can.

One of the ways to protect the bees is to avoid using harsh chemicals as much as possible. Dormant spraying is a way to do that but our timing must be correct. Dormant Oil sprays are not toxic. When dormant oil is applied in March, before leaves and flowers begin to develop, this spray can suffocate insects in the egg stage or very immature stage of development. It is not necessary to use other chemicals if we use an insect control product like this. There are some catchy things we need to remember when we apply a spray that suffocates the bad critters like aphids, mites and scales primarily. It only makes sense to spray when the insects are most vulnerable and that is when they are just about ready to hatch and begin feeding on our plants. If we can cover their egg masses with a coat of very thin, highly refined oil, this will exclude the oxygen they need to survive and develop. These insects require the most oxygen just before they are ready to hatch so that makes them more vulnerable to suffocation about the first or second week in March. We cannot spray on a day if it is going to freeze that night. We for sure do NOT want to spray any evergreens that have blue foliage, like a blue spruce, because it will take the blue color away for that season. There is a list of other plants that should not be sprayed but they are minimal. This is the most economical spray we can do all year, the least toxic to the environment and most effective in killing some of the most detrimental insects in the yard. Be sure to read the label thoroughly, that is why we are telling you about this now. You have plenty of time make your purchase of Dormant Oil and read the label. You can Google Dormant Oil Sprays and likely find a label on line that will allow you to read about it even before you make the purchase. This spray is particularly good for any scale insect. If you have any euonymus or mugho pines in the landscape these plants are susceptible to Oyster Shell Scale so be on the alert and be sure that all of your fruit trees and these particular plant varieties mentioned receive a dormant oil spray.

Send any questions or comments to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we’ll get back to you with our best advice.

Team Meadow View Growers

“Entering our 3rd decade of growing”

www.meadowview.com

First Group 2x2
First Group 2x2
Local News

Stories on people, places, events and businesses right here in Western Clark County.

Local Government

Meetings and news from local Boards of Education, Township Trustees and County Commissioners.

Sports

Arrows, Bees & Warriors; we cover all local high school sports, as well as local semi-pro and adult leagues