TREATING FOR IRIS BORER

It is time to start thinking about treating for Iris borer if you have had problems in the past. The eggs will hatch soon and the larvae need to be killed before they migrate into the rhizome. See the new information sheet on treatment at http://www.uwex.edu/ces/wihort/gardenfacts/XHT1041.pdf.

WINGED CARPENTER ANTS

I have had my first calls on winged carpenter ants and have seen a few workers in my yard. You can bet any middle to large black ant in the home is a species of carpenter ant (Campanotus). To control them, you must find the nest and also determine if it is inside our outside. For more information see http://cecommerce.uwex.edu/pdfs/A3641.PDF.


Nest in insulation

SPITTLE BUGS

The spittle bugs have hatched. Small masses can be seen on perennials, strawberries, and even weeds. It is a bit early to see how much of a problem we will have, but it is a good time to go out and check what is going on in the garden. They nymphs will feed for the next 4-5 weeks and, unless found in large numbers, they do little damage. See http://www.entomology.wisc.edu/diaglab/04hilite/06_03.html for more pictures.

237 Russell Labs
1630 Linden Drive
Madison, WI 53706
608/262-3227

For more information contact: 
Phil Pellitteri, 608/262-6510
or e-mail Phil Pellitteri.