Author: Tim Gibb

The following letter and pictures were sent to us for identification. There was a buzz of follow-up letters and communication afterward indicating that maybe this is not just an isolated occurrence.  I have enclosed the initial letter, accompanying photographs and...

With a warm and wet summer, we are experiencing decline in some of our turf around the state due to temperatures, disease, insects, and weeds. In response, we are publishing a four part series on this topic to help turfgrass...

If you have walked out on your lawn recently you may have noticed hundreds of small, buff colored, moths flittering here or there as you approach.  These may be alarming for both farmers as well as turfgrass managers because they;...

With a warm and wet summer, we are experiencing decline in some of our turf around the state due to temperatures, disease, insects, and weeds. In response, we are publishing a four part series on this topic to help turfgrass...

This is the time of year to target for grub control. Whether your grub control products were applied a month ago, last week or are to be applied next week, the time when they actually do their work is early...

The Giant Canada goose (Anatidae: Branta canadensis maxima) recently has become one of the most serious pests of parks and golf courses in the Eastern half of the United States. These geese are probably the most adaptable of all waterfowl and, if...

Hunting billbug is becoming a significant problem in parts of southern Indiana where zoysiagrass is grown.  These insects typically have two generations per year in this part of the Midwest with the larvae of both generations being capable of causing...

As frequent users of pesticides, it is imperative that turfgrass professionals understand the terminology surrounding their formulation and use.  For example, when we talk about ‘multiple targeting’ we are referring to an attempt to control more than one pest with...

With the winter snows melting away many are often surprised to find a series of tiny trails on the surface of their lawns and turfgrass fields.  These are vole highways.   Voles are often called meadow mice or field mice. While...

A number of solitary bees and wasps reside in turfgrass and landscapes. Because of their ability to harm humans, these insects often evoke a great deal of anxiety. However, in reality they very rarely sting. Education is the single best...

Grub control products are currently being displayed in the center aisles of retail department and discount stores and are advertised on the radio as providing season-long grub control when applied in early May. What are the facts behind this recommendation?...

There are literally thousands of fertilizers and fertilizer/pesticide combinations available to homeowners and professionals. Therefore, we can’t recommend how many pounds of a specific fertilizer to apply, but rather we must recommend fertilization rates in pounds of nitrogen per thousand...

We have been monitoring reports of very large infestations of armyworm moths flying into Kentucky this spring.  Armyworms move north with storms from the southern states each year and depending upon how and where the storms blow will dictate when...

Moles are back at it again!. These small subterranean, tunnel-making  pests can cause big frustrations for those managing turfgrass and landscapes.  Mole damage is most noticeable during the spring and fall, but spring may be the most effective time to...

Reports of grub damage are becoming more frequent this week. A number of reports of damage have come from northern IN where moisture conditions have created ideal conditions for grub damage in spite of preventative insecticide applications. If grub damage...

It seems that the Japanese beetles have been arriving early for the last few years but this year is truly an exception. The first Japanese beetles of the year were observed in central Indiana on the 3rd of June. This...

During late March and April we get many calls about voles and vole damage in turfgrass. Voles are among the most important vertebrate pests in turf areas. Unfortunately the name ‘vole' is very close to the name ‘mole' causing some...

The first Japanese beetles of the year were observed in central Indiana last week and now is a great time to review the biology and control of these pests. Japanese beetle adults pupate from larvae in late spring and begin...

Each spring we receive many calls about grubs as people find them while planting gardens or ornamental beds. These are often large and appear menacing however do not let their appearance cause you to worry, panic or run out to...

Recent storms have generated the weather patterns that bring black cutworm moths into our state each year. Pheromone traps picked up the first black cutworm moths of the season during the past two weeks. Predictive models estimate that the first...