June 16

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Annoying Pests: Caterpillars & Ticks

By clientsite

June 16, 2017


Yikes! After much hype last year about the Gypsy Moth, this season has unfortunately lived up to the Green Industry’s concerns. The Gypsy Moth eggs have hatched and young caterpillars are “ballooning” their way across the State of Massachusetts.

In the last month, ArborTech’s Plant Health Care (PHC) Technicians have been out and about inspecting, monitoring and treating different pests in our customers’ landscapes.

Forest Tent Caterpillar on Apple Leaf and A Young Gypsy Moth Caterpillar on TriColor Beech

Many will remember the devastation last summer of entire forest canopies “gone missing” in Monson, MA due to Gypsy Moth defoliation. Well, folks, sorry to say, but they’re HERE! UMASS Amherst has reported Gypsy Moth caterpillars feeding on campus. ArborTech clients from Wilbraham to Somers are seeing multiple types of caterpillars in their yards

The truth is, insect and disease issues are always present in our landscapes. As a homeowner, it’s one thing to use a spray bottle on your Lilies for that pesky Leaf Beetle, but quite another, when your 70′ White Oak tree is covered in tiny, feeding caterpillars. Even when your 12′ Ornamental Cherry is having issues, it’s best to call a professional.
Another growing concern are ticks, as more and more cases of Lyme Disease are being reported. Here are some facts regarding ticks and preventative measures:

6 Tick Facts

  • Ticks don’t jump or fly, they crawl.
  • People are most likely to experience a tick bite between the months of April and September.
  • Ticks are also active in the winter. Freezing temps do not kill ticks.
  • Only deer ticks transmit Lyme disease.
  • Deer tick nymphs are the size of a poppy seed.
  • Ticks carry various transmittable diseases.

ArborTech Tick Prevention Techniques

Perimeter and Tick Habitat Spot Treatments: Perimeter treatments can be either liquid or granular applications. Spray treatments are applied using a high-pressure sprayer. Three applications work best, one in mid May, one in mid-June and one in the Fall.

Deer Browsing Treatment: Ticks are brought into our yards by deer, rodents and other animals. Do your best to prevent these from encroaching on your property with deer repellents and rodent deterrents.

Pet Treatments: Treat your pets with a tick preventative product. There are many on the market.

Tick Tubes: These tubes contain treated cotton that mice like to steal and bring back to their nests where ticks reside.

Rely on the professionals when it comes to insect and disease issues in your landscape.  A good Plant Health Care Technician uses knowledge and experience to diagnose problems and offer treatment options.

So give us a call at (413) 525-0060 or contact us here.  We have solutions, even before you know you have problems!

clientsite

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