May 15, 2012
More insects in 2012
Pam Charbonneau, OMAFRA turfgrass specialist, says this spring has seen an increase in grub calls and infestations.
“I think that there are many factors. Weather last summer and fall would determine grub survival going into winter. I don’t think there is ever mortality in the winter with grubs, so I don’t know if we can blame it on the winter,” she said.
Charbonneau added, “I think that we are seeing the results of not having products like Merit anymore. That being said, there seems to be lots of grubs in many other jurisdictions, including those that still have insecticides (New York State, Michigan). High pressure from bluegrass weevil, bluegrass billbug, black turfgrass ataenius and hairy chinch bugs is expected this season. Charbonneau says there is an increased population of leatherjackets this spring.
“I think that there are many factors. Weather last summer and fall would determine grub survival going into winter. I don’t think there is ever mortality in the winter with grubs, so I don’t know if we can blame it on the winter,” she said.
Charbonneau added, “I think that we are seeing the results of not having products like Merit anymore. That being said, there seems to be lots of grubs in many other jurisdictions, including those that still have insecticides (New York State, Michigan). High pressure from bluegrass weevil, bluegrass billbug, black turfgrass ataenius and hairy chinch bugs is expected this season. Charbonneau says there is an increased population of leatherjackets this spring.