SOFT SCALES in the genus Pulvinaria are in very high numbers on hollies and other common host plants (camellias). Cottony camellia scale, cottony maple leaf scale, cottony taxus scale are similar in their biology. The ribbon like ovisacs occur in May with crawlers following several weeks later. Predators, especially lady beetle larvae, are often common in years of high scale populations. Controls are listed in the PMG's.
CALICO SCALE crawlers were observed this week at the Hampton Roads AREC. This is a little earlier than usual. This is a sporadic pest, rarely are they found in high populations. They are heavy execrators of honeydew. Common hosts in eastern Virginia are Zelcova and honeylocust.
SOUTHERN RED MITE observed on Ilex. May is the month when this species can increase rapidly especially when the temperatures are moderate. Rainfall will reduce the populations quickly; however they rebound with dry weather. Monitoring is the key before making management decisions.
Notes from Eric Day
13-YEAR CICADA is out in several eastern and tidewater counties. It has the same biology as the 17-year cicada, just a different period of time underground. See:
http://everest.ento.vt.edu/Facilities/OnCampus/IDLab/cicada/fs-17cic.html
See also:
http://ipm-www.ento.vt.edu:8000/nipmn/VA-IPM/vaent2-98.html
Several counties have reported oak trees being defoliated by JUNE BEETLES (May Beetles). This is a sporadic happining and is not likely to cause longterm damage to trees. They can be controled with Sevin.
Field Crops
Populations of SEEDCORN MAGGOTS are up at least in this part of the state (adults are now found on flowers and leaves of plants near fields). Planted crops that appear to be not germinating or growing slowly should be investigated for seedcorn maggots. See the fact sheet by Rod Youngman for more information:
http://www.ext.vt.edu/entomology/factsheets/casemag.html
Ornamentals:
A large beetle grub collected in a cherry tree stump was sent in this week by Chuck Hoysa. This insect turned out to be the immature stage of the EASTERN HERCULES BEETLE, the largest insect in Virginia. It is not really a pest as it prefers stumps and trees that have developed some heart rot. It is more commonly associated with rotting oak trees but gets into another of other hardwoods.
OTHER ORNAMENTAL PESTS TO LOOK OUT FOR AND TO TREAT FOR THIS MONTH
Azalea stem borer - remove wilting stems and destroy
Boxwood Mite - Miticide now
Bronze Birch Borer - Treat mid-May and early. mid and late June for this pest. Lindane
Elm Leaf Beetle - Very important to treat in late May and early June for this beetle if you desires good control
Dogwood Borer - Treat mid May and repeat in 6 weeks.
Dogwood Twig Borer - Treat in mid May or prune out and destroy damage.
White Pine Weevil - Now is a good time to prune out infested leaders of white pine and control this pest. Be sure to destroy the infested material immediately.
The following scales have May Crawler Dates:
Camellia Scale
Euonymus Scale
Elongate Hemlock Scale
Oystershell Scale
Pine Needle Scale and
White Peach Scale
Household:
Grass Carrier Wasp
Grass carrier wasps are just getting started now and they prefer metal window frames. They will fill the frame with cut grass from the lawn and stung tree crickets. The larvae protected by the grass will feed on the crickets. The adult wasps are black, about 1", and have a long thread-waist.
See my lab homepage: