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12.09.2024 - 15:10 / hgic.clemson.edu
The fall armyworm is a native species that can’t tolerate cold very well. They only overwinter in South Florida and the southernmost regions of Texas. Since they can not tolerate cold, we typically have about four to five generations per year. They begin to show up in late May to early June, but the worst damage typically occurs in August. They migrate north yearly, but their populations are lower for some years, and their damage is minimal. Damage seems worse following droughts.
The adults do not feed and only live for two weeks, so the key to controlling fall armyworms in your landscape is to target the caterpillars. Do this by scouting with a soap flush. Use two tablespoons of lemon or orange-scented dish soap to one gallon of water, and pour in an area that looks drought-stressed. If the caterpillars are present, they will surface within five minutes. Look for the distinctive Y-shaped mark on the tops of their heads. Apply recommended insecticides when no irrigation or rain is expected for 24 hours. Recommendations can be found in HGIC 2159, Armyworms. Scout every 7 to 10 days because generations can overlap, and fall armyworms can be present in the landscape throughout November if temperatures stay mild.
Preventative spraying is not recommended for homeowners because most insecticides do not provide long-term control. During field research, some commonly available insecticides only lasted for one week. Populations of fall armyworms will all vary from year to year, depending on weather events in South Texas and South Florida.
The best defense against fall armyworms is to reduce the attractiveness of your lawn. Use a slow-release form of nitrogen fertilizer instead of water-soluble nitrogen fertilizer on your lawn. The
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If you crave a home that appears a bit more elevated, keep in mind that there are many ways that you can restyle items that you already own to make your house look and feel brand new.
Want to make hummingbirds see red? Plant a firebush in your garden. Also called scarlet bush, it is not only among the easiest of plants to grow, but it also stays in bloom throughout the growing season with clusters of tubular red buds and flowers. Because the Southern growing season overlaps the spring and fall migration times of the ruby-throated hummingbird, and red is by far their favorite color, these blossoms will summon them to your garden.
Brie Goldman
Fall will be here before you know it, and we know what that means—it’s time to bring out thefall decor. Of course, exactly how to decorate your space for the season may be trickier than it seems. As you’re deciding which route to take, why not consult your zodiac sign?
Whether you travel often, are convinced that you don't have a green thumb, or simply do not want to worry about maintaining live plants day after day, you may wish to incorporate some faux green friends into your home. Today, there are so many incredible, realistic-looking fake plants on the market, making it easy to enjoy a natural feel in your space without having to worry about a watering schedule.
Fiddle-leaf fig plants (Ficus lyrata) are loved for their large, green, glossy foliage, which makes them beautiful houseplants. However, caring for this plant can sometimes be tricky, mainly in fall and around the onset of winter when many gardeners notice their plant starts dropping leaves.
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As fall begins, many turfgrasses show signs of common diseases. “These fungi are always present, but disease occurs when the environmental conditions are ideal for its development,” says Clint Waltz, PhD, turfgrass specialist, Turfgrass and Education Center at the University of Georgia. “That means an extended period of humidity and temperatures in the 60s to 80s.”
Sometimes, we want to refresh our clothes and linens beyond just setting a normal washing machine cycle.
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