-4- 



HOMEOWNER INSECTS 



Cottony maple scale is very common now on the branches of soft maples and other trees 

 and on some shrubs in many areas of northern Illinois. This scale insect secretes a 

 white wax, covering the branch. The wax resembles patches of cotton or popcorn- like 

 formations. Many predators kill off these scales; but in many instances, the popula- 

 tion increases until branches and occasionally entire trees are killed. 



Young scale crawlers begin hatching in the early summer and the hatch continues through 

 the first of July. After they hatch, these crawlers move onto the undersides of leaves 

 and feed on plant juices until early September. Great quantities of honeydew are ex- 

 creted. This sticky substance drips on foliage, sidewalks, and automobiles parked un- 

 der affected trees. 



The young crawlers feeding on the leaves can be controlled by a spray containing mala- 

 thion, using one quart of 57-percent liquid concentrate per 100 gallons of water. Spray 

 the foliage thoroughly after July 1 when the hatch is complete. Where the infestation 

 is severe, repeat the spray two weeks later. 



This insect pest has become more prevalent in certain areas of northern Illinois during 

 the past three years. Spraying for control has been unsatisfactory in many cases where 

 treatments were applied too early in the summer, before the egg-hatch ivas complete. Al- 

 so , the pest has been wrongly identified as a disease of maple rather than as an insect 

 in some cases . 



.Another scale insect, obscure scale , is present on the limbs of some oak trees. Control 

 can be obtained by using a spray containing malathion, applied in July. 



A species of spittlebug is feeding on juniper shrubs. These appear as small, frothy 

 masses of spittle on the needles; the insect is inside the frothy mass. These insects 

 can be controlled with methoxychlor , carbaryl (Sevin), or malathion. Do not use mala- 

 thion on cannaert red cedar. 



Mimosa webworms have begun to feed on mimosa and honey locust trees. These worms con- 

 struct web nests on the branches. Spraying with either malathion or carbaryl (Sevin) 

 when the nests first appear will provide control. A repeat treatment may be needed 

 after two or three weeks. In addition, sprays made from cultures of Bacillus thuvin- 

 giensis may give good control. (The trade names are Biotrol, Dipel, and Thuricide.) 



WEEDS 



CONTROLLING FENCEROW WEEDS 



If the vegetation in fencerows consists primarily of broadleaf weeds, use 2,4-D at the 

 rate of one -half to one pound per acre applied in 10 or more gallons of water per acre. 

 If there are grass weeds such as johnsongrass or foxtail in the fencerow, dalapon can 

 be mixed with 2,4-D to control broadleaf weeds and grasses. For best results, spray 

 the grasses before the seed heads form. 



Use 2,4-D only where the fencerow vegetation consists primarily of broadleaf weeds and 

 desirable grasses. Care must be taken in order to avoid injury to nearby, desirable 

 plants. Do not graze dairy animals on areas treated with 2,4-D within seven days after 

 treatment . 



