We often think about pesticide safety and best management practices when we are in the field spraying. You’re outside, you’re potentially exposed to the pesticide, and a gust of wind in the wrong direction could send it flying back into your face. However, your first interaction with pesticides on spray day takes place well before you step foot in the …
Bats are Nocturnal Creatures Providing Natural Pollination and Pest Control
How to attract bats to your yard. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. After dark, Bats are nocturnal creatures that provide natural pollination and pest control for your yard. They love mosquitos, too! And because bats can eat in amounts up to half of its body weight, that means that a single bat could eat 1,000 to 3,000 insects …
Dealing with Aggressive, Destructive, Japanese Beetles
Some ways to deal with Japanese Beetles. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Japanese beetles are aggressive, destructive pests in the summer garden. They are known for ruining our favorites things like roses, perennial hibiscus, raspberry bushes and any fruit tree. When Japanese beetles appear each summer, you have two opportunities to deal with them effectively: Attack adults in …
Natural Ways to Keep Some Bothersome Bugs at Bay
Some natural ways to keep some bothersome bugs at bay. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Instead of spraying the whole yard with toxic pesticides in order to enjoy your time outside, try these natural solutions that will keep mosquitos away. Plant things that they won’t like. For example, Lemon Balm, Basil, Mint, Cat Nip, Rosemary and Lavender. Citronella …
Natural Pest Traps to use in an Organic Garden
Some natural pest traps to use in an organic garden. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. There are some homemade pest traps that will help you get rid of pesky ants, flies, gnats, and other insects without having to worry about chemicals harming your plants. For fruit flies, you can use a clear plastic bottle to hold a vast …
Florida Forest Service Now Accepting Applications to Help Landowners Prevent Southern Pine Beetle Outbreaks
Tallahassee, Fla.– Applications are now being accepted for the 2021 Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention program for non-industrial, private forest landowners. They will be open through June 18. Florida Ag Commissioner Nikki Fried and the Florida Forest Service made the announcement on Monday for the program. It is limited to 44 northern Florida counties, which is the known range …
How to Deal with Sawflies in Your Garden
How to deal with Sawflies in your garden. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Sawflies are pests that are related to wasps. They deposit eggs into plants that eventually hatch into larvae and eat away at your garden. The larvae measure 1/2 inch long and are greenish-black, long, slim, and look like a hairless caterpillar. Gradually, the sawfly …
Beating and Treating Common Grape Pests and Diseases
How to beat and treat some common grape pests and diseases. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. There are quite a few pests who like to munch on grapes just as much as we humans do. Some of the common pests you might find, include: Japanese Beetles, Black Vine Weevils, Grape Cane Girdlers, Grape Mealybugs, and Grassy Winged …
Battle Continues Against Palmer Amaranth
What is the most challenging pest facing Georgia farmers? According to a University of Georgia (UGA) Extension survey, it’s not an insect or disease. It’s a weed, and that weed is named Palmer amaranth. UGA Extension weed scientist Stanley Culpepper issued the survey to gauge the severity of Palmer amaranth compared to other annual pests. The results were staggering. Of …
How to Help in the Fight Against Destructive Pest
How to help in the fight against destructive pests that threaten the nation’s food supply, forests, and natural resources. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The USDA is on a mission to stop invasive and hungry pests that can threaten and devastate agriculture, livelihoods, and food security. Some things you can do to help include: Familiarizing yourself with the …