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Will applying insecticides to kill grubs help control moles?

Answer: 

One of our biggest frustrations with moles is the perennial misinformation that an insecticide application to kill grubs will solve the mole problem.  This is the “lie that will not die.”  Forty years ago, it might have been true that an insecticide application would discourage moles because back then, the insecticide ingredients being used were highly toxic to people, pets, and wildlife, but they were especially toxic to the “Mole Main Meal” – earthworms.

All pesticides that were highly toxic to earthworms were discontinued or banned long ago.  Insecticides available today do not kill earthworms; therefore, the white grub treatment does NOT remove the mole food source

Pests and Disease of Roses

Roses have a number of potential problems that can make them more difficult to grow.  Planting them in a good garden location and selecting a winter-hardy and naturally disease-resistant cultivar is the best way to avoid many problems.

Japanese Beetle on Rose
Japanese beetles are common insect pests on roses.

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Managing Skunk and Raccoon Damage to Lawns

In late summer and fall, skunks and raccoons can cause damage to lawns as they search for earthworms, soil-dwelling insects, and insect larvae, such as white grubs.  They dig up the lawn leaving behind large patches of loose turf, eat the grubs, worms, or other insects and leave behind a torn-up mess.  The damage can be extensive and often happens overnight as both skunks and raccoons are active and feed at night. 

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Susceptibility of Plants to Deer Damage

Damage caused by deer browsing on garden plants can be a problem in rural and suburban areas in Iowa. The amount of damage depends upon seasonal factors, weather conditions, availability of alternative foods, and plant palatability. Prevention of deer browsing is difficult.  

Browse these lists of plants that are less likely to browsed by deer.

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Susceptibility of Plants to Rabbit Damage

Rabbits can cause extensive damage to flowers and vegetables in the home garden. Fortunately, some plants are usually ignored by browsing rabbits. No plant is guaranteed to not be browsed on by rabbits, but they tend to avoid plants with strong aromas or dense hairy leaves.  The feeding habits of rabbits may vary due to fluctuations in the rabbit population, availability of alternate foods, and other factors.

Winter Damage on Trees

Winter can be tough on trees, both newly planted and established.  Winter conditions can cause damage in several ways. Conifers and other evergreen plants are particularly prone to damage over the winter.  Often the damage that occurs over winter does not become apparent until the following spring.  Some symptoms you might see are needle browning (sometimes yellowing), cracking or death of the bark, and animal feeding.

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