June 22, 2018
Carpenter Bees Continue Northward Expansion
Carpenter bees are large, wood-boring insects that burrow into sound lumber such as rafters, deck joists, fascia boards and other exposed bare wood. Carpenter bees are traditionally thought of as a "southern" insect. However, in the past 20 years their distribution in Iowa has expanded to reach Nevada, Ames and Boone. The current reported distribution in Iowa is shown in the map below. If you see or hear of carpenter bees in a county not yet marked, please drop us a line (email address: insects @iastate.edu).
Emerald Ash Borer Discovered in 4 More Iowa Counties: Buchanan, Hamilton, Hardin and Pottawattamie
The destructive emerald ash borer has now been confirmed in Buchanan, Hamilton, Hardin and Pottawattamie counties. This exotic pest from Asia was first found in Iowa in 2010 and has now been detected in 61 Iowa counties.
The presence of EAB was confirmed after insect specimens were collected at the following locations by county:
Turfgrass Management Calendar is Available
Seeding, fertilizing, weeding, watering and mowing are common activities for home lawn maintenance that we do more or less well, depending on time, patience, experience and training. An expert management and action plan for your home lawn can be found in the new ISU Extension & Outreach publication HORT 3093, "Turfgrass Management Calendar: Kentucky Bluegrass Lawns” available for free download from the Extension Store.
Crabapple Tree Fungus
Cedar-apple rust and apple scab are common fungal diseases on crabapple trees grown in the home landscape. Learn more about these two diseases and management options in the Iowa State University Extension & Outreach Yard and Garden news release from June 20, 2018.
Summer Care for Roses
Deadheading, watering and pest control are activities that will increase the enjoyment of roses in your yard or landscape. Learn more about these timely topics in the Iowa State University Extension & Outreach Yard and Garden news release from June 14, 2018.