By WAYNE BECKER AgriLife Extension Agent
Now is a good time to control scale insects on evergreen shrubs and trees through use of a horticultural oil spray. Also, fruit trees may be sprayed at this time of year in order to control insect eggs that may have been laid in bark and twig crevices.
Usually, the oil treatment will need to be applied only once a year, and is an excellent way to smother a pest that is difficult to eradicate. Horticultural oils also have the benefit of being less environmentally harsh than pesticides.
There are several thousand species of "Scale insects". Armored scale insects are capable of navigating to fresh feeding grounds when very small, but then live and feed under a protective hard, waxy shield as adults. Tea scales, oyster scales, eunonymous scales and wax scales are examples of these.
Trees and shrubs are often unable to withstand the continual drain of sap from these sucking insects, and may ultimately be killed. Treatment consists of thoroughly spraying with horticultural oil according to directions, from every direction over the leaves and twigs.
For successful spraying, look for a period in the late winter or early spring that will be relatively warm, but without a forecast of rain for at least two days (45 - 70 degrees F). Carefully follow the label directions in order to apply the correct dilution formula, especially if you plan to spray fruit trees beginning to break dormancy. If there are any doubts, spray a small area and wait a few days to check the results.
After a few weeks, check to see if spraying has killed most of the scale present. Pry off a domed scale with a thumbnail and press. If the shell is dried, the treatment has worked. If there is still yellow, orange or white viscid material, the scales are still living.
Another pest eradication project that is good to accomplish at this time of year is bagworm control. Check junipers and other narrow-leaf evergreens for bagworm pouches. The insect eggs overwinter in the pouch, and start the cycle again by emerging in the spring to begin feeding on the foliage. Hand removal and burning of the pouches are ways of reducing the potential damage next spring.
2nd Annual Foaling
seminar scheduled
Equine enthusiasts from around the area will have an opportunity to learn more about issues relevant to their industry. This program set for 6:30 p.m., Feb. 9 at the First State Bank Conference Center will feature informative speaker presentations, product demonstrations, and networking opportunities for professional and recreational horse owners.
The First State Bank Conference Center is located at 837 California St. in Gainesville.
The speaker schedule for the night includes:
• Dr. Khris Crowe, DVM — She will be discussing care of the pregnant mare prior to foaling, normal and abnormal foaling events, and post birth care of foal and mare.
• Dr. Joe Manning – He will provide information about the current parasite resistance dilemma as it pertains to horse management.
• Wayne Becker, County Extension Agent – He will discuss pasture management for parasite control.
The program is free to the public and all are invited to attend. The program is sponsored by Dr. Crowe and Texas AgriLife Extension Service in Grayson and Cooke Counties. Please RSVP to Dr. Crowe at (903) or Texas AgriLife Extension Service at (940) 668-5412.
