Landscape Lingo

for July 31, 2004; also appearing on Saturday in the Lancaster Eagle

According to Dave Shetlar, OSU Extension Entomology Specialist, BAGWORM (Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis) bags are now 3/4" to 1" long, and the caterpillars are causing noticeable damage in central Ohio. The size of the bags means the caterpillars are now too large to be effectively controlled using Bacillus thuringiensis, or Bt (e.g. Dipel, Thuricide, or Caterpillar Attack). Traditional insecticides, such as Malathion, Orthene or Sevin will now need to be used; however, applications should be made soon since caterpillars have the ability to skip the final instar stage and pupate when exposed to insecticides.

To learn more about specific insects and pests in your lawn and landscape, please join Dr. David Shetlar at Keller Farms Landscape and Nursery on Saturday, August 14 from 10 am until noon. Life cycles of insects as well as treatment and control measures will be explored. Light refreshments will be served. The Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association's full color "Common Pests, Diseases and Disorders of Ornamental Trees and Shrubs" publication will be included with your $5.00 registration fee. Call OSU Extension in Fairfield County at 740-653-5419 or e-mail fair@ag.osu.edu to register. Seating is limited so register early, please.

SPIDERS . . .SPIDERS . . . .SPIDERS . . . Everywhere

This is the time of year when populations of a number of predators seem to explode, including spiders. There are over 600 species of spiders found in Ohio. Only three, the black widow spider (Lactrodectus mactans) and two "fiddle-backed" spiders, the brown recluse (Loxosceles reclusa) and the brown spider (L. rufescens), are considered dangerous. Readers should remember that all spiders are predators, and all species in Ohio feed primarily on insects. Beyond their beneficial status, spiders are also fascinating creatures that exhibit a wide range of beautiful color patterns and some spectacular engineering feats.

Some of the interesting spiders currently being seen include the FUNNEL or SHEET WEB spiders (Family: Agelenidae) and the ORB WEAVERS (Family: Araneidae). The funnel and sheet web spiders produce large, flat, sheet-like webs across grass, under rocks or boards, or over the branches of shrubs such as yews and junipers. These webs are made more evident when covered with morning dew. The funnel weavers include a funnel-shaped tube in their web construction. On shrubs, the tube leads down into the plant material and serves as a place of concealment for the spider. When the spider senses vibrations from a trapped victim, it darts out, grabs the prey, injects a toxin, then carries its victim back into the tube. The sheet web spiders await the entanglement of their food by standing upright on the surface of the web or by hanging upside down on the underside of the web, depending upon the spider species.

The weavers spin orb shaped webs and they are the master engineers of the spider world. Two Ohio species are remarkable for both their web spinning ability and their colors. The MARBLED ORB WEAVER (Araneus marmoreus) is a rotund, medium-sized, conspicuously marked spider that may be found in tall grasses or on buildings. Its legs are bright orangish-red with white bands and the bulbous abdomen has a marbled pattern of brown or purple on a field of orange or yellow. This beautiful spider is found at the edge of its large, spiraling web at night. In the morning, it consumes its web and hides until nightfall. In the early evening hours, it spins a new web.

The GARDEN SPIDER (Argiope aurantia), another orb weaver, is a large spider with a leg span that can exceed two inches. The legs are black with reddish or yellow bands. The mostly black abdomen is conspicuously marked with yellow or yellowish-orange spots and bands. This spider is active during the day and usually spins its web in tall weeds. The spider can be found resting in the middle of the web atop a zig-zag pattern of coarse webbing that reflects ultra-violet light and attracts insects.

Although there are several insecticides labeled for spider control, this is not a recommended practice. Spiders are important in reducing insect pest populations. Homeowners are urged to practice restraint, appreciation, and understanding. Aside from providing free Halloween decorations, spiders also provide a great service by reducing the need for controlling more significant pests.

"DROOPY" HANGING BASKETS

By this time of year, unfortunately, those gorgeous hanging baskets can look pretty rough and ragged by this time of the year, especially if you've forgotten to water them regularly. But with a bit of tender loving care, they can usually be revived. Begin by clipping off dead flower and browning leaves. Simply put . . .give your hanging basket a good haircut. Cut back the yellowing stems and stems with a good many yellowing leaves to encourage the plant to send out new shoots. If your hanging baskets has trailing stems, you may want to detangled the stems first to determine which are worth keeping.

Although hard to do, it is best to clip off any buds that will be opening soon. A recovering plant will have more trouble recovering and reestablishing if it is trying to support buds during it's recovery period.

Watering a dried out basket can be difficult. You may find that as you pour water into the basket without wetting the soil. The best way to overcome this is to run a pan of tepid water and set your hanging basket inside the pan of water and leave it for at least an hour or until the basket is saturated. Keep in mind, when your plants are dry it doesn't take much weight to break the stems and leaves.

At this point, we want to do everything we can to help our plants get back on their feet, but it is best to avoid feeding them for about five days. This gives them time to overcome the shock before trying to send out new shoots.

Watch your recovering plants closely for signs of insects or disease. In their weakened state, they are more susceptible to pests and fungus, and should be treated right away if you suspect a problem. Before you know it your basket will bursting with color!!!

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