No. 3/May 20, 2020
Modified Growing Degree Days (Base 50⁰ F, March 1 through May 18)
Insect development is temperature dependent. We can use degree days to help predict insect emergence and activity. Home, Yard, and Garden readers can use the links below with the degree day accumulations above to determine what insect pests could be active in their area.
Asian Giant Hornets: Your Questions Answered
On May 3, 2020, articles and videos discussing the first instance of Asian giant hornets (Vespa mandarinia) identified in the US began to run in the national news. These headlines have raised concern about this animal and may leave some wondering if they have seen it or if we need to worry about it in Illinois. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about Asian giant hornets:
Ground Ivy
Ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea) is a low growing perennial weed commonly found in lawns and landscape beds. It is commonly referred to Creeping Charlie but is also known as gill-over-the-ground, cats-foot, and field balm. It is sometimes sold in hanging baskets and as a groundcover. It actually makes a fantastic groundcover, but the problem with this plant is that it doesn’t behave or know it’s boundaries and will attempt to cover the county if you let it. Also, this weed is tough to control.
Turf Wars with Tunnellers
Voles can be a landscaper’s worst nightmare. The damage can include extensive tunnel systems above and below ground, holes throughout the yard, plants destroyed or damaged and worn grassless paths scattered across the turf. Voles have a short life span of 2-16 mos and reach sexual maturity at just three weeks of age. Their gestation, depending on species, can be 21-24 days. Having multiple generations through March to November with 3-6 babies per litter, the population growth is quick.