No. 8/July 29, 2021
White grubs
White grub is a common name for the larvae of June beetles, chafers and Japanese beetles. They are white, C-shaped larvae, about 1 inch long and have 6 jointed legs attached close to their small brown head capsule. The grubs can be found in the first 8 inches of soil beneath turfgrass where they feed on grass roots. Excessive root feeding by white grubs can leave turfgrass poorly anchored to the soil and can result in brown patches in a lawn that can be pulled back like a rug. This can impact the aesthetics of a lawn and, in some cases, can make sports fields less safe for children and athletes.
See If You Can Spot the Spotted Lanternfly
As with all insects, spotted lanternfly has a life cycle that contains various stages of development. The adults can be found from July through December. While fall clean up preparations and tasks will soon be here, attention to detail will be important. The spotted lanternfly could go undetected easily unless awareness is raised. It’s red coloration in the fall may allow for easier detection. Although when the adults are at rest, the red color of the hind wings are hidden under the speckled grey-brown forewings. They are easy to recognize as adults because of their size, and coloration, but the nymphs have a black and white appearance. Early detection is so important, so becoming familiar with the life cycle can assist in identification.
Noxious/Invasive Plant Species – CanadaThistle, Cirsium arvense in Illinois
There are many species of thistle – bull, musk, yellow, scotch, tall, yellowspine, and others – but Canada thistle stands out as one that is noxious (and obnoxious). A noxious plant is one that “harms agricultural lands, poses harm to humans, resists chemical controls, clogs waterways and ponds, displaces native plants, and alters soil composition”. Many noxious/invasive species have been introduced from other countries. Some species find conditions in a new country even more conducive for growth than the plant’s country of origin. In addition, insects, diseases, and other natural controls that helped keep plants in line in their home country were not always relocated with the plant.
What Pests Are You Seeing in Your Part of the State?
The Home, Yard, and Garden Pest Newsletter strives to report on the landscape pests that we see and anticipate throughout the state. Unfortunately, most of the newsletter's authors can only scout a small portion of east-central Illinois. We rely on scouting reports from subscribers and green industry professionals to help us provide relevant and timely content for all of Illinois. To assist us with scouting efforts, we ask for your help by reporting pest situations as you see them throughout the year. Have you seen an alarming number of pests in your area? Do you have a topic you pest management topic that you would like us to address? Please send your pest reports or topic ideas to hygnewsletter@illinois.edu