Fall and early winter are excellent times to prevent
insect problems that occur next year. I received a few reports of “worms” or
grubs now feeding on the roots of plants. The most common are “white grubs”
feeding on a variety of different plant roots tasty to them.
insect problems that occur next year. I received a few reports of “worms” or
grubs now feeding on the roots of plants. The most common are “white grubs”
feeding on a variety of different plant roots tasty to them.
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| White grubs removed from the soil where they feed on plant roots |
These white grubs found now pupate, or change into
adults, over the winter. The adults of these white grubs are sometimes referred
to as “chafers” or in a much larger category of scarab beetles.
adults, over the winter. The adults of these white grubs are sometimes referred
to as “chafers” or in a much larger category of scarab beetles.
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| Common midwestern June Beetle |
The most common one too many Midwesterners is the June
beetle. To desert dwellers, like myself, who have lived here a long time might
think of the metallic green June beetle that attacks soft fruit. But these pests
come in a variety of colors, sizes and even racing stripes!
beetle. To desert dwellers, like myself, who have lived here a long time might
think of the metallic green June beetle that attacks soft fruit. But these pests
come in a variety of colors, sizes and even racing stripes!
 |
| Our common metallic june beetle that attacks soft fruit |
The easiest way to control these insects is to sprinkle
granular insecticides that are specifically labeled for “grubs” or insects
feeding on the roots of plants. Follow the label directions but normally the
insecticide impregnated on the granules is washed into the soil with a light
application of water after they are applied. If you can’t find granules, then
use a liquid applied to the soil as a drench that protects the roots.
granular insecticides that are specifically labeled for “grubs” or insects
feeding on the roots of plants. Follow the label directions but normally the
insecticide impregnated on the granules is washed into the soil with a light
application of water after they are applied. If you can’t find granules, then
use a liquid applied to the soil as a drench that protects the roots.
 |
| Ten-lined june beetle that is an occasional pest in our desert |
For those of you who prefer an “organic” or more natural
approach then look for beneficial nematodes or bacteria that can be applied to
the soil around these plants. This approach gives a “slower kill” but can be
just as effective as commercial insecticides over time with an added benefit
that they persist in the soil for a much longer time.
approach then look for beneficial nematodes or bacteria that can be applied to
the soil around these plants. This approach gives a “slower kill” but can be
just as effective as commercial insecticides over time with an added benefit
that they persist in the soil for a much longer time.
The most common plant attacked and reported by many
readers is Lantana. Evidently white grubs love the roots of these plants. It is
a safe bet, if these plants were struggling this past summer, the roots were
probably attacked by white grubs.
readers is Lantana. Evidently white grubs love the roots of these plants. It is
a safe bet, if these plants were struggling this past summer, the roots were
probably attacked by white grubs.