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JPF Landscaping
10-20-2008, 08:48 PM
I replaced a Holly bush the other day and the root ball of the old one was pretty infested with these bugs. The bush did not look real affected by it but the customer asked me to find out what they were and what to do about them. I am not liscensed to apply chemicals and don't. The customer had a bag of granular dursban but from what I could find, it is only labeled for use on lawns, I did not read the bag though. What, if any control is needed and what would be easiest for the customer to do? thank you.
JPF Landscaping
10-20-2008, 09:11 PM
I suspect this is some stage of a grub. It has pinchers and chewing parts. It also has small wings starting to grow.
kickin sum grass
10-20-2008, 09:17 PM
not grub. Are you due for cicadas in the next couple years. With its big eyes it kinda looks like an immature one. They feed on plant roots. just a thought
Runner
10-20-2008, 09:22 PM
Early stage of a June Beetle.
grassguy_
10-20-2008, 09:48 PM
Cicadas, always a joy to put up with the noise through the summer:dizzy: They'll run their cycles, some years heavier than others and some go on different cycles, 17 yrs, 11 yrs, etc. never have really treated for them, birds are their best control, especially sparrows.
http://www.cicadas.info/
Runner
10-20-2008, 09:59 PM
Wow...that's wild....
grassguy_
10-20-2008, 10:10 PM
some are annual cicadas as well. I guess the cycles are 17 and 13 years, couldn't remember. The females will lay eggs inside branches on suseptible trees and which point the eggs hatch out and the larva falls to the ground underneath the tree or shrub. that larva burrows into the ground for the duration of years sustaining itself on the rootlets of the host tree or shrub. The casing shown there looks more like an annual cicada which tend to be smaller than longer cycle ones. Casings are the shell left from the adults, usually found on the tree or shrub after mating season. I have heard the actaul cicadas are tasty when cooked, but i still prefer a steak. :rolleyes:
JPF Landscaping
10-21-2008, 12:19 AM
Thanks for the help. Do these need to be controlled? Will they do enough damage to justify control
garydale
10-21-2008, 10:28 AM
No control needed.
grassguy_
10-21-2008, 10:34 AM
What Gary said, thanks Gary. :) usually pose minimal problems.