Biological Pest Control

An alternative to chemical control and a method that falls right in-line with IPM is Biological Control.  Natural pest enemies should always be considered when deciding how to control pests. Predators are organisms that kill and feed on their prey outright.  They are generally larger than their prey and must consume numerous prey in order to complete development. Parasites are usually smaller and often weaker than their prey.  They lay eggs on or within a host insect and the immature(s) use the host for food over time. Examples of insect predators and parasites: Master Gardner Manual: Predators Master Gardner Manual: Parasites

Wasp Management

Our beautiful southwest desert is home to a variety of wasp species.  In the low desert there are 4 commonly encountered wasp species, the Yellow Paper wasp (Polistes flavus), the Navajo Paper wasp (Mischocyttarus navajo), the Arizona Paper wasp (Polistes exclamans arizonicus), and the Tarantula Hawk (Pepsis and Hemipepsis).  For those folks in the higher elevations, you are probably much more familiar with the Yellow Jacket.

Description:
Paper wasp:  Long, thin body, and appear smooth and hairless.  Considered beneficial because they consume many of our insect pests.  Nests may be located on ceiling overhangs, window sills, etc.  Though they look like they want to, Paper wasps rarely sting humans at any time.

Tarantula Hawk:  Large, metallic blue-black with either blue-black or bright orange wings and black antennae.  Robust body compared to other wasps.  These wasps are nectivorous, feeding on flower nectar or the juice of damaged fruits.  This wasp species received its common name by their behavior of attacking large spiders like tarantulas, they sting the spider which paralyzes it but does not kill it, then they bury it with a single wasp egg.  When the egg hatches the immature wasp feed on the spider.
*As with the Paper wasps, the Tarantula Hawk will typically avoid humans but may be induced to sting if agitated.

Yellow Jacket: Yellow with black patterning on head, thorax and abdomen.  They are scavengers of meat and are frequently found around garbage cans.  They will also feed on insects and other small animals they capture.  Nests are constructed in rodent burrows, logs, house walls and attics.

Wasp Management:
1.  Be aware.  Eating or drinking sweet drinks outside in summer and early fall may attract wasps at a time when they are most aggressive, especially yellow jackets.  Be sure to check any food or soda cans/bottles before consuming when eating outside.

2.  DO NOT PANIC!!!!  Leave the area and if she is persistent, there may be a nest nearby that she is protecting.

More Wasp Information here:
Wasp Management
Bug Proof Your Home
Backyard Gardener: Paper Wasps and Yellowjackets

For more pest and landscape information:
www.CIPM.weebly.com

May is upon us

Time does not slow down for anything.  May is upon us and if you are wondering what pests you might encounter or are in need of landscape/turf information we have you covered.

Our Community IPM Month-to-Month calendar is available here:

CIPM Calendar (May)

 

False Chinch Bugs are on the move and causing "excitement" in Phoenix.
To better understand these bugs look here:

False Chinch Bugs in the Low Desert

Backyard Gardener: False Chinch Bugs