The EPLS Blog

"Bug Bombs" For Cockroach Management? Think Again!

8/15/2019

Cockroaches are some of the more common pests in homes and businesses. The mere thought of cockroaches sets off feelings of uncleanliness and disgust for many of us. So it's not surprising that many homeowners buy and store total release foggers, aka "bug bombs", just for the opportunity to annihilate any potential cockroach infestation at the first sight of a cockroach! But these products are ineffective at killing cockroaches in homes. What's worse is that they deposit insecticides exactly where you don't want them - in direct contact with you, your family, and your pets!

Roach, Roaches, Cockroach, German Cockroach, German Cockroaches, German, Palmetto Bugs

German Cockroach. Image Source: University of Florida

Are "bug bombs" really effective at managing cockroaches? And what are some implications of using these products in your home? After all, they're called "bug bombs" for a reason, right? Using them should result in the complete eradication of all bugs from your home - at least that's what you are led to believe...

Bug bomb, exterminator, fogger

Example of a Total Release Fogger ("Bug Bomb"). Credit: University of Kentucky

The truth is that, despite their claims, "bug bombs" are ineffective at killing cockroaches in homes. Sure, if the insecticide happens to directly settle on a few cockroaches, they may indeed die. But the vast majority of cockroaches will not come in contact with the product.

"Bug Bombs" are ineffective at killing cockroaches in homes.

Cockroaches that infest residential and commercial spaces generally hide in dark spaces - inside drawers and cabinets, behind (and inside) picture frames, inside wall voids, inside and under appliances, underneath horizontal surfaces, etc. Unless physically (or in some cases chemically) disturbed, most cockroaches avoid light. That's the reason that people typically see cockroaches running around at night, when it's dark! And even then, sightings are usually limited to a few cockroaches.

German Cockroach Infestation in a refrigerator motor. Credit: Eco-Smart Pest Control

A "Bug bombs" releases contact insecticide fog from a pressurized canister into the air. The material drops on all horizontal surfaces within the treated area. It does not penetrate into hidden areas where cockroaches reside.

What's worse is where the insecticide from total release foggers ends up - exactly where you don't want it for cockroach management - all over floors, counter tops, tables, food (if you have it out), couches, beds, etc. This puts people in direct and often unavoidable contact with the insecticide.

Effective cockroach management involves careful application of products that target cockroaches where they hide and frequent most. More importantly, such treatments are carefully applied out of reach of people and pets.

Jadera Bugs Are Here Again!

3/29/2019

Jadera bugs on a fence in Winter Park

It's that time of year again... The Golden Rain Trees have flowered and now, with the onset of their seeds, Jadera Bugs are infesting homes and landscapes.

Jadera bugs primarily feed on the seeds of Golden Rain Trees. While these bugs are annoying, they cause no harm. They don't feed on lawns or ornamental plants.

As they do every year, these bugs will disappear in a few short weeks. While insecticide applications may kill these bugs on contact, they will not significantly reduce their populations or sightings.

Click here for more information about Jadera bugs from University of Florida experts.

Got Nematodes?

6/14/2018

A healthy, vigorous lawn is beautiful and beneficial for the environment. A healthy lawn filters pollutants that would otherwise end up in our groundwater, cools the surrounding environment, and increases property value.

But what happens when excessive fertilizer rates and pest-management products are used in pursuit of a healthy lawn? If your lawn fails to respond to common fertilizer and pest-management programs, please call a professional!

Plant-parasitic nematodes are commonly-overlooked lawn pathogens. They also happen to be some of the more damaging. Lawn-damaging nematodes infect the roots of the grass. In turf, the grass is less able to properly uptake water and nutrients, and becomes more susceptible to disease and environmental stress.

One case-in-point is a lawn in Windermere that has been cared for by one of our competitors. For years this lawn has not responded to standard fertilization. A soil analysis and nematode assay revealed a high population of Lance nematodes infecting the lawn, as well as slightly low soil pH and low soil magnesium.

Nematodes, Lawn nematodes

Nematode-infected St. Augustinegrass. September 2017.

We designed a care program based on the nutrients required and nematode infection. By providing a better growing environment and replacing areas too far gone, the lawn was able to recover nicely.

Same lawn following nematode-management treatments and proper care. June 2018.

Nematode management in lawns requires a comprehensive analysis of cultural practices, soil chemical analysis, and nematode population density determination. If nematodes are suspected as a limiting factors in the care of your lawn, we highly recommend consulting with a professional with expertise specifically in turfgrass nematology.

Lucky for us, our manager - Roi Levin - received his masters degree from the University of Florida specifically in nematology. Roi is available for consultations to help you with the care of your landscape.

Moths Invading Your Landscape?

5/17/2018

Help! These little white moths are everywhere! They're in my lawn, my shrubs, and my trees! Some are even coming inside my home! There are thousands of them!

The sudden invasion of thousands of white moths in the landscape is a common concern! Every spring, we get many phone calls from concerned homeowners about these invaders. The internet is full of information about these moths - some accurate, some not! Lets gets the facts straight - here we go!

Sod webworm

Sod Webworm adult moth. Photo credit: University of Florida

This time of year, Sod Webworms and Armyworms moths hatch out of pupa in the soil. The moths hide in grass and shrubs. If you walk through your lawn or brush against shrubs, you may see Sod Webworms moths fly out - sometimes by the thousands! Armyworms moths are seen less frequently. While this "moths explosion" may seem traumatic, the moths are completely harmless. They do not feed on the grass or plants. In fact, the moths don't have the mouthparts necessary to feed on your grass or plants. They may sometimes visit flowers for nectar. Since the moths do not feed on the grass, we typically do not spray for them with insecticides.

Caterpillar, worm, worms eating my grass

Fall Sod Webworm Caterpillar

So why do these moths hang out in the lawn and shrubs? Well, the moths lay eggs on the grass blades. 2-3 weeks later, eggs hatch into caterpillars, which feed on the grass. St. Augustinegrass, Zoysiagrass, and Bermudagrass are the caterpillars' favorite food.

Sod Webworms, caterpillars, worms, dying grass

Severe Sod Webworms injury to St. Augustinegrass

Often, Sod Webworms and Armyworms injury is limited to minor chewing. But many times the caterpillars are so numerous and feed so quickly that the grass is chewed down to the stems within just a few days. This can be disastrous to the lawn.

Newly laid sod is particularly susceptible to injury. This is one of the reasons that we recommend systemic insecticide application to newly-installed sod.

The best way to diagnose caterpillar activity is by looking for the chew marks on the grass blades, observing the caterpillars feeding, and finding caterpillar frass (poop) in the grass. Fresh frass will be green pellets. Sod Webworms frass is much smaller than Armyworms frass. Pictures below are Sod Webworms chewing damage (left) and Armyworms frass (right).

Since we expect Sod Webworms and Armyworms activity this time of year, we pay close attention to these caterpillars. If we find activity, we treat the lawn with effective insecticides.

To recap - the moths that you are seeing flying around in your landscape are harmless. Even if there are thousands of them. The moths do lay eggs, which will eventually hatch into caterpillars. The caterpillars primarily feed on St. Augustinegrass, Zoysiagrass, and Bermudagrass. While we monitor for activity on every service, we ask that you call our office if you notice chew marks on your lawn.

For more information about Sod Webworms from the University of Florida, please click here.

We Love Your Compliments

5/11/2018

Amy E. from Apopka writes:

I want to tell you how impressed I am working with you so far. I'm really grateful for how patient and straightforward you've been with me... Your explanations in person and notes are really appreciated. No wonder you're highly rated! Thank you.

Thank you Amy for the kind words! We strive to exceed your expectations.

Want to read more of what our customers are saying? Check out our testimonials page.

What's That Mound?

4/18/2018

Dirt mounds and tunnels are common in the landscape. In many cases, such as with Fire Ants, it is easy to find the mound-building culprits.

Fire ants, fire ants mounds, how to get rid of fire ants

Fire Ants mounds can vary in size. Fire Ants attack intruders aggressively. I wasn't about to stick my finger in there, so my business card was sacrificed!

But what about mounds or tunnels created by more elusive creatures? In our area, the mounds or tunnels that elude most people are ones created by mole crickets, moles, and pocket gophers. Which one are you dealing with? Compare your mounds or tunnels with the pictures and information below:

Mole crickets are insect pests in Zoysiagrass, Bermudagrass, and Bahiagrass. They seldom damage St. Augustinegrass, although it is a possibility. Mole crickets management is most successful early in the season. Late spring into summer management is more difficult as mole crickets mature.

mole crickets, lawn care

Mole cricket tunnel - note about as wide as my finger.

Moles are common in Central Florida landscapes. Despite any rumors that you may have heard, moles do not feed on grass. Moles may damage your lawn and landscape plants by their tunneling. Earthworms are moles' primary food source. We offer mole management services in situation where moles are truly problematic.

moles, lawn care

Mole tunnel / mound - note about as wide as my hand.

Pocket Gophers can wreak havoc in lawns and landscapes. They feed on both insects and vegetation. Pocket Gophers are best managed by trapping. Call us at (407)532-8188 for a referral.

Gopher, pocket gopher, mound, lawn care

Pocket gopher mound - note much larger than my hand.

Mounds may also be dug by ground-nesting bees. While these bees possess stingers, they are not aggressive. I personally have never heard of anyone getting stung by these bees. They are beneficial polinators and do not require management with insecticides. If you want to discourage these bees from nesting, try watering the area - the bees will often move somewhere else.

Mounds created by Ground Nesting Bees

Eww! Slimy Mushrooms In My Lawn!

4/13/2018

St Augustine grass, lawn fungus, fungus, mushrooms in lawn

Armillaria (Mushroom Root Rot) Mushrooms in Zoysiagrass lawn

Our customer, Leslie, from Orlando emailed me about brown, slimy mushrooms popping up in her lawn and plant beds.

Leslie wrote: "What are these things and should I be concerned?"

The mushrooms growing in Leslie's landscape are the mushroom stage of Armillaria, also known as Mushroom Root Rot.

Armillaria mushrooms beginning to decompose

These mushrooms do not infect or damage the lawn in any way. It is best to remove them to limit the spread of spores that they release. If you choose to remove the mushrooms, please do so with gloved hands as they are poisonous. If left alone, the mushrooms decompose within a few days, leaving slimy masses. These too disappear rather quickly. There are no products that we can apply to your lawn to prevent or kill these mushrooms.

plant disease, plant fungus, plant service

Armillaria mycelia (white color) under the bark of infected Ligustrum

Armillaria is a fungus that often infects woody trees and shrubs. Oak and Hickory trees are often infected by this fungus, but so are many common woody ornamental plants. These include Ligustrum, Viburnum, Podocarpus, Azalea, and many more. This disease primarily infects the roots of susceptible plants. Visual symptoms of the disease include entire or partial decline or death of the plant. We can usually confirm infection by confirming fungal growth under the bark of the plant.

Often, people presume that the disease can be diminished by removing the mushrooms associated with Mushroom Root Rot. Unfortunately, doing so has no effect on the spread of the disease.

If Mushroom Root Rot is diagnosed in one of your shrubs or trees, it is best to remove the plant and dispose of it. There is no preventive or curative treatment for the disease. That said, removing and replacing soil prior to replanting may reduce the chances of infection of new plantings. In addition, some trees have been reported resistant to the disease - click here for more information from the University of Florida.

Millipede Invasion!

4/9/2018

pest control, pest control service

Millipedes infesting an exterior column in Winter Park

"Ew! These disgusting worm-looking things are covering my house! There are so many of them! They came out of nowhere!" - this is a common call that we get at our office this time of the year. It's the invasion of millipedes...

In Central Florida, millipedes usually infest homes in the spring and fall, and usually in response to excess moisture.

Millipedes thrive in lawns, mulch, under rocks and wood debris, and other dark, moist areas. They mainly feed on algae and are considered beneficial in the landscape.

millipedes, millipede, pest control, pest control service

While unsightly and annoying, millipedes are harmless. They don't feed on your lawn or plants, and they don't bite or sting. If millipedes find their way inside your home, you'll notice that they quickly curl-up and die. This is because millipedes require a high-moisture environment to thrive.

millipede, pest control, pest control service

Management of millipedes is usually not necessary. In most situations, infestations are short-lived and millipedes return "home" where they belong. For particularly excessive infestations, an insecticide application to the lawn and landscape surrounding the property, as well as to the outside perimeter of the structure may provide some relief.

Got Citrus Greening? Help is Here!

4/4/2018

Citrus Greening, fruit tree, fruit tree disease, citrus disease, citrus greening disease

Asian Citrus Psyllids nymphs (immature psyllids) infesting new growth of a lime tree

Citrus Greening is a devastating disease of citrus in Florida. It is also known as Huanglongbing (HLB). This bacterial disease is transmitted into citrus through tiny insects called Asian Citrus Psyllids. Once infected, diseased plants decline gradually, and fruit quality decreases. The disease may go undetected for some time following infection. Infected trees that may otherwise thrive for 50 years or more often succumb to the disease within 5-10 years.

Citrus Greening

Uneven leaf mottling is a key symptom of Citrus Greening Disease

The most characteristic symptom of Citrus Greening disease is leaf yellowing in uneven patterns across the leaf midvein, on both sides of the leaf. Other symptoms that may be associated with Citrus Greening disease is overall yellowing, dieback of leaves, stems, and branches, poorly-tasting fruit, dry fruit, and misshaped fruit. With exception to the characteristic leaf mottling associated with Citrus Greening disease, all other symptoms may also be associated with nutrient deficiencies and other insect pest infestations or diseases.

There is no treatment for Citrus Greening. Current efforts to manage the Asian Citrus Psyllid include releasing wasps that parasitize the psyllids and investigating citrus varieties that show resistance to the disease.

Citrus greening

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is offering free parasitic wasps. To be considered, you will need to fill-out their form and follow the instructions. Here's a link: www.freshfromflorida.com/tra.

Picture: Beneficial Tamarixia wasps provided by FDACS for management of Asian Citrus Psyllids.

Ghost Ants Are Common Home Pests

4/3/2018

Ghost ants, ants

Ghost Ants are commonly seen infesting structures this time of year. These ants are very small and translucent. They commonly nest both outside and inside of homes. Outside of the home, Ghost Ants typically trail along exterior walls to an entry point into the structure. Inside structures, nests can be found within wall voids, behind cabinets, and in undisturbed areas in kitchens and bathrooms. Most people notice these ants in kitchens, feeding on food scraps.

Ghost Ants are managed through treatment of ant trails around the foundation of the structure. Strategic bait placement is also important in managing these ants. The most important aspect of managing Ghost Ants is identification of nesting sites, identifying entry points, and applying the proper products.

Author

Roi Levin, M.Sc., C.P.O. - Business partner and manager. Roi joined EPLS in 2005 following earning his Master of Science degree in Entomology and Nematology from the University of Florida. Roi is a Certified Pest Control Operator. Best Management Practices certified. Roi provides a level of technical expertise that is uncommon in the pest management industry. He regularly offers seminars at the University of Florida Orange County Extension Office as well as at Harry P. Leu Gardens. Roi has been a guest speaker on the Better Lawns and Gardens with Tom MacCubbin radio show as well as Orange TV's Central Florida Gardening television series.

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