Insecticide

Spraying Trees with Dormant Oil

Q. Are there advantages to routinely spraying my trees with oils?

Insecticides

Q. What is the difference between a systemic insecticide and one you spray directly on the plant?

Using Insecticidal Soap

Q. I have been spraying an insecticidal soap solution on my garden plants and houseplants to control insects. How long does this product last on the plants?

A. Soap solutions are designed to target soft-bodied insects on contact or as the solution begins to dry. Once the product is completely dry, it has very little effectiveness as an insect control. This is why you need to reapply the solution following a rainfall. Some gardeners wash off their houseplants once the soap application has dried.

When to Use Insecticide

Q. When is the best time of the year to spray my garden for insects?

Horticultural Oil

Q. What are the current recommendations for using horticultural oil to protect mature trees from insect attack?

Grubs

Q. I had problems with grubs in my lawn this summer. Is there anything I can do this fall, or should I treat the lawn next summer?

Honeybee decline

Q. For several summers now, I have noticed plenty of bumblebees in my garden but very few honeybees. What is the reason?

Emerald Ash Borer

Q. I have ash trees on my property that are doing poorly and haven't been healthy for the last few years. Do I have Emerald Ash Borer?

A. Ash trees can be afflicted by many different disease and insect problems, such as anthracnose, verticillium wilt, ash flower gall, rust, ash yellows, and borers. Early infestations of Emerald Ash Borer are very difficult to detect.