|
|
A: There could be a few reasons for this. First, I would check my sprinkler system and confirm that you are getting water everywhere. Over the years the sprinkler heads get clogged up with scale, minerals and other materials in the water. If they are clogged, either replace the heads or if possible, clean them. Other causes could be chinch bugs, sod web worms, white grubs or a fungus. Application of an insecticide would solve any possible pest problems. A fungicide would cure any fungus problems. Try both applications and you should see results immediately.
Q: We have ant mounds all around the property. They don't appear to be the same mounds that fire ants make. They are perfectly round with a hole in the middle. Any suggestions as to what they are?
A: Yup! These are pyramid ants. They derive their name from the pyramid shaped mound they create. The mound sort of resembles a volcano don't you think? But some entomologist (doctor of bugology) decided to call them pyramid ants and there ya go.
Q: My lawn man says I have fungus on my lawn. How do I get rid of it?
A: First of all, with all due respect to your lawn man, it was probably caused by him. If his mower cuts a lawn that is infected with gray leaf spots, brown patch disease, fairy rings or any number of fungal diseases they can easily be spread to your lawn. I'll even go as far as to say that if a yard man simply walks through a lawn that is diseased, they can be spread to your lawn by the spores clinging to his shoes. Any good lawn maintenance person knows how to properly identify these diseases and should wash his mower frequently. Fungus seems to thrive mostly during our rainy season, so keep an eye out for the first signs of disease. Any discoloration or brown spots on the blades of grass is enough to tip you off. Have your lawn pest control company apply fungicides to kill the organism? Quite frankly, when we service a lawn, we use what we call a tank mix. We use an insecticide, a fungicide, a liquid fertilizer, iron and other micro-nutrients. This is preventative maintenance and is the proactive solution. In other words, we keep these bug and fungus problems from ever occurring. It's a slightly more costly treatment, but in the long run it keeps your lawn healthy and well worth the few extra dollars it may cost.
Well, as usual I've used up all my space. Politically correct or not, I would like to wish to all a very merry Christmas, a happy Hanukkah and a happy and healthy New Year. Peace on Earth and Good will to all men. See you next week.
Peter Masi, owner/operator of Masi West Coast Pest Control, welcomes your questions and comments. Masi can be reached by e-mail at masipest@aol.com, by phone at 642-1999. Visit his Web site at www.masipest.com.
