New headlines this month confirm the presence of Box Tree Moth in Ohio. This is a new pest for our region and one to be on the look out for if boxwoods feature in your landscape.
The latest details are here:
Box Tree (Boxwood) Moth: Latest Observations | BYGL (osu.edu)
What to Look for with Box Tree (Boxwood) Moth | BYGL (osu.edu)
Box Tree (Boxwood) Moth Confirmed in Southwest Ohio | BYGL (osu.edu)
Many people have noticed an unusual amount of Crane Flies around their homes in the past two weeks. This is widespread regional phenomenon and environmental conditions for the past year are credited for the outbreak. This is generally expected to be short-lived.
See these two articles discussing Crane Fly emergence:
“Giant Mutant Mosquitoes” Abound
Are those Mosquitoes on Steroids…No, They are just Crane Flies.
If you don’t already have them, yellow jackets may soon lurk over your shoulder. Interesting fact: the German yellow jacket, which is the dominant species in the state, first arrived in Ohio in 1975. My typical recommendation for control and treatment of yellowjackets is to use an insecticidal dust for ground nests. Nests in wall voids may be treated with an aerosol spray with a plastic wand extension on the can. As always, read the labels on any insecticidal product to ensure you are getting the best use for your money. It is possible you will need to make an application more than once and be patient and persistent. The best time to apply is early morning at the crack of dawn when temperatures are cool and before yellowjackets have departed the nest.
More details on yellowjackets are available on Ohioline: https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/HYG-2075-11