Fall a good time to control insect, weed pests

I am enjoying the cooler weather and having to put on socks and shoes again after the long hot summer. Our lawns and gardens are also enjoying the cool temperatures and have put on a spurt of growth. Along with enjoying the renewed color and greenery, now is a good time to take care of some insect and weed problems.

In early July I wrote about several lawn insects that were wreaking havoc on lawns after the mild winter. Fall is the best time to treat sod webworm, crane fly and lawn cutworms. The last generations of each of these insects are now laying eggs, and larvae are hatching in the remaining warm weather. The larvae will pupate and lie dormant until spring, so go after them while they are active. Biological control is done using the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis or Bt, or a beneficial nematode, and by encouraging bird, disease and insect predators to do the work for you. Chemical controls are available, but they can harm bees and beneficial insects, so read labels carefully and follow the directions. Apply them in the afternoon when the larvae are the most active.

Cooler weather not only brings out the best in our gardens, it also brings out the best in the weeds, including dandelion, clovers, chickweed and a dozen others. Research the type of weeds you are encountering and then apply the correct chemical. Dandelions are susceptible to 2-4D while the clovers and chickweed have a much more complex growth habit and will need different chemicals. Chemicals are a short-term fix. To really control the weeds, aerate and fertilize your lawn to encourage healthy turf. Reseed thin areas with a quality lawn seed, top it with pelleted mulch, and keep the area moist until the grass is 3 to 4 inches tall or until you have to shut off the water.