The cool temperatures we have been experiencing coupled with the dying back of kudzu, its preferred host, are likely causes of the mass migration. The same phenomenon was seen in the late fall of 2009 and 2010 when the bugs moved from kudzu in search of sites in which they will spend the winter in a mostly inactive state. In the spring these adults emerge, lay eggs on sprouting kudzu, and begin building large populations of the insect. These may also infest soybeans and a number of other legumes found in the Georgia landscape (including beans and peas in home vegetable gardens).

Unfortunately, there have not been any significant developments in controlling this nuisance pest in suburban and urban environments. Research on its control will continue. We are hopeful that the large numbers of these insects we currently see reflect a “colonization effect” of these recent invaders from Asia. If so, we will likely see kudzu bugs reach an ecological equilibrium in which their numbers are not as high as we see now. Until then there are a few tips to consider:

• Seal, with caulk or screen, all cracks around windows and doors, and make sure there are no gaps under doors and around soffits. Install doorsweeps on all outside doors, if necessary.
• Kudzu bugs should not be killed inside. They should be vacuumed if found inside to prevent the noxious odor/exudate from penetrating and perhaps, staining indoor surfaces.
• At this time of year (mid-October to mid-November), kudzu bugs are most active in the afternoon as temperatures warm up later in the day. As such, plan outdoor activities in the morning, if possible, or move activities indoors.
• Kudzu bugs can be killed with pyrethroid insecticides applied directly to the insects, e.g., while resting on outside walls. However, given the peak of flight activity currently occurring, homeowners should expect significant re-invasion within a day or so. If you use an insecticide, read and follow the product’s label (it’s the law), and never use a pyrethroid insecticide in an area where it might contaminate water as these insecticides are very toxic to fish and other aquatic life. No traps have been commercialized (and shown to be effective) in attracting and killing large numbers of kudzu bugs. Effective chemical attractants have not yet been identified.
• The flight will subside, based on our experience, in late November, but the bugs will once again become active, and mildly troublesome in the spring of 2012 as they awake from their winter slumber. In light of this, if kudzu can be removed from the property, it is recommended that this be done in order to eliminate potential problems once again in October 2012.

Contact Weed Pro Lawn Care directly for help with your landscape projects. Additional reference sources include organic lawn care cumming or alpharetta lawn care.

Contact Weed Pro Lawn Care directly for help with your landscape projects. Additional reference sources include lawn service atlanta or sandy springs organic lawn service .

Mr. Weedy spotlight video of the week :: Henbit

Mr. Weedy spotlight video of the week :: Poa Annua

Drought and the Statewide Outdoor Water Use Schedule

1. If the drought is over, why do I have to follow an outdoor water use schedule?

Georgians proved that water conservation during the drought saved a significant amount

of water. Water conservation is important during times of drought as well as non-drought, and results in environmental and economic benefits. The schedules offer a

reasonable opportunity to use water wisely by reducing the overuse of water in the

landscape. To learn more about water conservation around the landscape and in the

home and business, go to www.conservewatergeorgia.net.

2. The current statewide non-drought

outdoor water use schedule is:

 Odd numbered addresses are allowed to use water outdoors on Tuesdays,

Thursdays and Sundays

·

Even numbered and unnumbered addresses are allowed to use water outdoors on

Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays

· NO WATERING ON FRIDAY

· The outdoor water use schedule applies to customers (households and businesses)

who receive water from an entity (public and private) with a water withdrawal permit

or a permit to operate a drinking water system.

· Water use may occur at any time of the day on the assigned days, however landscape

watering is discouraged between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. because of its limited

effectiveness.

It is important that you contact your local water provider to find out if the local outdoor

water use schedule is different than the state schedule.

3. The following outdoor water usages are allowed on any day and are not subject to the odd/even schedule.

(a) Capture and reuse

of cooling system condensate or storm water in compliance with

applicable local ordinances.

(b) Reuse of gray water in compliance with applicable local ordinances.

(c) Use of reclaimed wastewater by a designated user from a system permitted by EPD to provide reclaimed wastewater (Golf Courses).

(d) Irrigation of personal food gardens.

(e) Outdoor water fountains.

(f) Water may be used to wash hard surfaces, such as streets, gutters, sidewalks, driveways, school buses, fire trucks, emergency vehicles and police cars ONLY when necessary for public health and safety.

Drought and the Statewide Outdoor Water Use Schedule

1. If the drought is over, why do I have to follow an outdoor water use schedule?

Georgians proved that water conservation during the drought saved a significant amount

of water. Water conservation is important during times of drought as well as non-drought, and results in environmental and economic benefits. The schedules offer a

reasonable opportunity to use water wisely by reducing the overuse of water in the

landscape. To learn more about water conservation around the landscape and in the

home and business, go to www.conservewatergeorgia.net.

2. The current statewide non-drought

outdoor water use schedule is:

 Odd numbered addresses are allowed to use water outdoors on Tuesdays,

Thursdays and Sundays

·

Even numbered and unnumbered addresses are allowed to use water outdoors on

Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays

· NO WATERING ON FRIDAY

· The outdoor water use schedule applies to customers (households and businesses)

who receive water from an entity (public and private) with a water withdrawal permit

or a permit to operate a drinking water system.

· Water use may occur at any time of the day on the assigned days, however landscape

watering is discouraged between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. because of its limited

effectiveness.

It is important that you contact your local water provider to find out if the local outdoor

water use schedule is different than the state schedule.

3. The following outdoor water usages are allowed on any day and are not subject to the odd/even schedule.

(a) Capture and reuse

of cooling system condensate or storm water in compliance with

applicable local ordinances.

(b) Reuse of gray water in compliance with applicable local ordinances.

(c) Use of reclaimed wastewater by a designated user from a system permitted by EPD to provide reclaimed wastewater (Golf Courses).

(d) Irrigation of personal food gardens.

(e) Outdoor water fountains.

(f) Water may be used to wash hard surfaces, such as streets, gutters, sidewalks, driveways, school buses, fire trucks, emergency vehicles and police cars ONLY when necessary for public health and safety.