Loading...
The Goderich Signal-Star, 1983-04-27, Page 35a�. �(k 4' edlncidenc is re�oie Ontariolast ►e r. ,.. For the homeowner, .firstsymptuhis stet in lawns are skunks teak the turf or flocks o and blackbirds feed on the law,h h "There are Gtlurg to. Pring. - e types of white grubs the Japanese beetle, European chafer, Gardens help the elderly "But I'm too frail to garden! I'm not strong anymore and my joints hurt from arthritis. I, can't bend over or stoop." The problem is, a gardener never stops wanting to turn over the soil and to plant seeds. You may have heard this complaint from older gardeners and it is sad to see them give up because of pain or discomfort. They invite even more problems when they give up gardening. Elderly or frail gardeners might wish to invest in built- up beds where they Can sit on the edge and reach all parts for planting, weeding and harvest. No bending or stooping. Or, at less expense, they can switch to containers for flowers and vegetables. Once a year they can prevail on friends, neighbors, family, or youth groups to help in the heavy work of soil preparation. Every home for the elderly should have a small garden or containers „ where guests can keep their hand m gardening. hope, con- fidence, serenity .— all can flow from the soil. Combat pollution A few years ago most peo- ple would have wondered at a serious reference to `noise pollution'. Increasingly the edia-has-kept_us_advised_of_ the growing threats of air and water pollution and legislation being passed to halt what seems .at time to be ' mankind's flight into ultimate self-destruction. Although not as apparent as other forms of pollution, medical authorities warn us that noise is a definite health hazard. Slowly, from the soft quiet of the pioneer days in North America, noise pollu- tion has reached a decibel level of sometimes frighten- ing intensity in 1982's socie- ty. The automobile, urban transportation, the airliners zooming overhead, even the sound of radio or piped -in music intended tosoothe us when, . we . are in public buildings, all combine to ex- pose us to a constant level of noise that can bring about - . one or more of the dozens of physical conditions that are linked medically to con- tinuous tension. Wildlife too can be endangered by the noise level we humans create! Landscape Ontario Hor- ticultural Trades Associa- tion suggests that trees, shrubs and hedges are nature's way of absotbing sound and protecting us from extraneous noise. Strategic planting can make our? homes a haven from the din bf modern existence. It is a worthwhile thought in landscaping. the June beetle, says eek Wuseh "The grubs fe donfibrous roots of many. y es of Plants, butthey prefer the vets and crown of tt grass." luthougn the grubs differ in size, they have several common characteristics,. They .have 9 -shaped soft bodies with six long spm, legs, and a brown headcap- sule. ap sulle. The hind end of the lar-' vae is dark and transparent. The smallest of the white grubs, the Japanese beetle, is 2 cm (3/4 in.) in length. It is most common in isolated • patches along the Lake Erie shores and the Niagara Peninsula. Its life cycle is.an annual pnes. with the adults emerging in early June. The adults featUre a brightly col- ored olored metallic green head, bronze body and brown wing covers. "The Japanese beetle is an imported pest and of great concern because as an adult - it feeds on a wide . variety of ornamentals, nursery stock and fruit trees," says Mr. Wukasch, The European found in a belt chafer is from the Niagara Peninsula to St. Thomas, but it's spreading. Thechafers appearance is similar to, the *gerJune bug, but tighter brown in col- or. Like the Japanese beetle, the European chafer has a one-year life cycle with the adult emerging in mid to The June beetle is the largest of the threeand the first to emerge as.anadult in late May to early .June. The grub is 4 cm (L5 m.) In length when full-grown. Adult June beetles mate and lay eggs in the soil in June. The larvae remainin; the ground. for three years. White grubs can do. a con- siderable amount of damage to, home lawns," ays Mr. Wukasci. "The results of white grab infestation are dead grass that pullsaway from the soil like a: carpet to expose thegrubs,, feeding within the top two to 3 inches of soil Hering the growing season." To control white grubs, ap- ply recommended in- secticides chlordane, chlor- pyrifos or diazinon, and water them in thoroughly. • Treatment is necessarY when the nbs reach a level of more than five grubs ler'' square foot. The est tone to control_ grabs is when you!f notice the adults, says Mr. Wukasch. "Wait 'a week then apply the insecticide. By this ;me the adults will have laid eggs- The young larvae are the most susceptible to the treat- ment." "Homeowners can reduce the risk or damage from white .grubs by keeping lawns in good condition," says Mr. Wuka'sch. in, your Iawn or we come back acid ,resp at NO CHARGE. Our fertilizing is 25%"Nitrogen ans_ Iron.so you can expect the darkest gree street. (Check your retail brands.for Nitrogen a1 content.) Chinch Bug; Webworm and GrubsIeu;nc�h+ecke destroy your lawn. We,guarantee to control your-lnseclem.or 2nd application FREE. • r-