Haines Tree and Spray

MISERY HAS COMPANY AND THE RULES HAVE CHANGED...
or at least what we thought the rules were.

The European crane fly was introduced to Whatcom County around 1965 from British Columbia. It quickly became the most serious pest of lawns, pastures, and hay fields.

In 1998 a second species from Europe called the Common Crane Fly was found in the Pacific Northwest. Although similar in appearance and biology, it is different in that it completes two life cycles in a calendar year, while the European only completes one. Adults of the Common crane fly emerge in both spring and fall, while adults of the European crane fly only appear in the fall.

Traditionally, control was achieved in spring and mid September. By May or June it was pointless to attempt control as the larvae were in an advanced stage and not vulnerable. The Common Crane Fly larvae will be at vulnerable stages throughout the spring, summer and fall as late as December.

Control measures don't rely solely on pesticide applications. Starlings are a great source of control as they feed on the "leatherjackets" or larval stage. Keeping a healthy lawn reduces the damage impact from the feeding larvae. "Healthy" means well aerated, fertilized and watered, combined with proper mowing. Yearly overseeding enhances a lawns vitality as well.

If larvae are found at numbers reaching 25 per square foot, chemical controls are necessary to prevent excessive damage even in a healthy lawn.

With the loss of Dursban as an effective tool in controlling cranefly, options are somewhat limited. However, of the newer less toxic chemistries available, one product stands out delivering up to 90% reduction of cranefly larvae.

We like to combine the insecticide with a fertilizer and iron achieving a multi-purpose application.

Please call (800)321-7378 with questions or to sign up for this service. We will be pleased to give you a free estimate.