chemical care
will get us season-long control."
Other products that will target adult hunting
billbugs in spring include bifenthrin (Talstar), delta-
methrin (DeltaGard) or lambda-cyhalothrin (Scimitar
or Battle), according to Miller. For larvae control,
Miller suggests clothianidin (Arena) or thiameth-
oxam (Meridian).
If, however, you're looking to target both larvae
and adult hunting billbugs, consider applications of
chlorantraniliprole (Acelepryn) or the combination
products clothianidin + bifenthrin (Aloft) or imida-
cloprid + bifenthrin (Allectus), Miller says.
"Remember that when you're targeting larvae,
it is crucial to water in the insecticide with 1/8- to
1/4-inch of water," he says.
Most importantly, though, make sure you know
what you're dealing with. Confi rm it. Like Turner,
know when to collaborate for an offi cial diagnosis.
Never use a chemical treatment as a way to rule
out potential problems.
J U LY 2 014 To t a l L a n d s c a p e C a r e . c o m 19
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INFO
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205-289-3796
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If you're looking for a more natural option
for control of both adult and larvae hunting
billbugs, there are biocontrol products that
could work for you.
"Biocontrol products containing the
entomopathogenic nematodes Steiner-
nema spp. and Heterorhabiditis spp. have
been found effective in controlling larvae
and adults," says Lee Miller, Ph.D, assistant
professor of turfgrass pathology at the Uni-
versity of Missouri.
For effective control, you'll need to spray
1 billion infective juveniles per acre at the
fi rst sign of billbugs, he says. Remember,
too, you're working with a living-control op-
tion and you'll need to handle it with care.
"When working with biocontrols, it is
crucial to pay attention to the expiration
date, application and storage instructions
to maintain viability of the living organisms
within the jug and spray tank," Miller says.
GOING NATURAL
