Winter Wisdom

Brought to you in cooperation with the Kansas State University Johnson County Research and Extension Master Gardeners.   Each week we feature interesting topics for winter reading.

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Week of 1/15/01

The unusual cold we experienced in December should mean that fewer insects and bugs will survive to visit us when the warmer weather of springtime arrives.  You may have noticed that a number of insects manage to overwinter by seeking warmth indoors, specifically inside your home or garage.  You may see an occasional fly, but more common unwanted guests also arrive, among them roaches, silverfish, gnats and crickets. Most hibernate under bark, in leaf and lawn litter and in rotting logs.  Frequently, they seek warmth and food indoors.  To eliminate roaches and crickets, a variety of baits are available that are very effective and safe when used in accordance with package labels.  You may have thought that you had seen the last of the  Boxelder bug, but they too find ways to protect themselves from the cold and inevitably end up trying to share your warm home.

There are other pests that target houseplants. The most common are whiteflies, aphids and scale. Treatment with insecticidal soap, or an insecticide specifically labeled for indoor use, usually provides control. Scale, which occurs on woody plants, requires more effort to control and eliminate. Your County Extension office can supply the guidance you need.

You may be consoled by some insect insights quoted from the new Insects in Kansas, published in 2000 by the Kansas Department of Agriculture.*
"As a group, they (insects) are nature's most successful animals and are our greatest competitors.  Some have the most beautiful colors and color patterns of all animals.  All of them are remarkably interesting if one takes time to observe their activities."

It may also be of interest to you that despite the fact that we refer to insects as "bugs", all insects are not true bugs.  "The chinch bug, stink bug, bed bug and assassin bug are all true bugs, but beetles, lightning bugs, flies and grasshoppers are not."

*Insects in Kansas is a classic field and study guide that includes comprehensive notes on identification, observation, collection and impact on crops, the environment and other species. It contains more than 500 pages and 920 color photographs that simplify identification and control for area gardeners.  It is available from the Kansas State University Department of Communications, 24 Umberger Hall, Manhattan, Kansas 66506-3402 or online from orderpub@lists.oznet.ksu.edu  There is a charge for this publication.

Articles submitted by Bill Latimer, Johnson County Extension Horticulture Assistant and Dennis Patton, Johnson County Extension Horticulture Agent.

Previous Weeks' Winter Wisdom

* Winter Wisdom is an information service of the Kansas State Johnson County Research and Extension Master Gardeners.  Research-based responses are provided by Extension Master Gardener volunteers weekdays from March 1 through October 31, from 9:00 am to 4:30pm .  To telephone, call (913) 764-6306 or visit the Extension Office at 13480 South Arapaho Drive, Olathe, Kansas.  Visit their website at www.oznet.ksu.edu/Johnson 

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