fbpx

Tis’ the season for sprouting dandelion weeds and termite swarmers (winged).  Below are tips on how to spot them and how we can help!

Dandelions

The arrival of Spring means grass will start to turn green and little yellow flowers aka weeds known as dandelions will begin appearing in lawns.  Call Gunter Pest & Lawn for lawn treatments.

What are dandelions?:  A broadleaf perennial that can grow in any soil.

Why are dandelions appearing in my yard?:  In the spring, dandelions will sprout up from the taproot, which can be sometimes 2-3 feet deep in the soil.

What’s the difference between the yellow flowers and white wispy poofs?: Dandelions initially grow yellow flowers that mature into white puffballs that contain seeds that spread to other lawns with the wind.

How Gunter can help with Lawn Care Treatments:  We focus on killing the whole plant – taproot and all – with a post-emergent liquid application.

Gunter tips for keeping dandelions away pre and post-treatment: 

  • A thick lawn is the best method for preventing dandelions and other weeds
  • Mow your lawn at a high mow setting
  • Follow a regular feeding program to achieve a thick enough lawn that will keep weeds from establishing to begin with or from re-establishing after treatment

Click to schedule lawn care treatment(s)

Termite Swarmers

Photo credit: Blake Layton, MSU-EDU from this website: extension.msstate.edu

What are swarmers?:  When termite colonies get too large in one location, The Reproducer (read more below) termites (aka swarmers) swarm out to start a new population in a new location.  Initially, the swarmers have two pairs of wings.  After the swarming flight, The Reproducers shed their wings, dropping them in the new location, to establish a new colony.  The swarmers drop their wings in the new location, lay eggs in the new location, and the new termite eggs hatch out.

Termite Structure and Colony Roles: Termites differ from other insects in that they live in organized social colonies that contain several forms or castes, distinguished by physical characteristics. 

  • Workers: wingless and soft-bodied, the largest group in a colony
  • Soldiers: protectors of the colony, largest size in a colony
  • Reproducers (aka swarmers): procreators, have darker body color, have wings that the eventually shed after swarming flight
  • Queen: lays eggs, several times the size of the others

 

Click to schedule an appointment for termite treatment or estimate