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
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
