Pestilence and plant and tree fungus

[Dexter Morgan]

The state of Illinois has had serious environmental issues this year. In the area where I live we have have had a serious problem with bugs. The trees and shrubs are being virtually wiped out, by those nasty little moths, that start out as a worm, in a little cocoon. They suck the life out of just about everything they hook themselves on to. I've lost several landscaping shrubs this year. We have the exterminator spray for them every year, but it is impossible to get them all. I've literally spent hours, trying to pick them all off the trees. This morning I was harvesting pine cones, and to my horror realized, they are starting to take over the pine trees as well.
Another problem is a humongous fungus, growing in our Ash tree. It looks like big yellow brains, growing all over the tree. My husband talked to a tree fungus specialist,and has been told, it is fatal. The tree will die, no ifs, ands or buts about it. It is untreatable.
Our Willow tree has a fungus growing on it, that looks like a mushroom/flower?I don't know what the hell that thing is. This morning I noticed that thing has apparently died,so hopefully this is a good sign.

Bugs..... We have never had a problem with bugs here. We have the place sprayed once a year, and have had no problems, until this year. We have had soo many flies outside it is crazy. At least a bazillion if not more. Black hairy spiders the size of a quarter or bigger. Those have been mostly in the basement, not too many in the living area thank God!!! I think those bite, but I'm not sure. We have had a lot of crickets too, mostly in the yard, and basement area. I've noticed a lot more Locusts too this year,and millions of Grass Hoppers. It's just totally out of control out here!!! One beneficial insect missing, that we have always had here, is Praying Mantises. We only had 2 this year,and we usually have 50 or more. I think that has a lot to do with our bug situation this year. We're planing on purchasing eggs,and hatching them in the Spring, to get the population back up, and hopefully not have these problems next year.

Has anyone else had problems this year with these things? Maybe it's just my area?

     

[tallulahdahling]

It has a lot to do with the drought and heat everyone has experienced this summer, I'm afraid.

You can call your local extension agent to see if they have any advice as to the fungus to the trees that are indigenous to your area.

As far as the praying mantis--I highly recommend getting some egg sacks--get some ladybugs too--the more "natural" predators you have the better!

We have zillions of little lizards--or chameleons--that keep the insect population down on our shrubs--bats and hummingbirds, too.
I always make sure I plant something that they like so they stick around!

[Dexter Morgan]

It has a lot to do with the drought and heat everyone has experienced this summer, I'm afraid.

You can call your local extension agent to see if they have any advice as to the fungus to the trees that are indigenous to your area.

As far as the praying mantis--I highly recommend getting some egg sacks--get some ladybugs too--the more "natural" predators you have the better!

We have zillions of little lizards--or chameleons--that keep the insect population down on our shrubs--bats and hummingbirds, too.
I always make sure I plant something that they like so they stick around!

Excellent ideas T. We have little Salamanders, during the Spring and Summer months, and then of course they hibernate. I just love Praying Mantis'. They are my favorite insect. Did you know, in some countries ,there are species of Praying Mantis, that are large enough to kill birds, Tarantulas,and rodents !!!! I saw a special on NGC about them, and was totally amazed. In ancient Egypt the Praying Mantis, was considered a God of nature. They were mummified, and buried with Pharaohs,and others who were considered to be so called "Royalty". I think it will be neat to hatch some out. I think they have to be separated into males, and females at a pretty young age. You know the whole bite his head off during sex thing LOL!!! 

[tallulahdahling]

And I completely understand why she does it!   

[Dexter Morgan]

And I completely understand why she does it!   

Crunch cruunch  Off with his head!!!! 

[Palehorse]

 

[Dexter Morgan]

  I know. 

[tallulahdahling]

Well, it's acceptable when the sex is bad   

[Dexter Morgan]

Well, it's acceptable when the sex is bad   

You're a wicked woman T.   

[tallulahdahling]

Well, somebody has to do it

[Dexter Morgan]

Well, somebody has to do it

You go girl!!!!