Annual Bluegrass Weevil



photo from NC State


Annual Bluegrass Weevil (ABW) was first seen in Conneticut in 1931 and has since spread throughout the Northeast , the Mid-Atlantic region, Ontario and Ohio. While we see no outbreaks on Michigan golf courses yet, because the growing conditions are similar to the Northeast, it is certain to appear here in the future.

The damage comes from older larvae that feed on the growing point of turfgrass, the point referred to as the crown. Once the crown is destroyed, the plant has no chance at recovery and dies. ABW particularly likes close cut annual bluegrass, like putting greens. The damage is severe and the critters are difficult to control as some insecticide resistance has been reported.

ABW is not yet a problem for us at OHCC, but we continue to monitor for its' eventual arrival.

Teamwork

Spraying fairways on a Saturday or Sunday night is not an ideal option. But sometimes the weather dictates that choice. With hot, humid evenings the risk of turfgrass disease (fungus) is greater and to avoid the worst case scenario we sometimes cannot take the chance of waiting until the following morning to spray.

Such was the choice we made last night. We sprayed all of the South Course fairways to prevent Pythium, a devastating disease that can wipe out a stand of grass overnight.

To accomplish this, we need to delay or stop play so the sprayers can apply the product unhindered by golf traffic. So with the help of the Golf Services staff we were able to redirect play and get the fungicide applied in a timely manner. Teamwork matters.

Grub Damage

"Grubs" is the term used to describe the larval stage of several species of beetles. They damage turf (and lawns) by feeding on the roots of grass plants. They typically appear in the Midwest in mid to late summer after the adult beetles have laid their eggs in the soil.

The North Course fairways have been hit hard this fall even though a preventative treatment was applied in late June. We're not sure, but perhaps the heavy rain we experienced this summer caused the chemical to leach through the soil.

Most of the damage you see is from skunks and raccoons digging for their next bedtime meal. We are applying a curative treatment which will get the problem under control in a couple of weeks.

Geese

Canada Geese are regulated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the guidelines set forth by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 making it unlawful to kill, sell, hunt, disturb nests and eggs, or purchase and possess migratory birds unless permitted by the Secretary of the Interior.

One of the ways to reduce the number of visits from these "rats on wings" is to destroy the nests so they don't return the following year. This requires a permit from the DNR.

Geese like open areas like golf courses because they get nervous about predators when they can't see at least 10 meters around themselves. Most golf courses are mowed down low enough that the geese can see long distances.

Moles

Moles live underground and surface only occasionally. Their cylindrical bodies and powerful front claws are ideal for digging. Moles create a complex network of interconnected chambers by burrowing both deep and close to the surface, where they often leave visible ridges. Mole hills are places where the mole has pushed up earth above the surface. They have very poor sight and feed on worms and insect larvae that they find by the sense of touch and smell.

Moles primary food source is earthworms but they also eat other insects like grubs. Because moles have high energy requirements, they have large appetites. They can eat 70 to 80 percent of their weight daily. They actively feed day and night at all times of the year. Applying a "grub treatment" to your yard may help in mole control, but is no guarantee against these pests.

How do you control moles? It's really hard and persistence is key. There are several methods that may work. Spring loaded traps and poisons are examples, but since moles normally do not consume grain, seeds or nuts, poison baits are seldom effective. One poison is federally registered for use against moles. The toxicant is zinc phosphide. Traps are probably the most effective control, but again, patience is key.

The most effective way we have found is simply to wait until we see the mole moving in a burrow, grab a pitchfork or other sharp object ... and then do what comes natural.