Expert and unbiased answers to frequently asked questions about lawns and gardens.
Tom Fowler - Horticulturist
University of Missouri Extension
Buchanan County, Missouri
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April's Frequently Asked Questions
Is it an ant or termite?
Answer: As the weather warms in the spring we sometimes see swarms of insects. Are they ants or termites? Fortunately, there are several differences you can distinguish between the two. Ants’ antennae are elbowed, while termites’ are straight. Ants have a thin waist while the waist of a termite is thick. Termites have two pairs of wings that are of equal length, the ant has two pairs of wings that are unequal length. If you find termite activity in your home you should contact a reputable pest control firm. If treatment is needed get more than one estimate. For information on ants and termites see MU Extension guides 7392 and 7420.
http://extension.missouri.edu/explore/agguides/hort/g07392.htm
http://extension.missouri.edu/explore/agguides/hort/g07420.htm
What is the best time to control dandelions?
Answer: Dandelions are best controlled in the fall. But if you missed fall control the second best time is during or soon after they first start to flower in the spring. A three-way product, one that contains 2, 4-D, MCPP and dicamba works well. Some examples are Trimec, Weed-B-Gon, Weed Out, Weed Free Zone and others. Use a spot treatment if there only a few dandelions. Many ornamentals (especially redbuds, tomatoes and grapes) are sensitive to this type of herbicides so be careful. For more information on lawn weed controls see MU Extension guide 6705. http://extension.missouri.edu/explore/agguides/hort/g06705.htm
I’ve mowed my lawn and now my grass looks whitish. What happened?
Answer: A dull mower blade will give the lawn a whitish cast. A dull blade will not make a clean cut. The shredded ends of the grass will dry out and look white. As the grass grows the blades will thicken and a sharp blade is even more important to prevent shredded plants. With normal use a mower blade should be sharpened about every 10 hours. For more information on mowing and lawn maintenance see MU Extension guide 6705. http://extension.missouri.edu/explore/agguides/hort/g06705.htm
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