In the News - February 2008
Homespun advice from a veteran county agent
Weighing in on a common topic
 BENTONVILLE, Ark.
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"I need to get weighed-in" was the fellow’s phone request
last July. At that point, I made a couple of miscues, which didn’t help the
matter.
I first assumed the guy was probably enrolled in one of the "Healthy
Arkansas" projects being conducted by our family and consumer science extension
agent. I indicated that I would pass along his call to her, but he quickly
provided details to redirect my thoughts.
"Beetles!" he noted, "I have beetles to weigh!" OK! Master Gardeners are
always in the middle of interesting projects and, based on that assumption, I
suggested referring him to Mark Bray, who supervises Master Gardener programs.
By that time the fellow assumed he was getting the usual government
run-around and asked, "Are you Robert Seay, the county agent?" What could I say?
He had me pegged!
Bottom-line, the fellow had trapped a significant volume of Japanese beetles.
His request was for me to provide an official weight to document what he
believed to be a "record-setting" accomplishment.
I mention the topic now because skunks, armadillos and moles are beginning
their spring grub feeding, which prompts questions about control of all
creatures involved in this food chain. During the last 10 years, the Japanese
beetle invasion has resulted in an endless supply of grubs to invade soil
beneath lawns, pastures and other plants. Not to mention the damage caused by
adult beetles.
Obviously, I agreed to provide an official weight on his trapping success.
Later, as the elderly gentlemen slowly eased his pickup into our back parking
lot I realized the seriousness of the project. A 55-gallon barrel and multiple
5-gallon buckets contained his summer catch of beetles.
The fellow seemed extremely pleased with himself, and why not? In this
country we habitually weigh or measure about everything. Why not establish a
trapping record for the overly plentiful Japanese beetle?
For years, I’ve downplayed the use of beetle traps since they only capture a
low percentage of the beetles attracted. However, I believe few individuals ever
invest the time and energy documented by the current record holder.
Competition feeds on itself and by July we may have to get a larger scale.
‘Til next week!
For more information about Japanese beetles and other pests, contact your
county extension agent or visit www.uaex.edu and select
Home and Garden, then Ask the Pest Guys. The Cooperative Extension Service is
part of the U of A Division of Agriculture.
February 29, 2008
By: Robert Seay
Benton County Extension Agent
Media Contact: Lamar James
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207
ljames@uaex.edu
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