By The Yard

Fayette County Extension

Using Insect Repellents Safely and Effectively

2

Hover Flies: Beneficial but Occasionally Annoying

3

I Don’t Like Spiders and Snakes 4

Harvesting Herbs for the Home Gardener

5

July Quick Tips 6

Recipe: Farmer’s Market Skillet Bake

6

“Like What You See? Want to Learn More”

7

Gardener’s Toolbox Registration 8

“Show What You Grow” The Bluegrass Flower & Vegetable Show flier

9

Inside this issue:

Cooperative Extension Service

Fayette County Extension

1140 Harry Sykes Way

Lexington, KY 40504

Phone (859) 257-5582

Email: DL_CES_Fayette@email.uky.edu

July, 2018

HORTICULTURE NEWSLETTER

Continues on page 2

It’s chigger time across Kentucky. Just talking about them may make you itch.

Chiggers are actually the immature stage of certain mite species. You’ll find them most often in overgrown, bushy areas. They also congregate in shady, humid areas near stream banks, under or around shade trees or in berry thickets.

After hatching, larvae crawl around until they find and attach to a suitable host. In addition to humans, chiggers feed on a variety of wild and domestic animals, including snakes, turtles, birds, rodents and domestic pets such as dogs and cats.

A widespread myth is that chiggers burrow into your skin and feed on your blood. This isn’t true. Instead, they attach to a skin pore or hair follicle and then inject a salivary fluid that produces a hard, domed area around them, and they use a feeding tube to withdraw liquefied tissues from hosts. The red welt rash and intense itching are allergic

reactions to the salivary secretions and can last for up to two weeks or longer.

Larvae feed for about three or four days; then drop off and eventually mature into non-parasitic adults.

There are ways you can protect yourself from these itchy pests. Avoid walking through unmown fields, brush and other overgrown areas. Instead, walk in the center of mown trails to avoid brushing up against vegetation where chiggers congregate.

Create a barrier when you hike or camp in potentially infested areas so that chiggers can’t come in contact with your skin. Wear long pants that are tucked into boots or socks and long-sleeve shirts. Clothing made of tightly woven fabrics keep chiggers from reaching the skin as easily.

You can also apply an insect or tick repellent; just be sure to read and follow the directions on the container. Products containing DEET or picaradin are easy to find and use. You can also find clothing treatments containing permethrin.

Fighting The Battle With

Chiggers

Become an Extension Master Gardener!

Deadline to apply is July 16, 2018

To have an application mailed to you or for more information, call the Fayette County Extension Service at 859 257-5582 or visit our website at: http://fayette.ca.uky.edu/ content/horticulture to download the application. Complete the paperwork and mail or drop it off at the front office by the deadline!

Source: University of Arkansas,

Entomology Department

Page 2 By The Yard

Fighting The Battle With Chiggers, continued

Showering or bathing immediately after coming indoors effectively removes chiggers that have not yet attached. If that is not possible, thoroughly and briskly rubbing your skin with a dry towel may remove many chiggers before they are able to attach and feed.

While chiggers are most common in wild overgrowth, they can also make a home in shady areas of

yards, parks, camps, picnic sites and recreation areas. You can control chiggers in your outdoor environment with effective vegetation management that allows sunlight in and reduces humidity. Prune trees and bushes, and mow closer. Remove scrub brush piles and accumulated debris to reduce protection for small animals which are important hosts for chiggers.

As an added benefit, these steps will reduce problems with ticks as well.

For more information about chiggers and other summer pests, contact the Fayette Co. Cooperative Extension Service.

Sources: Lee Townsend and Mike Potter, University of Kentucky, Extension Entomologist

Using Insect Repellents Safely and

Effectively Ensuring Safety

Remember these important points to use

repellents safely:

Applying the Product

Read and follow the label directions to ensure proper use; be sure you understand how much to apply.

Apply repellents only to exposed skin and/or clothing. Do not use under clothing.

Do not apply near eyes and mouth, and apply sparingly around ears.

When using sprays, do not spray directly into face; spray on hands first and then apply to face.

Never use repellents over cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.

Do not spray in enclosed areas.

Avoid breathing a spray product.

Do not use it near food.

Other Safety Tips

Check the label to see if there are warnings about flammability. If so, do not use around open flames or lit cigarettes.

After returning indoors, wash treated skin and clothes with soap and water.

Do not use any product on pets or other animals unless the label clearly states it is for animals.

Most insect repellents do not work against lice or fleas.

Store insect repellents safely out of the reach of children, in a locked utility cabinet or garden shed.

Use other preventive actions to avoid getting bitten by:

Mosquitos Ticks

Repellents and Children

We advise consumers to always read and follow label directions in using any pesticide product, including insect repellents.

Because children frequently put their hands in their eyes and mouths, EPA recommends that all repellent products have the following precautionary statements related to children on their labels:

Do not allow children to handle this product, and do not apply to children's hands. When using on children, apply to your own hands and then put it on the child.

After returning indoors, wash your child's treated skin and clothes with soap and water or bathe.

According to the label, oil of lemon eucalyptus products should not be used on children under the age of three. Other

Continues on page 3

By The Yard Page 3

ingredients do not have an age restriction.

Questions often arise about use of DEET on children. DEET is approved for use on children with no age restriction. Also, there is no restriction on the percentage of DEET in the product for use on children, since data do not show any difference in effects between young animals and adult animals in tests done for product registration. There also are no data showing incidents that would lead us to believe there is a need to restrict the use of DEET.

Always store insect repellents safely out of the reach of children.

If you are concerned about using repellent products on children you

may wish to consult a health care provider for advice or contact the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) or through their toll-free number, 1-800-858-7378.

Maximizing Effectiveness

Apply and re-apply a repellent according to the label instructions. Don't overuse the products, but be sure to apply the amount of repellent indicated by the label. If you don't follow the label directions, the product may not be as effective as you expect. The label on the insect repellent product is your guide to using these products safely and effectively. The effectiveness of the product can vary due to conditions such as:

Physical activity/perspiration. Water exposure. Air temperature. How attractive you are to

mosquitoes and ticks; every person is different.

Look for an EPA registration number (EPA Reg. No.) on the insect repellent product label. This registration number means the company provided EPA with technical information on the effectiveness of the product. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the use of products registered by EPA.

Source: United States Environmental Protection Agency

Using Insect Repellents Safely and

Effectively, continued

Some of the common names of the small bee-like flies shown in Figure 1 include corn fly, hover fly, helicopter fly, flower fly, and sweat

Hover Flies: Beneficial but Occasionally

Annoying bee. Each name fits some aspect of the insect’s appearance, behavior, or hangout. These convincing bee mimics are persistent, darting, hovering, and landing on leaves, flowers, and people. Females lay eggs on leaves infested with aphids and feed in nectar for energy. As true flies, they can neither sting nor bite. However, they look threatening and defy attempts to be shooed away.

Hover fly larvae are important aphid predators. They crawl over the foliage of infested plants

Figure 1. Harmless hover flies frequently land on people. (Photo: Curtis Judy, University of KY)

grabbing and consuming aphids with their paired mouth hooks. A hover fly larva may consume 20 to 30 aphids a day; over 200 during its lifetime. The teardrop-shaped pupae are attached to the leaf surface. These beneficial insects may be heavily parasitized by small wasps.

Source: Lee Townsend, University of Ken-tucky, Extension Entomologist

By The Yard Page 4

“I don’t like spiders and snakes…” are the lyrics to the catchy 1970s tune by singer Jim Stafford. Although the song has little to do with wildlife, the sentiment holds true for many whose fear, when they cross paths with a common snake or spider, is real even when the perceived danger isn’t.

Arachnophobia, the fear of spiders, and Ophidiophobia, the fear of snakes, are the two most common phobias people experience about animals and wildlife. A phobia is a strong, irrational fear of something that presents little to no actual danger. The best way to control these fears is to educate yourself on the subject or to avoid the source altogether.

However, if you enjoy outdoor activities like gardening, hiking, camping or even just setting up the backyard barbeque, chances are eventually you will run into one of these creatures.

Spiders and snakes are predators that prey on insects and other animals that feed on many plants found in yards and gardens. Both of these backyard visitors are often misunderstood. While it is true that some snakes and spiders will bite if disturbed, generally, neither are

aggressive toward humans and actual bites in the yard are rare.

Two spiders found in Kentucky are considered dangerous; the brown recluse and the black widow. Both of these spiders prefer to live in dark, seldom disturbed areas. You are more likely to find them hiding in garages and storage sheds than among plants in your yard or garden. For this reason, it is always a good idea to wear gloves when searching through items in these areas. Look at pictures of these and other spiders so you can identify them. The black widow has a distinct red, hour-glass shape on her underside. A dark, fiddle-shaped mark is found on the body of the brown recluse.

Some of the more colorful spiders found outdoors include orb weavers like the large yellow and black garden spiders, funnel web spiders, jumping spiders, wolf spiders and crab spiders.

Of the 33 snake species found in Kentucky, only four are venomous; the Northern copperhead, Western cottonmouth, timber rattlesnake and pygmy rattlesnake. These four

species have very specialized habitat requirements and are rarely found around suburban homes and buildings.

Garter snakes, rat snakes and Eastern Milk snakes are harmless and more likely to be seen in populated areas. These beneficial species prefer damp, dark and cool areas where food is abundant. Stacked firewood, old lumber or junk piles, heavily mulched gardens, lawns and abandoned lots with tall vegetation, cluttered basements and attics, and feed storage areas in barns where rodents may be abundant, provide attractive habitats.

There a several ways to differentiate between venomous and harmless snakes. For a detailed list of identifying characteristics, go to the website: http://www.ca.uky.edu/forestryextension/publications_wildlife.php.

If you encounter a snake, the best approach is to retreat. A cornered animal is more likely to strike, but if left alone, the intruder will probably initiate its own retreat. If a problem persists, homeowners

Continued on page 5

I Don’t Like Spiders and Snakes

Eastern Milksnake Source: University of Kentucky

Black Widow Spider Source: University of Kentucky

can try altering the habitat to make it less attractive. No chemicals exist to kill snakes so cultural practices such as mowing, removing clutter and controlling rodent populations must be used to reduce opportunities for human-snake interactions.

By The Yard Page 5

I Don’t Like Spiders and Snakes, continued

As predators, spiders and snakes are an important part of our natural world. They provide free pest control by reducing populations of undesirable insects and rodents that can damage crops, landscaping and property.

For more information about wildlife in your backyard, contact the Fayette County Cooperative Extension Service.

Source: Ric Bessin, Extension Specialist, Entomology; Tom Barnes, Extension Professor and Wildlife Specialist, University of Kentucky

Harvesting Herbs for the Home Gardener

Harvesting Herbs

Herbs should be harvested when the oils responsible for flavor and aroma are at their peak. Proper timing depends on the plant part you are harvesting and the intended use. Herbs grown for their foliage should be harvested before they flower. While chives are quite attractive in bloom, flowering can cause the foliage to develop an off-flavor. Harvest herbs grown for seeds as the seed pods change in color from green to brown to gray but before they shatter (open). Collect herb flowers, such as borage and chamomile, just before full flower. Harvest herb roots, such as bloodroot, chicory, ginseng, and

goldenseal, in the fall after the foliage fades. Some general guidelines to use include:

Begin harvesting the herb when the plant has enough foliage to maintain growth. Up to 75% of the current season's growth can be harvested at one time.

Harvest early in the morning, after the dew dries, but before the heat of the day.

Harvest herbs before flowering, otherwise, leaf production declines.

Herb flowers have their most intense oil concentration and flavor when harvested after flower buds appear but before they open.

Herb flowers harvested to dry for craft purposes should be picked just before they are fully open.

Annual herbs can be harvested until frost.

Source: University of Minnesota Extension

Perennial herbs can be clipped until late August. Stop harvesting about one month before the frost date. Late pruning could encourage tender growth that cannot harden-off before winter.

Harvest tarragon or lavender flowers in early summer and then shear the plants to half their height to encourage a second flowering period in the fall.

Source: Ervin Evans, Extension Associate (Consumer Horticulture) Horticultural Science and Jeanine Davis Extension Specialist, Herbs/Organics/Specialty Crops/Vegetables Horticultural Science, North Carolina State University

By The Yard Page 6

July Quick Tips

Now is the time to plan and plant

a fall garden. Most plants with

shorter growing seasons can be

grown in the fall and often produce

better results. Allow a little more

time to mature than the seed

package says as cooler nights will

slow growth somewhat.

When watering, try to avoid

wetting foliage or watering late in

the evening as both can promote

disease.

Garden ponds will need to be

topped off regularly in the heat.

Make sure to use a de-chlorinator

every time to protect your fish.

Water lilies will benefit from

regular feeding. If you aren’t

getting many blooms feeding may

help.

Do not spray chemicals in the

heat of the day. Many plants can

be damaged. Spray in the early

morning or late evening when

temperatures are cooler.

Monitor evergreens for spider

mite damage. Drought stressed

plants are particularly at risk. If

you see signs of browning shake

the branch over a white surface, if

you see tiny moving red specks

you likely have mites. Minor

infestations can be treated with a

daily spray from the hose. Larger

problems may need chemical

control.

Remove spent blooms from

flowering annuals and perennials

to promote more bloom.

If your late blooming perennials

(Asters, Goldenrod, Butterfly bush,

Mums, etc.) are already tall and

threatening to flop, prune them

back to 1’ in height. This will result

in a fuller, sturdier plant that will

bloom slightly later than

normal.

Don’t forget to register for 2018

Gardener Toolbox Classes. A

condensed registration form is

enclosed in this edition of “By The

Yard” newsletter. For a detailed

listing of the 2018 Gardener’s

Toolbox class, visit:

http://fayette.ca.uky.edu/files/gardeners

_toolbox_2018.pdf or call

(859) 257-5582 to have a copy

mailed to you.

Like what you see? Want to learn more? Check out the Gardener’s Toolbox for classes on these plants and more!

Plan now to join us at the

Lexington Lions Club

Bluegrass Fair

July 12 - 22, 2018

For more information visit:

http://thebluegrassfair.com/

CANNER LID

TESTING Before the canning season gets into full swing,

we want to remind you that we can test your

canner lid gauge. There is no fee for this

service. Stop by the extension office with your

canner lid and gauge any day Monday through

Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. We also

have free canning, freezing and drying

publications available.

2018 GARDENER’S TOOLBOX - REGISTRATION FORM

Name: ________________________Phone: _____________E-Mail:________________

Address: __________________________City: ______________State: ____ Zip: _____

TOTAL Amount Enclosed $ ________

IMPORTANT REMINDERS!

Sign up early for classes to avoid being turned away because class is full.

ALL classes are “PRE-REGISTRATION” only.

If you need to cancel, you must do so 2 weeks prior to the class time to receive a refund

or credit for a different class.

If handouts and/or plants are not picked up 3 days after class, items will be donated.

Please make check payable to: Fayette County Master Gardener Association

Mail To: Gardener’s Toolbox ~ Fayette County Extension Office

1140 Harry Sykes Way ~ Lexington, KY 40504

~ 2018 GARDENER’S TOOLBOX CLASSES ~

Classes will be held at the Fayette County Extension Office, 1140 Harry Sykes Way,

unless otherwise noted.

Class and Cost Class and Cost

Tuesday, 7/3: Daylilies Tour, Cost: $10.00 Thursday, 7/12: Hydrangeas, Cost: $20.00

Thursday, 7/19: Clematis, Cost: $20.00 Thursday, 8/2: Summer Flowering Shrubs, Cost: $10.00

Thursday, 8/9: Lawn Renovation, Cost: Free Tuesday, 8/28: Exotic Ferns, Cost: $15.00

Tuesday, 9/18: Dealing the Backyard Wildlife, Cost: $5.00 Thursday, 10/4: Growing Garlic, Cost: $10.00

Tuesday, 10/9: Ornamental Alliums, Cost: $10.00 Thursday, 11/8: Great Shrubs for Fall Color, Cost: $15.00

Tuesday, 11/13: Great Shrubs for Winter Interest, Cost: $15.00 Thursday, 11/15: Stump the Hort Agent, Cost: Free

Tuesday, 12/4: Caring for Holiday Plants, Cost: $10.00

FAYETTE COUNTY EXTENSION OFFICE

WILL BE CLOSED

WEDENSDAY, JULY 4TH

NONPROFIT ORG

US POSTAGE PAID

Lexington, KY

PERMIT 112

Newsletter

Enclosed

Fayette County

“By the Yard”

Fayette County Cooperative Extension 1140 Harry Sykes Way Lexington, KY 40504-1383

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative

Extension serve all people regardless of economic or

social status and will not discriminate on the basis of

race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed,

religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender

identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status,

genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or

mental disability.

To file a complaint of discrimination, contact Tim

West, UK College of Agriculture, 859-257-3879; Terry

Allen or Patty Bender, UK Office of Institutional

Equity and Equal Opportunity, 859-257-8927; or the

USDA, Director Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W

Whitten Bldg., 14th & Independence Ave. SW,

Washington, DC 20250-9410 (202-720-5964).

Jamie Dockery

County Extension Agent for Horticulture Cooperative Extension Service

Fayette County Extension Service 1140 Harry Sykes Way

Lexington, KY 40504-1383 (859) 257-5582

UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY, KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY, U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE,

AND KENTUCKY COUNTIES, COOPERATING