Trees, Turf & Ticks
Ticks, mosquitoes, deer, beetles, caterpillars, mice— the list of landscape pests can go on and on. We’re here to pique your interest and share some interesting (and somewhat scary) facts about some of Massachusetts’ most common lawn pests. Ready to be wowed? Check out these five things you probably didn’t know about the pests that affect your…
Read MoreWhy Stem or Trunk Injection?? By injecting your trees instead of spraying them we can treat the tree from the inside out and eliminate drift of the spray. In keeping with good Integrated Pest Management Practices, Stem or Trunk injections typically use the least amount of possible tree pesticide with the greatest amount of control. Stem or…
Read MorePreference by deer for plants is often determined by the overall availability of food. Additionally, plant preferences for deer can vary on a regional basis. The following plants are some that apppear to be less preferred by deer when food supplies are adequate and should discourage deer browsing. Please note that deer will eat almost…
Read MoreWhile it is necessary to take preventive measures against the creatures year-round, be extra vigilant in warmer months with your tick prevention. Protect your people, pets and your yard! Avoid Avoid wooded and bushy areas with high grass and leaf litter. Walk in the center of trails. Tuck your pants into your boots. Tape the seams where any…
Read MoreHere in the Northeast we tend to think only of Lyme Disease because it is so prevalent in our area. But did you know that as of February 2014, there are currently 14 tick diseases in the U.S. recognized by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention? Unfortunately, there are a few of us here at Swazy & Alexander…
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Meet the Trouble Makers: 7 Disease Carrying Ticks! The American Dog Tick (Dermacentor variabilis) This is the most commonly identified species responsible for transmitting Rickettsia rickettsii, which causes Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever in humans. It can also transmitTularemia. It is widely distributed east of the Rocky Mountains and on the Pacific Coast. D. variabilis larvae and nymphs feed on…
Read MoreWhat is Winter Moth? Winter Moth (Operophtera Brumata) is a moth that was introduced to the area from Europe through Nova Scotia. It is an invasion species that causes damage to trees, perennials and shrubs. Locally, the hardest hit areas include coastal Massachusetts, Connecticut and Maine. It has also been seen in the Pacific Northwest. This causes…
Read MoreThis is an interesting blog from one of our vendors that we want to share with you. We are experiencing a collective exhale after months of winter storms that brought subzero temperatures, continuous wind gusts, freezing rain and – to say the least—piles of snow. As temperatures start to warm, we are left with plants…
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