MSU Urban IPM Alerts

Social wasps are common throughout the summer. At this time of year, many of the nests are visible as colonies increase. 

The Schutter Diagnostic Lab has received various samples and questions in regard to leaf scorch. Leaf scorch is an abiotic disorder that usually appears as brown necrotic areas on the margin of leaves which move from the leaf tip downward. More information and management recommendations are provided in the attached PDF file. For questions and concerns, please contact the Schutter Diagnostic Lab (406-994-5150).

Aspen samples and pictures are coming into the Schutter Diagnostic Lab with large white blotches on the leaves. The spots on the leaves are due to mining from the aspen blotch leafminer, which is a moth.

Solfugids are also known as "sun spiders" or "whip scorpions". They are a type of arachnid and a beneficial predator.

During this wet weather, you might be having issues with earwigs. Our most common earwig found here is the European earwig.

Several reports have come in about grubs in the garden and grass. Adults are also emerging and flying to lights.
These are May/June beetles.

Montana has several home-invading weevils that come into our homes. They range from small, grey weevils (less than 3mm) to larger black beetles.

Our rainy days followed by temperatures above 75°F are ideal for fire blight infection. Old cankers are beginning to seep bacteria as the pathogen grows. This UrbanAlert provides general information about fire blight and links to helpful resources, including a tool to assess your fire blight risk.

Thank you,

Katrina Mendrey and Eva Grimme