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ShawneeMcGrutt t1_jds3gbb wrote

I start as soon as sections of the yard is free of snow and dries. Usually begin by raking and getting rid all the junk left from over the winter. I lime and fertilize when it will readily absorb into the soil. Crabgrass treatment is a preamergant (sp?) check on the bag for the timing. On the bug treatment, use caution as that stuff will kill most every insect known to mankind, including bees and other pollinators.

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LIdirtfarmer t1_jds9dim wrote

Not quite accurate on grub treatments. Insecticides aren't broad spectrum like Roundup. And the stuff that's on the market for commercial and residential use is safe when it's watered in properly.

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ShawneeMcGrutt t1_jdsbkvh wrote

A lot of stuff on the market is broad spectrum...one is best to read up before they apply any insecticide to their lawn or anywhere on their property.

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LIdirtfarmer t1_jdsfe9w wrote

They kind of are, but not in the way we consider the term. Broad spectrum or non-selective on a label means kills/has effect on everything or many of that type (insects or grasses). Most insecticides, especially residentially labeled products, are selective. Spectracide kills ants, Acelepryn (which we can't get in Maine but should be able to), kills weevils, grubs/the beetles they grow into, and cutworms/sodwebworms. Insecticides and fungicides all have specialties

Most products are also only effective in certain life cycles. If you water down a grub treatment, it's not going to work on surface feeding insects. Depending on what you can get, it also likely isn't going to kill beetles anyway. Products like Provaunt that inhibit the growth of eggs only work on egg laying periods.

Insecticides may have other things written on the table as effective, but that usually a low bar. University of Kentucky has good trials of herbicides and Penn State has been doing some good stuff with White Grub trials.

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ShawneeMcGrutt t1_jdvftmm wrote

https://preview.redd.it/08pkutu21cqa1.jpeg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&v=enabled&s=5c3e948f20f2b5221f3bb24f38ea493b4dd196b9

No matter what you put down to get one species, you will get collateral damage. These chemicals are not fool proof. That is why if you apply them commercially you need to be licensed and insured.

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LIdirtfarmer t1_je2c8fm wrote

I'm sorry dude, but this is so wrong. Dealing in absolutes, you will always be wrong. There are A FEW products that do move through the food chain like that, but any new chemistry and most old ones that are still registered do not do this.

I appreciate that you're looking out for the environment, but these are half truths.

Sincerely, Golf Course Superintendent and licensed Master Applicator.

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