CONTACT: Susan Harding, Acting Public Information Officer, 301-600-1385

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 3, 2006

PEST TREATMENT PLAN TO CONTROL JAPANESE BEETLES AND WEBWORMS

Frederick, Md. --- Please be advised that the City of Frederick will be spraying a pest treatment to control plant bugs and mimosa webworms at the following locations; Shab Row (from East Patrick Street to East Second Street), Maas Park, Baughman’s Lane, and Parkridge Drive. Approximately 73 Honey Locust trees will be sprayed.

The City of Frederick will be spraying a pest treatment to control Japanese beetles on Key Parkway and in the Dearbought Development for trees on Sebastian Blvd, Coopers Way and Derr Square. The trees included will be Tilia Americana and Prunus spp. only. Approximately 161 trees will be sprayed.

Correct timing and application are probably the most essential elements for success with pesticide applications; therefore an exact date can not be given.

Lifecycle Facts
Life cycle of Japanese beetle: egg, grub, and adult stages. In June, the grub turns into a pupa. It emerges from the soil in late June and July as an adult, to mate and lay eggs. Females live for a few weeks feeding on trees, shrubs and roses in the morning, returning to the turf in the afternoon to lay more eggs. Eggs hatch in July and grubs are almost full grown by late August. Grubs dig deep in the soil for the winter months and then move upward in spring as the soil warms. Grubs do best in warm, slightly moist soil that has plenty of organic matter and tender grasses. However, they can survive in almost any soil.