BillR2
Richmond, VA
Posts: 2
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| Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2009 7:43 pm Post subject: Susan Magnolia attracting tons of flying insects |
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Hello - I have 2 Susan Magnolia bushes on the side of my house that I planted 2 years ago. They have taken and are doing fine. But I have a problem with them now. Both of them are attracting a huge variety and numbers of flying insects. I've seen regular bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, and many that I've never even seen before! It's not a few, each bush can easily have over 30 of them flying around them at any time. As I said above, it's not just one type of insect, it's a huge variety, so it's not a nesting issue.
What I have seen is that the bushes have begun to produce a black-colored sap that is easily seen on leaves, stems, etc. That seems to be the culprit behind why so many insects want to hang out there.
I need to control these insects though. One of the bushes is right next to our front porch, so there is a stinging hazard present. Not to mention I have 3 boys under age 10 running about. I love the bushes but it's just a matter of time before someone in the family gets stung.
I sprayed the bushes with some of the Seven insect killer that I use to prevent Japanese Beetles. I applied it this morning and once this afternoon but there seems to be no lasting effect in getting the insects to stay away.
Does anyone have any ideas?
Thanks
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BillR2
Richmond, VA
Posts: 2
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| Posted: Tue Jun 23, 2009 10:35 pm Post subject: |
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I went out to check the bushes and yes, there indeed is scale on them (and pretty severe in places). Looks like I need to focus on removing those things now. I had noticed those bumps before but never knew that they were a problem. Now I know!
Thanks a ton for your help with this! 
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daisybeans
annapolis md
Posts: 3675
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| Posted: Wed Jun 24, 2009 12:10 am Post subject: |
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Wow! How knowledgeable y'all are never ceases to amaze me...
_________________
Daisybeans/MaryAnn
"Once the relation between poetry and the soil is well established in the mind, all growing things are endowed with more than material beauty." -Elizabeth Lawrence
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