Last summer I had a serious infestation of cicada killers. After reading your article about the same, I purchased cypermethrin and used it on nests. I assume they will be back in July. My questions are as follows:
1) Is there anything I can do prior to July before they hatch?
2) Their nests are over a large area . When they hatch can I spray the lawn with cyper and spreader? If so, how frequently and at what point will it hurt the grass?
3) Can I spray the cypress trees with cyper and spreader ? I’ve been told cypress trees do not tolerate oil.
4) Lastly, I read your article on cicadas killers last year and it made no mention of Drione Dust. Is this something new and is it effective?
First, good to hear you took a proactive stance and started treating last year. No matter what, this will help make the problem more manageable this season and with any luck, maybe they’re already gone for good. But in general, there is a good chance some will get active because we see it usually takes a good 1-2 years for treatments to run their course and solve the problem for good. So at this point, there is are some things you can do to hasten the time it takes and no doubt, spring treating can help.
So for starters, you shouldn’t wait till July to treat. Late April would be a great time to get some granules applied to the areas where they were last active. And Bifen Granules would be a great choice.
Bifen is both strong enough to get any that might still be around in the ground as well as make the ground unlivable for any new ones that might sneak into your yard undetected. You see, the liquid is highly effective when treating nests you can see and know exist. Basically it’s great for directly treating nests. But before you see the nest is even there, it’s not uncommon for new cicada killers to get established by starting a new nest somewhere well hidden. This is when having some Bifen Granules applied can help as your first line of defense.
Bifen Granules: https://www.bugspraycart.com/insecticide/granule/bifenthrin-g-25-lb
For question 2; the Cypermethrin and Spreader Sticker can be applied as is needed. But really, it’s best to use it when treating nests specifically and not so much for a broadcast treatment like you’re asking about. So for broadcast spraying, go with the Cyonara RTS. It won’t hurt the turf, goes a long way and is better at covering a large area.
Cyonara RTS: https://www.bugspraycart.com/insecticide/liquid/cyonara-32-oz-rts
Now just remember, Cyonara is not as “acutely” toxic compared to the Cypermethrin. So if you have any new nests appear, stick withe the Cypermethrin for directly treating them throughout the summer.
As for your cypress trees; go with the Cyonara on them too. It’s fine for trees and shrubs and won’t stress them.
Lastly, the Drione is a fast working dust and ideal for problem nests. What we mean by “problem” is sometimes a nest can go down but then turn in such a way that liquids can’t penetrate. Or maybe the nest is knotted up with some type of bush or root system in the yard. And if you ever encounter a nest that seems to withstand the Cypermethrin treatments, there is a good chance you have such a nest.
Cypermethrin: https://www.bugspraycart.com/insecticide/liquid/viper-cypermethrin
Spreaders: https://www.bugspraycart.com/equipment/spreaders/scatterbox-spreader
So to get the best results for nests like this, the Drione is no doubt better suited. It can move in any direction and can do so efficiently making it ideal for when you need to reach a deep nest that hasn’t been shut down with liquids or granules.
Now you will see us recommend Drione a lot because many times people have problem nests they don’t realize are tough to treat so by having them use Drione, we know they’ll get the results they expect. Unfortunately Drione isn’t good for broadcasting out so you should only use it if you have nests you see which aren’t responding to the Cypermethrin and Spreader Sticker. So for now, I don’t know you need it but if you encounter any new nests this year that are tough to kill, Drione may end up being the answer.
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