Tis’ the season for sprouting dandelion weeds and termite swarmers (winged).  Below are tips on how to spot them and how we can help!

Dandelions

What are dandelions?:  A broadleaf perennial that can grow in any soil.

Why are dandelions appearing in my yard?:  In the spring, dandelions will sprout up from the taproot, which can be sometimes 2-3 feet deep in the soil.

What’s the difference between the yellow flowers and white wispy poofs?: Dandelions initially grow yellow flowers that mature into white puffballs that contain seeds that spread to other lawns with the wind.

How Gunter can help with Lawn Care Treatments:  We focus on killing the whole plant – taproot and all – with a post-emergent liquid application.

Gunter tips for keeping dandelions away pre and post-treatment: 

• A thick lawn is the best method for preventing dandelions and other weeds
• Mow your lawn at a high mow setting
• Follow a regular feeding program to achieve a thick enough lawn that will keep weeds from establishing to begin with or from re-establishing after treatment

Click to schedule lawn care treatment(s)

Termite Swarmers

Photo credit: Blake Layton, MSU-EDU from this website: extension.msstate.edu

What are swarmers?:  When termite colonies get too large in one location, The Reproducer (read more below) termites (aka swarmers) swarm out to start a new population in a new location.  Initially, the swarmers have two pairs of wings.  After the swarming flight, The Reproducers shed their wings, dropping them in the new location, to establish a new colony.  The swarmers drop their wings in the new location, lay eggs in the new location, and the new termite eggs hatch out.

Termite Structure and Colony Roles: Termites differ from other insects in that they live in organized social colonies that contain several forms or castes, distinguished by physical characteristics. 

• Workers: wingless and soft-bodied, the largest group in a colony
• Soldiers: protectors of the colony, largest size in a colony
• Reproducers (aka swarmers): procreators, have darker body color, have wings that the eventually shed after swarming flight
• Queen: lays eggs, several times the size of the others