June is a busy time of the year around our office.  I thought this week I would answer a few quick questions and then give an update about some upcoming events.

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Q: The other day I noticed the strangest thing.  At first I thought a snake was lying in my grass, but when I looked closer it was a long line of small worm-like insects.  What in the world was this?

A: These are fungus gnats and they truly are an odd sight.  Eggs are laid in mass and as the larva hatch they begin to migrate to a new location together, forming a long line, and often crawling over top of one another, giving the appearance from afar of a short baby snake.  These larvae will sometimes feed on the roots of plants such as daylilies, carnations, geraniums, and assorted vegetables, but rarely cause major damage to homeowners.  They are attracted to extremely moist soils with high organic matter, so the best control method is to allow soil to properly drain between waterings.

Q: I’ve noticed a lot of small bugs and a sticky substance on the leaves of my tulip poplar.  What is this and what can I do about it?

A: The insects are aphids and the sticky substance is something called honeydew, a fluid excreted by the aphids as they feed.  Aphids like many different types of plants, but this time of the year are often found on tulip poplars and crape myrtles.  The honeydew drips onto lower leaves, and over time a black fungus called sooty mold can develop on those leaves.   Sooty mold cannot be controlled with fungicides, so to prevent it you must treat the aphids before sooty mold develops.  However, aphids are often temporary pests.  They are a favorite food of ladybugs and other predators, and are usually controlled before they can seriously damage a plant.  Reserve treatment only for high value plants in prominent landscape locations.

Halifax County Cooperative Extension is offering three opportunities in June for pesticide applicators to earn credits towards recertification. On June 15, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., we will offer “Pesticide Safety in the Nursery and Landscape” for 1.5 hours of L, N, O, D, and X credits. This will be followed from 7:30 to 8 p.m., by “Pesticide Exposure & Health —  Top 10 Reasons to Use PPE” for 0.5 hours of credit in categories A, B,G, H, I, K, L, M, N, O, T, D, and X. On June 22, from 6 to 8 p.m.,  we will offer “Herbicide Use and Safety in the Landscape” for 2 hours of credit in categories H, L, N, D, and X. All classes will be held in the auditorium at the Halifax Agricultural Center, 359 Ferrell Lane, Halifax. If you have any questions about these classes or would like to register ahead of time, contact Matt Stevens at 583-5161.

On Wednesday, June 10, the Halifax County Cattlemen’s Association will hold its annual Beef Roast Sale from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Halifax County Agricultural Center.  Whole roasts (approximately 15 pounds) are $45 each, and individual plates (about half a pound of beef on a hoagie roll, with chips, slaw and a drink) are $7 each.  Whole roasts must be bought in advance.  For tickets or information, contact Cattlemen’s association president Scott West at 578-5674 or Halifax County Livestock Agent Stacy Sink at 583-5161.

Signups for this summers 4-H camps are underway as well.  There are eight weeks of camps this year, each one with a unique set of activities planned, starting with Athletics Camp June 15-19.  Other scheduled camps include Going Green, Outdoor Wildlife and Fishing, and Kid’s Cooking Camp.  For information or an application, contact Joe Long at 583-5161.

The Roanoke Valley Farmers Market is open  from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. , Wednesdays and Saturdays. Squash, greens, onions, potatoes, and some hydroponically grown greenhouse vegetables are available, as well as baked goods, cut flowers, crafts and rain barrels. 

Matthew Stevens is the horticulture extension agent for Halifax County Cooperative Extension.  If you have any questions about this article or other aspects of your home gardening, please contact Matthew at 583-5161 or matt_stevens@ncsu.edu.