Curtis Pest Control, Inc.

MAY 2020

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Our most crucial priority is the health and well being of our employees and clients. As some of you already know, we had a scare with the virus and had to unexpectedly shut down for 15 days in April for all of us to self-quarantine. While that meant it would put our work schedule 2 weeks behind, we had to protect ourselves and you. Upon our return we had 2 windy, rainy days which was not conducive for spraying either. That was discouraging, to say the least. Please know that we are diligently working to get caught up. Rest assured that you will receive all of your applications, whether it be for your lawn or indoor pests programs, or both, however the timing may be different than our normal schedule. We greatly appreciate your patience and understanding as we move forward.

This is certainly a difficult time for all of us as we navigate through the “new normal” due to the pandemic. We are witnessing just some of the unfortunate social and economic impacts on our community and nation and most of us are anxiously waiting to see what the final toll will be once we are through this challenging time. Your continued support of our small business genuinely means more now than ever. Simply and humbly said, “we sincerely thank you”. Please stay safe and be well, friends.

THE LATEST DIRT...

If you have not received your pre and post emergent herbicide treatment for the control of weeds, you will this month, and for those who have received that application, any still struggling with weeds will receive a re-application. We will also be beginning our normally scheduled turf application of a combination insecticide and liquid fertilizer,

A note about weeds: Among the weeds that our clients despise the most are the weed grasses. Crabgrass is one notorious example. This class of weeds is especially hard to kill because they can reproduce by seed, clippings and stolons. Wind, rain and lawnmowers spread them everywhere, which unfortunately means your neighbor’s problem can become yours. Some of the larger weed grasses can be quickly eliminated by hand-pulling. As with most of nature the operative word is weed control, not elimination. The best approach to weed control is a healthy, vigorous lawn. Weed problems in a lawn can be an indication that the turf has been weakened by improper cultural practices or damage from pests. 

WHAT YOU NEED TO REMEMBER

MOWING: Proper mowing is needed to keep any lawn healthy and attractive. Standard St. Augustine grass should be maintained at a height of 3.5 to 4 inches! No more than 1/3 of the leaf blade should be removed during a mowing. We cannot stress enough that repeatedly mowing at lower heights reduces overall stress tolerance of your lawn, discourages deep rooting and can increase susceptibility to pest problems. Grass clippings should be left on a lawn that is mowed at the proper height and frequency. Clippings deposit nutrients back into the soil system and can reduce turf fertilization requirements by up to 25%. If your clippings are excessive (e.g., clumping occurs), let them dry out and then disperse them over your lawn.   

IRRIGATION: Proper watering of your turf is critical in maintaining a healthy lawn! We recommend 3/4” or 45 minutes per zone (for those of you with irrigation systems) during the days you are allowed to water, which is twice a week this time of year. Also remember that over-watering can be as harmful as insufficient watering. Over-watered lawns get more weeds, pests and diseases. Remember, our lawns are ornamental grasses, meaning that they are not as hardy as the indigenous weed. It needs optimal conditions and the best cultural practices of mowing high and often enough, as well as correct watering, in order to thrive.

This time of year we often receive calls from customers who believe they have chinch bugs when in reality it is an area receiving inadequate water.  Many of you use irrigation maintenance companies to ensure your system is working correctly, but it is imperative that you go behind them and make sure each head is reaching the proper areas and that the irrigation timer is set correctly. Please take the time to check it yourself. This is easily done by  placing a few empty tuna cans (or like sized containers) around your lawn, paying special attention to your problem areas, then measuring the water level after you’ve run your irrigation system. You want 3/4” to 1” of water applied, so simply adjust the length of running time to ensure that you are applying the correct amount in a cycle. Remember to keep a watchful eye on your turf to see if there are areas that require more water than others and to see if any sprinkler heads are malfunctioning.

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