Post-Hurricane Pest Management

University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) researcher Lauren Diepenbrock recently offered post-hurricane observations and management suggestions for some insects and snails. Diepenbrock is an assistant professor at the Citrus Research and Education Center. 

BULIMULUS SNAILS

Related Bulimulus snail species have been found to lay eggs in the fall after major rain events. Both small and larger snails are active now.

Bulimulus snails are attracted to tree damage. They will aggregate on areas of tree damage and can exacerbate damage in some cases.

Snails will become more active in warm, moist fields. Management actions may need to be taken.

LEBBECK MEALYBUGS

Since lebbeck mealybug populations naturally increase this time of year, Diepenbrock recommends continuing with planned management actions.

She noted that up to 80% of immature life stages, the predominant life stage throughout the year, can be dislodged from a surface with sustained moderate wind speeds. This means that infestations can spread rapidly during a major wind event such as a hurricane.

Lebbeck mealybugs are strongly attracted to points of damage. Ensure full spray coverage of any branches and/or trunks with damage. These locations will serve as a reservoir for the pest in the spring.

CITRUS LEAFMINERS

Citrus leafminers (CLM) are present in the canopies of citrus trees throughout the year and can reproduce year-round.

If trees flush again post-hurricane, expect CLM infestation on young flush. “You may need to plan additional sprays to reduce infestation and damage that can allow canker entry into leaves,” advised Diepenbrock.

ASIAN CITRUS PSYLLIDS

Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) populations generally begin to reduce this time of year, but they are still present.Despite cooler evening temperatures, daytime temperatures will still be ideal for ACP activity. The pest likes 75 to 80 degree temperatures.

WOOD-BORING BEETLES

Wood-boring beetles are attracted to damage, including broken branches and abrasions on trunks. These beetles generally lay eggs on dead or dying branches. Eggs hatch, and the larvae bore into the wood. This can weaken branch junctions, causing healthy, fruit-bearing branches to break and reduction of yield.

Removal of dead trees in and near your grove and removal of dead branches followed by burning is the best way to reduce impacts to trees, Diepenbrock said.

CUPS

Citrus under protective screen (CUPS) structures with screen damage will need regular insect management to prevent establishment of unwanted pests such as ACP, citrus leafminer and weevils until screening can be fixed.

Screen damage can mean increased winds inside of CUPS. This will increase the spread of lebbeck mealybugs within structures. Plan management accordingly.

IPCs

High winds cause individual protective covers (IPCs) to move with respect to both the tree and the pole they were installed with. This additional movement can cause damage to the trees and/or IPCs.

Young trees with small canopies can be stripped from the bottom closures moving up and down the pole/tree. Trees that have become exposed (IPCs blown off/ripped) should be treated with a seasonally appropriate insecticide before new IPCs are placed.

IPC poles can break under stress from high winds and may need replacement. IPCs can become torn from thorns and branches rubbing against them. Tops of poles may also wear through the IPC.

See Diepenbrock’s full presentation here.

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