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 Syrphid flies to be correct. Sweat bees are about a quarter of
an inch long, and are usually a metallic green in color When in
doubt, count the wings (I know – easier said than done). Bees
will have two wings per side, while flies have one.
Syrphid fly is a generic name given to an entire group of flies.
There are some differences in appearance and color, but the
yellow and black color is the major one in our area. The other
names for syrphid flies are hover flies or flower flies. They
tend to hover around your arms and face when you have been
perspiring, and land to lap up the sweat. They are also commonly
found on flowers, hence the flower fly name, and do a good job
of pollinating.
Syrphid flies are actually beneficial insects. They help
pollinate, larvae feed on dead organic matter, and the larvae
are predators of aphids. They cannot sting, but their mouthparts
can usually be felt when lapping up sweat from sensitive areas.
You may feel a slight pinch which makes you feel like you’ve
been stung or bitten.
Rust in Lawns
This past week or so, rust has paid us a return visit. The
stress from higher temperatures, and lack of rain (for a short
time), have slowed the growth of grass. As grass growth slows,
rust is one of the lawn fungi we are dealing with. Rust appears
as an orange or yellowish-orange powder (spores) on grass leaf
blades, especially in late summer to early fall when the weather
is dry. Rust typically develops on lawns growing very slowly.
Higher temperatures may also contribute to slow growth. Overall,
the turf may assume a yellow, red, or brown appearance. A close
look will reveal the pustules, which easily rub off on your
hand. Rust spores can easily be tracked into homes.
Low fertility (in particular nitrogen) and low water
availability slow down turf growth, allowing rust to develop.
Seasons with excess rain may have rust outbreaks due to loss of
available nitrogen. Cool nights with heavy dew and light,
frequent rainfall add to the ideal conditions for rust to
develop. Warm, cloudy, humid weather followed by hot, sunny
weather also favors rust development on lawns. Kentucky
bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and tall fescue are all affected,
depending on cultivars. Rust spreads through air, water, shoes,
equipment, and sod. Rust may weaken turf grasses and make them
more susceptible to other problems.
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Control rust through sound turf management. Begin by
choosing a quality blend of turfgrass seed. Resistance to rust
can vary according to the race of the disease present. Maintain
lawns through sound watering, mowing, and fertilizing. If you
are watering, water early in the day so the grass dries quickly.
Manage problem thatch. Increase vigor with an early fall
nitrogen application, but don't overdo it. Check soil phosphorus
and potassium levels through soil testing. Also assure good
airflow over the site, and provide light penetration by pruning
trees and shrubs in the area near the lawn.
A change in the weather will make rust fade away. Early
September is a key time for fertilization. Use something with an
even analysis or a winterizing fertilizer. If conditions are
dry, irrigation is also needed to increase the growth rate of
the lawn. Fungicides are rarely suggested on home lawns for rust
control, just focus on the listed cultural practices described
above – and it is not recommended to mow the lawn in white
tennis shoes, unless you are trying to determine if you have
rust.
[By JOHN FULTON, COUNTY EXTENSION
DIRECTOR SERVING LOGAN, MENARD, AND SANGAMON COUNTIES]
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