®
Hertzler
Farm
and Feed Inc.
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Frequently Asked Questions Q: How fast does the Spore work and how long does it last? A: Milky Spore begins working as soon as it is applied as long as grubs are feeding. Once grubs are infected they will multiply the Spore by several billlion times and spread it further. In warm climates good control can occur in one to three years. In colder areas like New England, three to five years. Once established in a lawn, Milky Spore has been know to last 15-20 years. Q: Will freezing ruin the spore: What about heavy rains? A: No, Milky Spore is not affected by freezing or other adverse environmental conditions. Heavy rain may wash away newly applied Spore dust necessitating retreatment. Q: Will fertilizer or chemical pesticides such as Diazinon affect the Spore? A: No, Milky Spore is not affected by fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides or other lawn chemicals. They may all be applied at the same time. Q: Can I use it in the vegetable garden? A: Yes, Milky Spore is harmless to food crops. It is not a chemical pesticide. It may be used in gardens, around pools and wells. Q: Should I keep our pets off the lawn? A: Milky Spore does not affect pets, beneficial insects, fish, bees, birds, other animals, plants or man. It is non-toxic. Q: Can I mix the Spore with water and spray it? A: No, the Spore dust must remain concentrated and applied in spots. Do not apply it with fertilizer spreaders or grass seed spreaders. Q: Can I cut my grass after applying the Spore? A: No, do not mow your grass until the Spore dust has been watered into the soil by rainfall or sprinkling by water hose for 15 minutes or longer. Q: What if I treat my yard and my neighbor doesn't? A: Your lawn will be protected even if you are surrounded by untreated property. Eventually, the Spore will creep next door into adjacent areas by natural movement. Q: Won't beetles fly in from my neighbor's yard? A: An adult beetle feeds only during it's first two weeks. By the time they fly in from adjacent areas, any grubs laid will be affected by the Spore. Q: What about Moles? A: Eliminating grubs with Milky Spore often cause Moles and skunks to feed elsewhere. Unfortunately, they may head for your neighbor's untreated yard instead. Milky Spore does not affect <moles, it simply eliminates their food source. Q: Can I have too many grubs? A: If you are rapidly losing your lawn due to too many grubs, more than 10 per square foot, you may be wise to use an insecticide along with Milky Spore. Q: How do I know if I have beetle grubs? A: Grubs feed on the roots of your grass which can become brown and die. Simply lift the dead grass and look for white larvae curled into the shape of a "C" about the size of a penny. Active grubs can completely destroy a lawn. use Milky Spore for safe, long-lasting control. Q: Do beetle larvae feed more aggressively in fall? A: Yes, grubs in fall are in the first instar stage and are feeding for growth to store body fat for winter. In the spring, grubs reach 3rd instar prior to molting and do not require as much food. Q: Are grubs infected by Milky Spore in spring when rising to the surface following hibernation? A: Grubs become infected by swallowing a spore. They do not become infected by rubbing up against spores or passing through them. Since grubs feed less in Spring, the incidence of infection is not as great as in fall. Q: What are the application rates for Milky Spore? A: Milky Spore powder must be applied in teaspoon amounts every four feet in rows four feet apart creating a grid pattern. Milky Spore spreader mix must be applied three times a year for two years with a drop spreader to be spread successfully. Q: Can I broadcast the Spreader mix? A: No, the powder is too light to be used with a spreader. It must be placed in concentrated areas on the lawn and that is why it must be spread with a drop spreader. Q: Can I wait to water in the Spore? A: We suggest that you water in the spore as soon as it is done being applied. Direct sunlight (UV rays) can damage the spore and be a cause for retreatment. Q: What is the difference between the Spreader mix and the powder? A: The main difference is that in using the six past spreader mix program you are essentially spreading the spore over an entire lawn rather than in concentrated areas. In doing this the number of spores in any one location in any one location is significantly less than the concentrated spot method. Grubs become infected by swallowing a spore and this occurs by happenstance when feeding on grass roots. The more spores in a given area, the greater chance for infection. Each infected grub dies and releases 3 billion new spores into the soil. Q: How do I know if I have Japanese Beetle Grubs? A: St. Gabriel Laboratories provides a free grub analysis for it's customers. Simply place six grubs in a non-crushable container with some moist earth and grass roots. Don't punch any holes in the container as grubs do not need much air. Send the container to:
Q: What is the shelf life of Milky Spore? A: Milky Spore has unlimited shelf life as long as it is stored in a cool dry place. Q: What if I get Milky Spore in my eyes? What if I breathe it in? A: No cause for concern. Milky Spore is not a chemical pesticide. The only thing that Milky Spore affects is Japanese Beetle Grubs. However, if you do get it in your eyes, simply wash the eye out with water to avoid irritation by dust particles. *Note: These questions and answers were taken from St. Gabriel Laboratories link below. Other Links about Milky Spore:
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