The Big Sandy Mountaineer -

Free Gardening Management Calendars available at Extension Office

The 2020 Urban IPM calendars are packed with monthly information on how to take care of your yard & garden, along with photos from horticulturists around the state! Get yours today by contacting the Chouteau County Extension office. Below are a few examples of information included in the Calendars.

Several insects come into homes in the fall seeking shelter. Most do not survive inside throughout the winter. Pests that do survive do not reproduce inside the home. Make sure door sweeps are installed at the base of exterior doors. Seal cracks and entrances into the home. Sticky traps are affective in catching many of these insect pests. Vacuum up insects tha come into the home. Perimeter sprays like Tempo can also help, particularly on the south and south facing outside walls.

Tree damage from mammals is common in Montana. If you are not sure what kind of animal is causing damage to your trees, knowing how different mammals feed may be helpful in answering your questions.

• Deer lack upper incisors and often leave a torn surface on twigs or stems. Deer strip bark and leave no teeth marks.

• Voles leave tiny marks on trees. Bark damage is usually in the lower 8-10 inches of the trunk where the tree is protected by snow.

• Rabbits chew in 45- degree cuts. They also gnaw on lower portions of older woody growth.

• Squirrels feed mostly on deciduous trees with smooth bark. Injury usually occurs on the upper parts of limbs.

• Sapsuckers drill horizontal and vertical rows of holes. Trees with thin bark like Birch are most susceptible.