EVERETT, Wash. – Washington State University Snohomish County Extension’s next Bugs & Blights workshop will home in on the pests and diseases cropping up as the days get shorter and the temperatures start to drop. This month WSU Extension Entomologist Sharon Collman will focus on the insects and diseases found in our landscapes, gardens, and farms during October.
The two-hour class will be offered three times on Wednesday, Sept. 24: 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 6:30 p.m.
The classes will be held in the Cougar Auditorium at WSU Snohomish County Extension located at 600 – 128th Street S.E. in Everett.
Among the landscape insects to be covered will be fall webworms, yellow jackets, wasps, and root weevils. Fall is a time when many insect pests take a liking to our warm homes, hoping to move in. Learn how to minimize the risk of these invaders gaining a foothold as well as how to deal with those already in residence.
Many plant diseases also show themselves first in fall when the rains come back and create the perfect environment for growth. Learn what you can do to minimize the damage and improve overall landscape health.
Hands-on lab sessions with specimens as well as an on-site pest walk will help attendees focus on good identification techniques as well as treatment options. Bring your camera to photograph specimens as well as any insect and plant disease samples needing identification.
Sharon Collman leads Snohomish County’s horticulture education program, providing assistance to Master Gardeners and garden writers, as well as production, marketing and pest management to the nursery and landscape industries in Snohomish County. She also provides expertise in plant problem diagnosis, beneficial insects, entomology networking, and backyard biodiversity.
Cost is $20 per person or a series of four classes is $65. To register call (425) 338-2400, e-mail klchristen@wsu.edu or download the form at http://www.snohomish.wsu.edu/ag/workshops/registrationform.pdf and mail with your check.
Washington State Department of Agriculture pesticide recertification credits as well as Washington State Nursery and Landscape Association Certified Professional Horticulturist credits are available.
For more information, contact Sharon Collman, collmans@wsu.edu, (425) 357-6025.
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