Griggsville News
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It’s that time of year when we tend to see those pesky Japanese beetles in our trees and landscape. These destructive beetles hitched their initial ride to North America on imported ornamental plants in 1916. Today, these pests can be a serious nuisance to gardeners and farmers throughout North America feeding on over three hundred different species of trees, shrubs, and non-woody plants. Japanese beetles are chewing insects that destroy leaves, flowers and fruits of more than two hundred seventy-six plants. They can completely skeletonized leaves, feed on corn silk and corn ear tips and are especially destructive to grapes, peaches, and other members of the rose family. These beetles can be controlled by using soil insecticides to control grubs in the soil; removing beetles by hand can provide adequate protection when beetle numbers are low; and using cheesecloth or other fine netted material to protect high valued plants such as roses. There is a concern that smashing Japanese beetles will release pheromones which will attract more beetles. Pheromones are used to attract beetles for mating; however, once the beetles have mated, they will no longer produce the pheromones, so it is okay to smash the beetles. (www.extension.illinois.edu) Be on the lookout for these colorful, metallic green beetles in the coming days. Illinois gardens take a hard hit every summer!
Don’t forget the Jacksonville Memorial Hospital and Simmons Cancer Institute will offer a free community skin cancer screening event from 9am-12pm on July 25th at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital (1600 W. Walnut St., Jacksonville). Screenings will be conducted by a dermatology team from Simmons Cancer Institute. Participants should not currently be under the care of a dermatologist. To register, visit https://calendly.com/mhsil/free-skin-cancer-screening. If you have questions or need help registering, call 447-784-3212. As the hot summer continues, be sure to take care of your skin and get screened.
As the 4th of July holiday approaches this coming Saturday, remember it’s not always fun for pets. All of the festivities can be frightening and even dangerous for animals. A few things to remember as the holiday weekend nears: make sure your cats and dogs have identification tags with up-to-date information; take a current photo of all of your cats, dogs and horses – just in case; make sure your yard is secure enough to keep your pet contained and pasture fences are secure enough to keep horses and other livestock confined; keep your pets inside if you or your neighbors are setting off fireworks. (American Veterinary Medical Association)
“We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” – Thomas Jefferson
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He chose for His inheritance. Psalm 33:12
Be safe and Happy 4th of July!
