THINGS TO EXPECT:

CITRUS FRUIT DROP. The shed of newly set fruit is a natural thinning tendency that's worsened by hot weather and dry winds. Water moderately, during this season.

LEAF FOOTED PLANT BUGS feed an developing fruits of plum, apricot, peach, and nuts of pecans and almonds.

WESTERN GRAPELEAF. SKELET0NIZERS. They're small, black and yellow striped worms that skeleton-ize grape leaves on which they feed. Attentive vigil and prompt thorough applications of carbaryl or Bacillus thuringiensis gives control. Photo © Linda MacFarlane

Leafcutter Bee Click here for photo Leafcutter Bee.     Photo Source TAMU Department of Entomology  These are the culprits that chew those half-inch circular disks from the leaves of roses, bougainvillea and numerous other landscape plants. These are not consumed but tucked into any convenient small hole, crack or crevice that these small bees can find for a nest site. Unfortunately, there's no recommended control.

DESERT INSECT MIGRATIONS. Assorted nuisance pests may move in from adjacent desert areas as hot weather dries up native vegetation. Control at source, if possible.

PECAN APHIDS & WOOLY APHIDS (on ash trees).

FLEA BEETLES cause irregular brown markings on dichondra leaves and heavy infestations can cause severe injury.

DESICCATION OF TIPS & EDGES OF LEAVES AND ROSE PETALS. Caused by hot, dry air, worsened by winds. Water deeply to avoid moisture stress.

ROACH & OTHER NUISANCE INSECT ACTIVITY increases with warming weather. Control them outside around building foundations, before they move inside.

THINGS TO DO:

FERTILIZE SUMMER LAWNS to invigorate them before hot weather.

DON'T LET WEEDS GO TO SEED. mow seed heads off before they mature.

WATERING NEEDS increase with the onset of another hot, dry summer. Water early in the day, as fast as the ground will absorb it, long enough for penetration through normal rooting depths, but only as often as necessary to prevent wilt of foliage.

SUNBURN PROTECTION should be applied to smooth bark of tree limbs or trunks not shaded by foliage. White vinyl tree paint provides the most practical protection.

MULCH GROUND SURFACES under roses and other heat sensitive plants.

DETHATCH BERMUDAGRASS LAWNS if not already done and PLANT SUMMER LAWNS.

AGAVE. SNOUT WEEVIL CONTROL. Apply granules around the base of agaves and yuccas.