On Wednesday, September 27, 2017 8:18 AM, William Lord <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
 

 I have heavy SHB pressure in central North Carolina to the point that I
have changed my management tactics to no longer make any splits after June
15 as SHB pressure is just too strong.  I see the larvae in feeders with
caps and ladders but to be honest I think vinegar would just encourage
them.  I have bees in the NC mountains on a metal barn roof to avoid bears
and have zero SHB issues, supporting the ground cover theory.  Regarding
soil pH, native soils in the southeast tend to be very acidic, I know in NC
the native soils can range below 5, and would expect the same in piedmont
and coastal Georgia.



Unfortunatly I am a bit of a expert in SHB  problems.   been working hard on it for about 3 years now.   widh I had great progress  but its been slow. Just this week doing more field trials on SHB treatments.  hives with heavy moderate and light infestations being monitored.   lots of reason and info on the climbs of levels and such  if anyone cares to ask.   Bottom line,  Bill is right,  Vinager is an attractant.   also Formic acid seems to have zero effect. Even flumetherin and pyrethroids are not easy to work out.   lots of traps and techniques tested and applied.
Soil acididty is not an issue for them,  the pupate well in acidic soil.  the keys for pupation are soil temp and moisture levels.   As far as succes in egg hatch/laying the keys are air temps and humidity.   THe beetles are trying to find 80 or better and 75% humidity to hatch.   when that hapens eggs laid in any crack hatch.  which is the main reason for our late season spike here.
Beetles build up a lot like mites ,  low numbers in cold climates in spring,  expotential build thru summer.

Charles   

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