Is there any way to get rid of "ground pearls" in my soil?
+2
My yard on Oak Island has them and growing grass is impossible. They don't bother my plants. I've read there is no insecticide that kills them.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnKS0iCDVHk
Wow, I had never heard of Ground Pearls before so I read this article.
http://grounds-mag.com/mag/grounds_maintenance_dont_give_ground_2/
Its very informative if you'd like to read it. The writer suggests that you put in a non lawn landscape since the Ground Pearl Nymphs feed on grass roots.
Hope that helps
: )
Good Morning Judie reatcliffe :) Well, here is an answer I found on this scale insect that was given by another HOMETALK worker in May:
"Hillela G.on May 29, 2017 ... The good news is that you need not replace your lawn! They like acidic soil environments so you can treat the soil to kick them out, they also respond to a lot of insecticides if that option isn't availible for you- good luck!"
and this is something I found:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnKS0iCDVHk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGbPRZ5BXdE
https://www.ortho.com/smg/goART2/solution/pearl-scale-or-ground-pearls/19400028
I had read somewhere that ground pearls (or ground scale) can bury themselves up to a foot deep into the soil which would make replacing soil for the average person absolutely too expensive a venture to even consider (besides, who is to say that the 'pearls" wouldn't fall off during excavation and just reinfest the new turf?) ! Anyway, this is all I can do for now to help you but I will definitely keep my eyes and ears open about it. Good Luck Judie, and thank you for coming to HOMETALK for answers.
Judie, I'm afraid you've read correctly. There is really nothing that can kill them except starving them and they live for several years. How about thinking outside the box??? What I did was level the soil and cover it completely with a ground cloth. Then, I used gravel, rocks and sand to create a 'theme' for my yard. (My theme was desert.) Then, with above ground planters and pots, its safe and I can grow all sorts of plants. I even have an 'above ground' rock garden that's doing great. Your planters and soil don't have to be very high - just high enough for the plants. If your Oak Island is the one in Nova Scotia, I'd use annuals in the big areas and reinvent my yard next spring. Smaller plants in pot can be brought inside in the winter. Best of luck!