David Owens, Extension Entomologist, owensd@udel.edu
Brown marmorated stink bugs are very active right now and control measures may be warranted, especially in blocks with an extensive woody border. Scout for aphids as well; pyrethroid applications disrupt biological control agents for aphids and other secondary pests. Also be sure to check fruit for the presence of San Jose scale, which will appear as small red splotches on the fruit surface. If any are observed on fruit, the block should be treated with dormant oil in the ‘off season’ and a follow up application targeting first generation crawlers may be warranted in the spring, usually sometime around apple petal fall.