At Home Living 052717

Saturday, May 27, 2017 An advertising feature of The Topeka Capital-Journal

home.cjonline.com real estate

Millennial mindset

Young adults seek eco- and budget-friendly homes page 6 n Getting rid of bagworms, page 2 n Enhance your garden with beads, page 3 n Designing boys’ rooms that age with them, page 8

keith horinek/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

2 | Saturday, May 27, 2017 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com

Bagworms? It’s time to take control Spraying, mechanical removal necessary to get rid of pests Shade trees, fruit trees and woody shrubs soon will be under attack by bag worms.

These pests are immediately and u n ive r s a l ly recognized by their silky bag-like Ed Dillingham houses. True to their name, the larvae and caterpillars live in these protective bags.

Bagworms overwinter as eggs deposited in female pupal cases. Mid-May through June, the eggs hatch, and the larvae exit the old bags.

They spin thin silk threads and swing down to lower branches, where they im-

mediately spin small silklined bags. Then they start their destructive feeding on the foliage.

As the bagworms grow, they make larger bags. By mid- to late August, the feeding frenzy is complete.

They seal off the bags and enter the pupal stage. Pupation is completed in two to three weeks.

The male pupae emerge as black clear-winged moths. The female moths remain in their pupal cases.

Lacking wings, legs, mouthparts and functional eyes, the female moths are soft, white, slug-like, egg-filled sacks.

After mating, a single female can deposit up to 1,000

eggs into her pupal case.

The female then secures the pupal case to protect the eggs from parasites, cold winter weather and moisture. Having set the stage for next year’s invasion of bagworms, the female then dies.

Vulnerable plants

The most likely plant hosts for bagworms in Kansas are Eastern red cedar and junipers. However, bagworms also will attack arborvitae, spruce, pine and an array of broadleaf trees, shrubs and ornamentals, such as willow, maple, oak, box elder, sycamore, poplar, locust, roses, barberry, pyr-

acantha, clematis, sumac elm, cherry, quince pear, peach and blackberries.

Then, if none of these hosts are available, they will feed on clover, ragweed, parsley and nightshades.

The primary damage is defoliating of the plants, which reduces the plant’s productivity and health.

With severe defoliating, the plant may die. This is especially true of conifers, because they grow more slowly.

After a few years of uncontrolled attack, bagworms can wipe out an entire conifer windbreak.

Broadleaf/deciduous trees and bushes have a greater ability to withstand these

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

n Annette Jackson, of Jackson’s Greenhouse and Garden Center, will present “Exciting New Plants, Roses and Shrubs” at 7 p.m. June 1 at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th Ave. Free. n Friends of Ward-Meade will present three in-depth classes on how to grow, prune, harvest and cook with herbs. The first class will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. June 7 in the Preston Hale Room at Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade Historic Site, 124 N.W. Fillmore St. Class size is limited; cost is $15 per class. Information: (785) 251-2993. n The Shawnee County Extension Master Gardeners will answer lawn and garden questions from 7:30 a.m. to noon June 10 and 24 at the Downtown Farmers Market, S.W. 12th Ave. and S.W. Harrison. attacks, because they contain a second, usually dormant, leaf bud that emerge within three to four weeks of a defoliating incident.

Controlling bagworms

Natural control of bagworms is by a balance of predators and parasites.

However, if these natural controls are diminished, mechanical removal or insecticidal sprays can be used.

Mechanical removal means removing the silken bags by hand or by using a pole with a nail or brush on the end to entangle the bags.

DILLINGHAM continues on 10

homes.cjonline.com | The Topeka Capital-Journal | Saturday, May 27, 2017 | 3

Add beads for garden pizzazz

By Maureen Gilmer Tribune News Service

For me, the obsession began with sparkling rosaries that were so plentiful in my grandparents’ home.

My affinity for rosary beads evolved into hippie love beads in my teens.

Together, they represent roots of the affliction: a fascination with beautiful beads from around the world.

Beads can be a great source of zest in your garden, too.

Those made of glass, ceramic or metal stand up to climate. They’re particularly at home in jewel box gardens, where glass is often an accent for succulent plants. This name was

coined to describe dense compositions of succulent plants and glittering slag glass or beads that resemble the contents of your grandmother’s jewel box.

These gardens help us reclaim that childlike sense of wonder at beautiful shining things while they enhance the form and colors of close range, highintensity points of the garden.

What I learned the hard way is all beads aren’t suitable for outdoor use. Many will fade in direct sun.

Those imported from China are colored by ephemeral chemical dyes. The tints won’t hold up. Contrasts and patterns often fade, so the bead you fell in love with becomes paler

over time.

In comparison, very old Italian millefiori beads from Africa are all glass and colored through and through, so they retain their hues nicely.

African import sellers at swap meets sell oversized beads for gardens from recycled glass. A strand of golf ball-sized cobalt blue beads sells for a hefty $40, but retains its beauty indefinitely.

Recycled glass is also available in other shades of azure, gold or turquoise. They’re produced in smaller bead sizes, too, and all are strung on fiber cords. These are the best for outdoor use because their color is integral, translucent and doesn’t

Look locally for your next job Know the job your looking for but not sure where to find it? Try jobs.cjonline.com, it is a local job network with targeted categories in an easy to search database. jobs.cjonline.com

bleach out.

Fountains are a fine place to integrate beads, particularly if it’s a festive Mardi Gras design theme.

Another method fills wallmounted pots with numerous strands for overflowing color and interest without the need to water plants. Other beads I drape over the edge of my succulent pots to give the plants a bit of glitz.

Many creative folks are making their own glittering wind chimes or sun catchers with beads upcycled from castoff costume jewelry. These become a dangling collage of glass beads that literally glow when the sun hits them at different times throughout the day.

Many gardeners blend their beads with crystals salvaged from old chandeliers. These pieces of faceted glass drops or panels, many of them vintage, do more than just cast light.

They reveal rainbow-colored prisms in direct light throughout the day.

Rain chains that dangle from your roof in lieu of a downspout also feature big beads and slag glass. Creative dangling art pieces are easy to make yourself.

All you need is fine wire, needle-nose pliers and a bucket of small chunks of beach glass.

Think twice before you consider tumbled glass gravel in lieu of stone gravel. One cobalt-colored example looked great un-

til the first big wind storm littered the dark-blue field with bits of grass and palm, which spoiled its beauty forever.

For all bead lovers, take another look at your old costume jewelry for beads that stand up outdoors.

Keep an eye on garage sales for great vintage finds. But for my money, I will always relish flea market tables heaped with African beads that are larger than most, vividly graphic and most importantly, they’re affordable.

Maureen Gilmer is an author, horticulturist and landscape designer. Learn more at MoPlants. com. Contact her at mogilmer@ yahoo.com or P.O. Box 891, Morongo Valley, Calif. 92256.

4 | Saturday, May 27, 2017 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com

Organize kitchen with Julia Child-style pegboard

By Cindy Dampier Chicago Tribune

Great storage solutions are born in one of two ways: in a frantic effort to make sense of an ever-expanding universe of things, or as a surrender to the knowledge that space is, in the end, limited.

In the case of most of our houses — and particularly our kitchens — that limitation seems to be more stringent than ever.

There are only so many pots, pans, paring knives and gadgets that can fit.

Ask yourself these questions: When you empty the dishwasher, do you end up with a bowl/saucepan/oversized utensil that’s like the last kid standing in musical chairs? Are kitchen gadgets creeping beyond the accepted boundaries of the kitchen? (Tip: Yes,

keeping that Cuisinart under the bathroom sink is crossing a line.)

If so, you need storage help. We suggest swiping a little inspiration from the ultimate kitchen pro, Julia Child.

Not only was Child the person who brought French cooking to American kitchens, but she was also 6-foot-2. And she worked for a World War II-era spy agency. Her weakness? Kitchen tools.

A look at photos of Child’s home kitchen reveals that it wasn’t some tiny, overflowing room.

It was a generously sized room plus three additional pantries. Yet, still overflowing: Knives are hung on magnetic racks on what appears to be every available vertical surface, including the side of a cabinet. There are crocks of utensils, a Cuisinart in disarray on the butcher

wall control

Wall Control offers a modular, metal pegboard system made to hold everything from small kitchen tools to beefy pots and pans. block and pegboard. Miles of pegboard, hung with

everything from skillets to ladles to whisks to fish-

shaped molds.

Child had so much kitchen stuff (and, honestly, this seems only fair and right) that it was literally climbing up the walls.

The pegboard system kept things within reach and orderly (the outlines of pans were traced onto their spot on the boards, and a small Polaroid picture was taped underneath each one, so that pans were never misplaced). And it has been widely copied (check your home design boards, Pinterest lovers).

So when I, in a fit of tiny kitchen angst, went looking for storage ideas, I knew pegboard would pop up right away. I didn’t really want to jump on any bandwagons, but I realized that pegboard, done right, could be a tidy way to use a tight spot where a cabinet would never fit. Behind a door, for instance.

My search revealed a twist, however: A company called Wall Control (motto: “the organization you crave”) offers a modular, metal pegboard system made to hold everything from small kitchen tools to beefy pots and pans.

Offered in a few bright colors, as well as galvanized silver, the metal pegboards are sturdier than classic pegboard and have a slick, industrial look that would be at home in a garage — or a more modern kitchen.

It’s a nice update that means you can pull together a pegboard to corral your stuff, and you won’t have to jump on Julia Child’s bandwagon.

Wall Control has already done it for you.

Two 16-by-32-inch panels cost $64.99 at wallcontrol.com or via Houzz or Amazon.

homes.cjonline.com | The Topeka Capital-Journal | Saturday, May 27, 2017 | 5

Where to save, splurge in kitchen remodel

By Debbie Carlson Chicago Tribune

Remodeling or completely renovating a kitchen can be a big task, but it also has the best return on investment of any home improvement.

But these improvements don’t come cheap. A 2013 U.S. Census Bureau report noted the cost of an average kitchen remodel was $5,000, with the price tag for complete renovation at $27,353.

Given these costs, remodeling experts say there are ways to save in order to have money to splurge on key items.

Begin with a detailed floor plan, said Ariel Darmoni, managing partner at 123 Remodeling, a general contractor firm featured in Houzz and on HGTV. “It’s going to be so much more if you don’t have a floor plan that works for you, because making changes later costs more. You can also save money if you don’t have to move plumbing and electric, even if you’re taking down walls,” he said.

Don’t skimp on important lifesafety improvements like mold remediation and ventilation, said Beverley Kruskol, owner of M.Y. Pacific Building, a general contractor who has worked with high-end renovations, including for Mario Batali’s restaurants in Los Angeles.

Tile, flooring and lighting can be both economical and beautiful, Kruskol said.

“Tile is a great place to save money. There are thousands of styles, and they’re so amazing,” she said.

Porcelain and ceramic tiles can be used on both floor and in kitchen backsplashes, said Suzanne Falk, of Suzanne Falk Interior Design and a ghost designer on HGTV’s “Kitchen Crashers.”

Tile is cheaper than hardwood flooring, and Darmoni prefers tile floors in kitchens because wood floors can be easily damaged by water leaks from dishwashers.

Big-box retailers sell attractive tiles for a fraction of the cost versus what’s sold at designer

dreamstime

When updating a kitchen, two areas worth a splurge are cabinets and countertops. showrooms, Falk said. For people who have their heart set on high-end tile, she recommended highlighting it in a specific area, such as a backsplash around the range, and then framing it with subway tiles, which Falk said are her “go-to” tiles.

Distinctive, affordable lighting options are available at retail stores versus paying up at a showroom, they said.

“Compared to what was available four or five years ago, you can get beautiful lamps at a fraction of the cost,” Kruskol said.

Choose a nicer faucet over a sink, Darmoni said, but look at

the faucet construction. Bettermade faucets have durable metal cartridges inside, which are the valves that turn on the water and mix temperatures.

High-end appliances might be a worthy splurge; however, Kruskol said homeowners should think about how they use them and how long they’ll be in the home.

“If you’re in a condo, I don’t think you need to spend the money to get a Wolf range, but it depends on your lifestyle,” she said.

Homeowners who aren’t doing a gut rehab and really are scrimping can get new doors and hardware for their existing cabinets, Kruskol said, which can quickly update the look.

Even refinishing existing doors can refresh a tired kitchen.

The two areas worth a splurge are cabinets and countertops, they said. Consider stepping up to semi-custom cabinets from a local cabinet supplier and avoiding the big-box retailer.

Working with a local cabinet supplier to design creative stor-

age can help eliminate a lot of the wasted space in kitchens, Kruskol said. Upgrades such as pull-out shelves and Lazy Susans are useful, but Falk warned about getting carried away with other costly upgrades like appliance garages and built-in spice drawers. These can look nice but may not be practical, she added.

Another benefit to using semicustom cabinets is they can be designed to fit a home’s inevitable imperfections in a way prefabricated cabinets can’t, said Darmoni and Falk.

All three said consider upgrading to natural stone countertops versus manufactured styles. Not only do they look beautiful, but they will last for years. Granite has always been popular, but high-end materials such as quartz and quartzite are becoming affordable.

The one stone they don’t recommend for kitchens is marble.

“It’s porous and stains easily.

For instance, if you put a coffee cup on it, it gets a ring that doesn’t go away,” Kruskol said.

6 | Saturday, May 27, 2017 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com

real estate

Millennials buy homes differently Eco-friendly, lower-key living spaces important to ages 18-34

By Shanna Sloyer

Special to The Capital-Journal

The number of millennials — those born between the early 1980s and early 2000s — is estimated to be between 80 million to 90 million, making them the largest generation since the Baby Boomers. Known for gathering their own information and forming decisions quickly, their numbers and buying power are having an impact on home design and purchases.

What was important to previous generations isn’t necessarily what millennials are looking for in the housing market.

With busy schedules and active social lives, millennials tend to gravitate toward housing that puts them close to the urban core and able to easily access services essential to their lifestyles.

Their homes also tend to act as a base for other activities.

When Topekan Lauren Peel began house hunting three years ago at the age of 25, location was one of her top priorities.

“I wanted to be centrally

located,” Peel said. “Close to work and to Wanamaker (Road).”

Budget-minded

Having come of age during the housing bust and economic downturn of the mid-2000s, millennials also tend to be more financially conservative than generations that have come before them. They are value-minded and want their homes to be move-in ready rather than having to invest additional collateral into remodeling projects.

“I had a budget, and I knew what I wanted,” Peel said. “I was a bit picky, because I wanted (the house) to be updated and turnkey. The house I chose was completely remodeled.”

Large outdoor spaces that must be maintained are less popular with millennials because of the time constraints of their active lifestyles. They also tend to look for more environmentally friendly, low-key living spaces inside, preferring fewer embellishments, technological efficiency and green features, such as solar energy options.

keith horinek/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Topeka homeowner Lauren Peel is like most millennials — those born between the early 1980s and early 2000s. She didn’t want to break her budget when buying her first home, and she didn’t want to have to make extensive repairs or remodel what she purchased.

TOP FIVE MYTHS OF HOME OWNERSHIP

1. I need a 20 percent down payment. There are options with as little down as 3 percent for most buyers, and some government or grant options allow for as little as zero percent down.

2. Inexpensive homes are money pits. Rely on an experienced Realtor to help you find a gem of a home for less.

3. My 700 credit score is too low to qualify for a loan. A credit score between 600 and 620 is all that is required for several programs, with others requiring as little as 580.

4. Interest rates have gone up/are too high. Rates are still at a historically low point.

5. I can save money by not hiring a Realtor. A knowledgeable Realtor can guide you through what likely will be the largest purchase of your life. The cost of hiring a Realtor can save money in your real estate transactions in the long run by: n Avoiding delays and costly mistakes on forms, reports, disclosures and other documents. n Providing objective information and opinions on utilities, zoning, schools and more. n Knowing the market and suggesting available properties that fit your requirements, needs and budget. n Handling negotiations to get the best deal. n Having the most up-to-date information on laws and regulations, which are constantly changing. n Adhering to a strict code of ethics, which is based on professionalism and protection of the public.

Their style can be described as colorful, industrial and chic, and the boundary between formal and informal is less important than functionality.

Despite their interest in home ownership, many millennials are waiting longer than their parents and grandparents to become first-time homebuyers. Because of high overall unemployment rates and staggering student debt, millennials may find it

takes longer to save for a down payment.

“It was really important to me to have 20 percent to put down,” Peel said.

In Peel’s case, she had saved the money she needed for a down payment by age 23. However, when she applied to the bank for a home loan, she was initially declined because she had zero existing credit.

“Having no credit is almost worse than having bad credit,” she said.

It took Peel a year to build up her credit and another year to find a house that she liked.

Benefits of buying

A recent survey showed that 53 percent of 6,000 millennial renters between ages 18 and 34 expect to purchase a home in the future but plan to wait until after 2018 to do so. Only 25 percent expected to buy a home sometime in the next two years, with older millenni-

als (ages 25-34) planning to buy sooner than younger millennials (ages 18-24).

Kansas ranks ninth on a list of states where millennials plan to eventually buy homes, with 81 percent saying they plan to eventually be homeowners, while 5 percent plan to always rent.

There are some clear benefits to buying rather than continuing to rent that can save millennials money MILLENNIALS continues on 7

homes.cjonline.com | The Topeka Capital-Journal | Saturday, May 27, 2017 | 7

Fresh paint, new roof can help sell your home

By Cathy Hobbs

Tribune News Service

keith horinek/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

When Topekan Lauren Peel began house hunting three years ago at the age of 25, location was one of her top priorities. She wanted to be near her workplace and nearby stores and restaurants along Wanamaker Road.

Millennials: Financial instability, mobility reasons for not buying Continued from 6

in the long run. Many times, house payments are less than rent payments. There is also the added bonus of having more space and the flexibility and freedom to personalize that space.

Historically, low interest rates and tax benefits for homeowners are financial incentives to buy now rather than wait. The current mortgage interest deduction allows homeowners to deduct the interest on their mortgage loans if they are valued at $1 million or less.

Renters forfeit this deduction, which goes to their landlords instead.

Property taxes and mortgage insurance premiums are also deductible expenses that benefit homeowners, but not renters. Buyers can save additional money by investing in purchasing discount points. A point costs 1 percent of the loan and results in a lower interest rate, which not only

‘‘

Being a homeowner as a millennial is a lifestyle. I knew I wanted a certain lifestyle. I knew I didn’t want to rely on a landlord to get things done. I wanted to be independent.”

When it comes time to prepare a home for sale, there are a number of quick and affordable fixes that can help seal the deal, while some so-called improvements may sink a sale.

When it’s time to put your home on the market, there are some definite do’s and don’ts.

Things to do

n Give your home a fresh coat of paint. Freshly painted walls are one of the top selling features for potential buyers. n Make minor repairs.

Many homeowners see even minor repairs as worry and work. n Kennel pets during showings. Many potential buyers won’t purchase a

home occupied by a pet. n Consider replacing a roof. Many potential buyers view this as a big-ticket item. The fact that your home has a new roof will be a selling feature. n Repaint your home’s exterior. Typically every five to 10 years is a great time to repaint a home. Exterior fixes such as replacing siding or repainting can go a long way.

Things to avoid

n Don’t install expensive finishes or fixtures for selling purposes. Many times, potential buyers will want to add their own personal touch as far as improvements. n Don’t forget the power of home staging. Home staging — one of the most powerful selling tools — is when a property is styled in order to be presented in

its best possible light. n Don’t forget to have your property professionally cleaned. This will make a huge visual impact. n Don’t forget the selling power of kitchens and bathrooms. Kitchens and bathrooms still sell homes, so if you are looking for ideal places to place your investment dollars, this is a strong choice. n Don’t forget to neutralize and depersonalize, from removing personal paint or carpet colors to personal design choices. A neutral palette is most attractive for selling.

Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Award-winning television host and a nationally known interior design and home staging expert with offices in New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C. Contact her at info@cathyhobbs. com or cathyhobbs.com.

Lauren Peel

Topekan millenial homeowner

provides savings over the life of the loan but is also tax-deductible.

While rent costs continue to rise, a fixed-mortgage house payment will stay the same throughout the life of the loan. Buyers are making an investment in their future savings instead of investing in a landlord’s property.

Owning also provides more privacy and security than renting.

Despite all of these perks, Peel believes many millennials choose not to buy at an early age because of financial instability or the desire to maintain their mobility.

“I think a lot of millennials have goals and ambi-

tions that might lead them to other places,” she said.

“Staying in one place for a long period isn’t the millennial way, because it restricts mobility.”

Home ownership was the right choice for Peel, who has now lived happily in her own home for the past three years.

“Being a homeowner as a millennial is a lifestyle.

I knew I wanted a certain lifestyle,” she said. “I knew I didn’t want to rely on a landlord to get things done. I wanted to be independent.”

Shanna Sloyer is a freelance writer from Topeka. You can reach her at ssloyer@yahoo.com.

handout/tns

Investing in upgraded appliances may be a good use of your real estate investment dollars.

8 | Saturday, May 27, 2017 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com

Boys’ rooms designed to age with them

By Mary Carol Garrity Tribune News Service

I predict that when Tammy and Tyler’s boys are 27, they will still want to live at home with their folks, just so they don’t have to leave their amazing bedroom behind.

The welcoming retreat is designed to delight its current inhabitants — 11-yearold Carter and 8-year-old Sawyer — now and for years to come. When I saw this bedroom suite for the first time, I wanted to move in, too.

When the family’s home sold quickly a few years ago, they needed someplace to move into fast.

They had looked at their now-home previously but shied away from it because it needed more work than they were willing to do. But with the new, compressed deadline, they gave it a second

visit.

Once the kids saw the quirky upstairs bedroom, with its nooks, crannies and secret room accessible through a revolving door masquerading as a bookcase, they lobbied hard to buy the diamond-in-the-rough.

Tammy relented, and got to work turning the space into boy heaven.

Now, the secret room is outfitted with a TV and comfy chairs, the perfect clubhouse for the boys and their friends.

When Tammy purchases furniture, she gets quality pieces she will love for a lifetime, then moves it from room to room as her family’s needs change.

The settee in the sitting area of the boys’ suite was one she had in another room in their previous house. She gave it new life by recover-

ing it in ticking fabric, which fits perfectly with the tartan plaids throughout the room.

You wouldn’t think a piece this formal would be at home in a space occupied by two active boys, but it’s a perfect pick.

Tammy loves furniture and accents that tell a story, so she decorated the boys’ room with vintage toys. Airplanes hang from the ceiling, a game board serves as artwork and the shelves are dotted with antique sports equipment, such as boxing gloves and a bowling pin.

I’m a huge fan of the textile mix she selected for the window treatments, furniture, pillows and bedding — menswear fabrics that coordinate but aren’t matchy.

Even the twin beds have a history. When Tammy spotted an ornate screen at an antique store, she knew she

had struck gold. Separated into two sections, the screens were transformed into truly unique matching headboards.

I really like how she dressed the beds in masculine and timeless bedding that the boys won’t outgrow.

There also are hooked rugs throughout the boys’ room.

Tammy’s mother-in-law, who is also a friend of mine, handhooks rugs, a skill she taught Tammy. Not many moms would trust their young boys with treasures like these, but Tammy doesn’t worry. She doesn’t want her home to feel like a museum.

This gift of love just adds to the warmth and comfort of the decidedly delightful room.

This column was adapted from Mary Carol Garrity’s blog at nellhills.com. She can be reached at marycarol@nellhills. com.

Tip of the week: Clearing dirty drains

Here’s a quick recipe for freshening drains and keeping them flowing: n Mix 1/2 cup baking soda with 1/4 cup table salt. n Pour the mixture down the drain, followed by 1 cup heated vinegar. It will foam and bubble. n Let it stand for 15 minutes; longer doesn’t work any better. n Follow by running hot tap water for at least 15 to 30 seconds.

Note: This homemade vinegar solution will freshen drains, not unclog them.

Source: Heloise via goodhousekeeping.com

homes.cjonline.com | The Topeka Capital-Journal | Saturday, May 27, 2017 | 9

Service Directory

10 | Saturday, May 27, 2017 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com

Dillingham: Bagworms will emerge depending on springtime temps Continued from 2

The best time to remove the bags is during winter, when they can be seen easily.

Destroy the bags and the contents. Remember that one missed female bag could result in up to 1,000 bagworms the following May. Alternatively, there are

many insecticidal sprays that will control bagworms.

Young larvae are easiest to kill. Bagworm emergence will depend on springtime temperatures. In Kansas, that typically means mid- to late May. When they emerge, the small bagworm larvae and their small bags are hard

to see. However, in only a week, they will have grown large enough to become noticeable.

If the infestation was light last year, a single spray in late June to early July may be all that is needed. If the infestation was heavy last year, the initial spray should

be done as soon as the small larvae are noticed and a second time two to three weeks later. It is vitally important to get good spray coverage.

Many chemicals are available to control bagworms. Look for chemicals with bagworms listed as a targeted pest. Com-

mon active ingredients in these chemicals are carbaryl, Bacillus thuringiensis, bifenthrin, acephate, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, malathion, neem oil, permethrin and spinosad. As always, read and follow the directions for use.

Note: Information for

this article was taken from “Bagworms,� a May 2005 paper written by Robert J. Bauernfeind, professor emeritus at Kansas State University and former KState Research and Extension entomologist.

Ed Dillingham is a Shawnee County Master Gardener.

homes.cjonline.com | The Topeka Capital-Journal | Saturday, May 27, 2017 | 11

12 | Saturday, May 27, 2017 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com