Researchers at Cornell University point out that both Walnut and Birch trees can produce a syrup similar to maple syrup. The taste is described as, “intense fruity molasses flavor” so maple syrup on pancakes is probably not in danger of disappearing.
The good news is that the sap from these trees starts flowing when the sap from the Maple slows down. So the “season” for syrup production can be extended by a month or more.
The bad news is it takes about 40-50 gallons of maple sap to produce one gallon of maple syrup but because the sugar content of birch sap is much lower, it will require 150-200 gallons of sap to yield a gallon of syrup.
But this means if you have Birch trees and/or Walnut trees on your property, you can tap them to get maple syrup.
Use Pyramid Lures for Stink Bugs
In recent research, the USDA folks found, “that significantly more stink bug adults and juvenile bugs, called nymphs, were captured in the baited black pyramid traps than in other traps. The researchers also found that more adults and nymphs were captured in a trap placed on the ground than in a commercially available trap hung from a tree limb.”
Bottom line – use black triangle shaped traps and put them on or near the ground.
It was also found that once you got south of Pennsylvania, stinkbugs tended to produce two sets of bugs a year instead of just the one found in more northerly areas. This of course means that if you live in warmer areas (Maryland etc) then you’ll likely have to run controls all summer long for this pest.
The original article is here