Question: 447-3510
What can I use to drive away bees? Irene, Swansea, MA

Mort's Answer:
You can spray with Sevin. It only lasts 24 hours. So you may have to reapply to get the sons of bees.

back to top

Question: 3-5201
I also saw ants around there last year. Could this be a problem? Burt, Providence, RI

Mort's Answer:
This could be a problem, if you let the home of the earwigs continue to spread. You can perform some basic tree surgery. With a sharp razor knife or linoleum knife, make a cut that has a point at the top and another at the bottom. The incision will be leaf shaped and enclose all the affected area. Go as deep as necessary to get out all the brown wood. You can do this as soon as the tree is not frozen. Dab a little malathion in the area and seal with tree seal or tree wax. The ants are predators trying to steal the eggs. The ants will disappear as soon as you complete this procedure. If you do not do this surgery, the earwigs may encircle the bark and cut off the fibrovascular tubes. When the cambium inside the bark is eaten out, the tree will be unable to take up nutrient and water and will eventually join the great majority in Eden.

back to top

Question: 404-3410
What can we use to get rid of wooly aphid on our hemlocks? Mike, Galesferry, CT

Mort's Answer:
You can still purchase Diazonin during 2002. A high pressure spray in combination with malathion is still the most effective treatment for wooly aphid. Follow directions on the label. After 2002, you can use soap and malathion. It is not as effective. You will have to spray more often.

back to top

Question: 420-3410
How do I treat for wholly aphid? Ron, Westerly RI & Mike, Galesferry, CT

Mort's Answer:
You can still buy diazonin until the end of 2003. Combine the diazonin with malathion. Follow directions on the packages for evergreens. Spray again in ten days to catch the eggs. High pressure sprays are more effective. Arborists have this equipment for hire.

back to top

Question: 175-5201
We have some apples on our property with a black mold on the leaves. I understand that the wild cedars may be affecting the apples. Is this true and can we cut the cedars down? Sue, Salem, CT

Mort's Answer:
Juniperus virginiana is a very hardy tree that can harbor fungi through the winter that will later spread to crab apples gooseberries and other fruited deciduous trees and shrubs. These cedars make excellent firewood for baked apples and emit a wonderful aroma of their own. Yes, there are many very nice species of spruce that would adequately replace the severed cedars. I also recommend that you get a book on pruning for your apples and start a spraying program with dormant spray and the home orchard sprays that are readily available.

back to top

Question: 417-3410
When I turn my soil over, I see a lot of Cut Worms . How can I get rid of them? Dave Uncasville, CT.

Mort's Answer:
You can use rotenone before they appear or Sevin after they show their snouts. Follow directions on the label.

back to top

Question: 433-3410
How can I keep deer away from my tulips. Joanna, Charlesviox, MI

Mort's Answer:
Apparently he scent of humans and coyotes is enough to dissuade deer from entering most gardens. Unfortunately, in heavy snow winters nothing will keep them away. Human hair with shampoo odor in a nylon stocking is enough to turn their heads. Barber shops will gladly let you take the hair off their hands. Farmers have been known to use pie plates on a pole to create a rattle. These aluminum plates also reflect moonlight to deter the deer. Some garden centers now carry a product made from coyote urine that will send the deer in another direction. Green nylon fencing quite often will work, if tall enough. It can be more expensive than other methods.

back to top