Question: 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.

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Question: We have tiny little black bugs flying around our ivy houseplants. How can we get rid of them? Lisa, Seekonk, MA

Mort's Answer: Fungus gnats are a frequent winter pest. On a day that is over 45, you can take the plant outdoors and spray with malathion. Also spray the soil underneath. Turn the soil over under the plant every two or three weeks to disrupt the nest. Follow directions on the label and repeat in a couple of weeks.

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Question: We have a cone shaped fungus growing on the shade trees in the woods behind our house. Is there something that I can spray on them? Harold, Hope Valley, RI

Mort's Answer: In the woods, it is best to let Mother Nature take its course. With the onset of winter, most fungus will be dormant. Eventually, some virus will weaken the fungus or the insects that carry the fungus will be devoured by a predator. In the woods an organic natural approach will prove its worth. Unfortunately, most homeowners do not create enough natural conditions and end up using chemicals, organic and otherwise, to protect their plants.

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Question: We have a lot of Japanese Beetles that are eating up our cherry tree. What can we do to get rid of them? P.J. Nowalk, OH

Mort's Answer: Sevin has been effective in killing beetles. It only last 24 hours so you will need repeated applications. Methoxychlor, which is available in rose and fruit tree sprays is also effective. If you use the pheromone traps, you need to watch the population. Often times, they will draw from neighboring gardens. It is advisable to put them on the perimeter of your property. In the fall you can put down Dursban or Diazonin on the lawn. This will catch them laying their eggs. If you do not want to use any insecticides, put in bird baths and bird houses. Picking them off yourself may prove to be a fruitless task.

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Question: My Gaillardia has some grayish-white dust on the leaves. Should I spray it and with what? Joyce, Harve de Grace, MD

Mort's Answer: Your Gaillardia should survive this weird weather that had been causing havoc with plants on the east coast. My phlox developed mildew this summer because of the stress that they suffered from the lack of rain last month. Now the wet weather is spreading the mildew. Powdery mildew can be treated with Bordeaux Mix. Since perennial G. aristata has already bloomed, it not necessary to spray. Annual G. amblyodon and G. pulchella are going to die in the fall. It is not going to help the annuals at this point. If the powdery mildew occurs again next year, then I would use the fungicide.

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Question: How can I get rid of my moles? Donald, North Stonington, CT

Mort's Answer: Moles eat the grubs under the grass that are eating the roots. The root of your problem is the grubs. In early May , you should apply Dursban or Diazonin on the lawn for the grubs. I would reapply in early September again. Follow directions on the label. In addition to using the grubicide or in it's stead, if you want to do this organically, I have another suggestion. I'm not sure, if this is organic, it's definitely not a natural approach. You can put sticks of sweet scented gum with the wrapper on the gum into the holes. Be sure to use gloves to eliminate the human scent. Moles are blind but they have a powerful sense of smell. This will gum up the digestive tracks of the bandittos and there relatives will leave for greener pastures. I'm afraid the only truly natural approach is to leave the lawn to the grubs and the moles to the grubs until some predator of the mole comes around. Most gardeners feel that predator is and
can be homo sapiens.

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Question: We have been using moth balls to get rid of rabbits with great success. Are there any draw backs? Emory, Appleton, WI

Mort's Answer: The most obvious one is the harm that could come to household pets. It is not the most pleasant odor. Have-a- Heart traps are safe for the rabbits. You can bait them with lettuce and carrots, of course. You could also hire Elmer Fudd.

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Question: How can I keep rabbits from eating my mums? Sophie, Lincoln, RI

Mort's Answer: You can use a Have-a-heart trap or fence them out. You don't want to poison the little rascals. You can use a bait of lettuce and/or carrots in the cage. The door will close shut behind them. Transport them to the woods, wherenature abounds with ample goodies for the rabbits. A solution of garlicand rotten eggs will sometimes deter rabbits and other animals. Dried blood spread on the ground has been effective. If the blood does not work,you still have an excellent fertilizer.

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Question: Squirrels are getting into my bird feeder. I live in an apartment. What can I use? Sharon, Appleton, WI

Mort's Answer: There are companies that manufacture feeders with squirrel guards. The Droll Yankee and Duncraft are two that come to mind.

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Question: I have squirrels in my attic. I heard fox urine is effective. What can I use to get rid of them? Dan, New Orleans, LA

Mort's Answer: I have trapped a squirrel outdoors with a Have-a- Heart trap. After it squealed for two hours, I set it free. All the family took off for 6 months. I would not suggest using urine indoors. It is the odor that makes it effective. You might enlist the help of a professional service. You will need to block off the entrance area that they may have ripped open to gain assess.

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Question: Squirrels keep getting into my window boxes, where they dig out the bulbs. What can I use to keep them out? Anita, Shelbyville, TN

Mort's Answer: Mothballs are foul enough to keep them away. The best solution is to not to plant bulbs in the window box. I like squirrels in my garden although they can be a pest.

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Question: I have slugs that are three to four inches long in my gravel driveway. They are also along the cement foundation along the driveway. How can I get rid of them? Bob, Taylorville, IL

Mort's Answer: You need a keg of beer to get rid of these slimy critters. Another more practical method would be to spray them with a heavy lime solution. Use hydrated lime and water as heavy as the sprayed can accommodate. You could pour buckets of limewash along the wall and the driveway. As the lime dries, it will burn the slugs and help dry up the areas. Slugs need a wet environment to
flourish. Beer gets them so drunk they lay in the sun and fry. Limewash will whiten the foundation, but should be the most effective method.

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Question: We have Lambs ears with large holes in them. My Campanula has smaller holes in the leaves. I don't see any insects. What can be the problem? Lucinda,Little Compton, RI

Mort's Answer: Snails are prevalent in rainy seasons especially in shady areas. Since they are nocturnal, you see only the symptoms. If there is not a lot of damage, you can capture them with saucers of beer. They stay out to the wee hours of the morning and either drown in the beer or perish in the sun by drying out. You can put diatomaceous earth around each plant. This will cut them up and cause bleeding. If you are reluctant to kill them, you can go out at night with a flashlight and pick them off the plants.

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Question: I have some persistent woodchucks. I build some fencing that goes two feet below the ground. The area is terraced and the wood chucks still get in the garden. Any suggestions? Poisons are out of the question. Bev, Richmond, RI

Mort's Answer: My experience with woodchucks has taught me to out smart them. They have elaborate tunnels, that have drains and other amenities. Terraces are prime targets for these wise animals. I found that the Have-a-heart traps will work, if you have patience and guile. Bait the traps with crackers and peanut butter. If your town allows transportation, you can let the animals out in the woods. Put the trap or traps in different locations at night to seduce them. Constant blocking of the holes will help discourage them but the traps are the best resolution for you.

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