QUESTION: I found an insect in my house. I am not sure if it is an ant or termite. How do I tell the difference?
ANSWER: Termites have straight antennae, no defined waist, and its wings are the same length. Winged ants have elbowed antennae, a waist, and its front wings are longer than the hind ones. You can always bring specimens into the Extension Office and someone will help identify them. More information can be found at termites.
COMPOSTING: As we head into the winter months, the questions we've been receiving have become fewer and additionally, they are ones we previously have addressed. Earthworm mounds (see November) continue to be an issue. However, an observant fellow Master Gardener noticed all the leaf bags piled curbside around town and questioned why the homeowners were tossing them out. You can easily make your own compost from these leaves, as well as from your now frozen annuals and vegetable plants. Add any vegetable or fruit peelings from your kitchen plus coffee grounds, tea bags, egg shells, and your are on your way to some fabulous nutrient rich compost for your spring garden. For a thorough fact sheet click on composting.
QUESTION: I have wild onions and dandelions growing in my lawn. Is now a good time to use a weed killer?
ANSWER: December is a great time to do winter weed control in home lawns. Image is good for wild onion/garlic and some other broadleaf weeds in warm season grasses and is best applied before the end of December. Atrazine can be used in warm season grasses now (best to be done before the end of December) to control grass weeds and broadleaf weeds ( Do not use on lawns overseeded with ryegrass or other cool season grasses). Three way herbicides are found on most garden center shelves and will work well particularly if two applications are made two weeks apart. All these products are slow to work in cool temperatures so patience is needed. It may 4 to 6 weeks to see complete results of applications. It is always important to read the label and follow instructions for grass safety, application, mixing, and personal protection.
QUESTION: What is the best way to take care of my Christmas tree?
ANSWER: If you missed Danny's column in last week's Reflector, you can find all the information you need at Christmas Trees.
