Search Results

Bees, Termites, and how to fix #740270

Asked March 22, 2021, 7:08 PM EDT

Hi.  I am new to beekeeping.  I purchased a two box, 10 frame wood hive last summer and set it up in my back yard.  I deliberately did not buy or encourage a swarm.  I wanted to see what would go wrong with the hive first.  I wound up with termites and a spider in the hive.  The spider, I am not so concerned about.  I do have both termites and ants in my yard, and there is a steep cliff face between my lower back yard and upper back yard.  The upper back yard is where the hive is located.  It is the only place I am allowed to keep the hive, due to city rules.  

I do have plans to put the insect resistant cups on the legs of my new stand, with oil and vaseline, to prevent new armies from getting in.

My concern is what can I treat my hive with, inside, to get rid of the termite eggs and damage, without harming future bees?  This would be inside the hive, under the hive top.

Thanks so much!


Cayuga County New York

Rust colored pine needles on large pine tree on entire south side of tree. #738076

Asked March 08, 2021, 12:45 PM EST

We aren't sure if this is due to the location of the tree and it was getting too cold this winter or if it has a bug we need to get rid of immediately before it spreads to the other nearby trees. Your help would be appreciated to diagnose. Thank you!!

Washington County Minnesota

ant control #728271

Asked October 01, 2020, 8:02 PM EDT

Hi, we have recently been getting ants in our kitchen. Food is not sitting out; counters are not dirty. They just roam after coming out from under electrical socket plates. Terro Liquid Ant Baits seemed to work. Then when they came back, we put the batis out again, but the numbers are not abating. I don't see any big nests outside. Our house will be 2 years old in January. All of the landscape was done from scratch around then, so a lot of disturbance of soil that was previously here. The foundation is free from resting vegetation or heavy mulch. Should we perservere with the Terros or get the yard and house sprayed professionally.? We have had a few ants here and there over the past 2 years, but nothing like this. Thanks!

Clackamas County Oregon

Yellow needles in my Oregon Green Austrian Pine and Vanderwolf Pine #728022

Asked September 30, 2020, 4:57 PM EDT

Over the springtime I planted these pines, both of which have shown new growth over the summer and generally look healthy up until now. My Vanderwolf Pine is yellowing in the center near the trunk, worse than the Austrian Pine. Should I be worried? It's doesn't get too much water but it is close to the natural drainage area. I understand a little bit of yellowing is natural but this looks excessive, any suggestions? I



Deschutes County Oregon

Re occurring ants in front lawn #662084

Asked July 10, 2020, 9:42 AM EDT

We have an area in our front lawn that is damaged by ants. Last year Orkin thought they have found the remedy, but they are back this year. We live at 2827 Champa street. Looking for suggestions. thank you

Denver County Colorado

ants at base of plants #657371

Asked June 29, 2020, 7:20 AM EDT

Hello- I have noticed colonies of ants at the base of some plants this year causing some damage. Their entrance seems to be built around the base of the plant and they circulate around there. My kale (multiple) and sunflowers had these colonies on them, and the plants were eventually decapitated as they chewed threw the stems. I try to preserve and respect most insects in the garden, and I know ants really aren't detrimental. What are they doing? I will apply diatemacous earth to kill off some of them, but unsure why they are seeking out my plants this year.

Hennepin County Minnesota

Ponderosa Pine needles and pine cones #650497

Asked June 17, 2020, 5:40 PM EDT

We live in Douglas County at 6100 ft elevation. We have noticed a significant increase in the needles and pine cones being dropped by our ponderosa pines this year compared to the last 4 years we have lived here. The trees are probably nearly 50 years old. Is there anything we should be worried about or is this a normal cylce? Thank you!

Douglas County Colorado

Ants #648924

Asked June 11, 2020, 9:51 AM EDT

I have black ants (1/2” long) that come into our home in the spring, now they are mostly outside. They have anthills in about 6 areas in my yard, the largest is about 5 feet in diameter. Every year they add on. Their holes are about the diameter of a pencil. Our property has mixed soils, some topsoil over sand, Hamburg Township area. If you step on them, their body is so strong that they usually survive and if to pick them up to put in the trash, they’ll bite and hang on -ugh! Is there a way to make them leave? The photo is a bottle cap beside the ant and their hole



Livingston County Michigan

Ant problem. #647185

Asked June 08, 2020, 8:09 AM EDT

Ants in house. Neighbor has same issue. Large black ants appear on wall, floor window sill, one at a time. Been going on for about a week. Why is this happening now and treawhat best is best treatment? Thank you. (I have sent same question second time because I wanted to check the "make it public" box.)

Saginaw County Michigan

Fire Ants #642019

Asked May 30, 2020, 3:57 PM EDT

I planted a Clematis by my mailbox. When I removed one of the bricks, I found a bunch of maybe Fire ants. Lucky I had gloves on, because they were crawling on my hands. I had a bucket of water by me, so I dipped my hands in it. How can I get rid of them? & will they affect my Clematis?



Macomb County Michigan