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In this issue…
1. Q&A - Pine
Needle Curl
2. Skunks
3. Home Humidifiers and
Pests
4. Quick Facts
Mail Note: We have been in our new facilities for a little over a year now and love it. It has been so wonderful to meet our many customers as so many of you have started coming in with your payments and questions. We also would like you to know that the forwarding order we placed on mail delivery last year has now expired and any mail addressed to the old address will now be returned to you. Please be sure all your payments and correspondence is going to 3100 E Pine St, Deming, NM 88030. Thanks for the great year.
Question: I have Afghan or Mondale Pine Trees and want to know what is causing the needles at the tips of branches to be curled and distorted? It looks like some kind of a bug is causing this but I don’t see anything.
Answer: I have seen curly tips on pines both very early in the spring---on Afghans ready to pop some new growth---through the hot part of summer. Sometimes you're lucky enough to find the tips still "captured" inside the bracts that cover them during development---but those are easily brushed or shaken off---by us, not the tree. Early in the spring, it's tempting to blame it on thrips, although I haven't seen thrips on those parts at that time of year---some species do like pollen, however. At this time of year, (this was late Summer or Early Fall) I think another flush of new growth is the explosive response of the plant to quality rainwater---rather than chlorinated tap water or occasional flooding with well water. All of a sudden, water is present inside the tree and there's humidity. The tree's stress---especially water stress---takes a dip and new growth is ready to pop. However, that readiness may not be 100% all along the trunk and branches, clear to the tip. The most extreme location on the plant is the tip of the needle; growth and elongation occurs along its length and closer to the point of attachment. Being shoved from behind, the needle tip is pushed faster than its own cells can expand; that darn membranous cap is temporarily stuck but the cells back of it continue to grow and elongate. Finally the cap is pushed off but the needles are curly on the ends. It's likely to correct itself in the next few weeks. Dr. Carol Sutherland, Extension Entomologist, New Mexico State University and State Entomologist, NM Dept. of Agriculture Please send us your questions-click here . Simple or complicated, we love them all.
Skunks are weasel-like animals that are about the size of an average cat. They have short, stocky legs and large feet with well-developed claws for digging. They are nocturnal, relatively mild-tempered animals that feed on plants and other small animals. Insects are their favorite food and skunks will often damage turf and lawn areas digging for them. They are usually not a problem unless they are cornered or harmed. When skunks become alarmed they can discharge a musk from their anal glands that has a horrible, nauseating smell. There are four or five species of skunks in the US, but the striped skunk is the most common. Striped skunks have big lateral white stripes down their backs. Normally, skunks make dens in a variety of natural habitats, however, when given the opportunity, they will get into garbage and may take up residence under porches, decks, mobile homes, or other protected locations.
Skunks can carry a variety of diseases that may affect humans or other animals including rabies, distemper and histoplasmosis. If a skunk starts living in or under your home, never try to remove it by force. Most skunks can be lured out of a burrow with fish-flavored, canned cat-food, sardines, or peanut butter. If a skunk ever appears aggressive, leave it alone and call your local animals control agency or a trapping service. In certain instances, we may be able to help also. Currently, we are not looking to get into the problem animal control side of pest control so we offer live trap rental and instructions. Once the animal has been removed, check the space for young. If none are found, immediately seal, screen or close off the area (preferably using wire mesh, sheet metal, or concrete). A professional trapping service or animal control should be able to help you with trapping, removal, relocation and structural repair advice. It might be a good idea to check with the state wildlife officials before having a skunk removed. Some skunk species are protected in several states, and most skunks come under “Fur Bearing Animal” regulations.
Used to be that homes became very dry in the winter. This is because the outside humidity is down and the heating systems will dry out the air. The problem with the low humidity is that people started to develop dry skin, itching, and became more sensitive to dust. Today, a real benefit to the comfort of the homeowner is the addition of moisture to the air. Humidifiers can be added to heating systems or can be purchased as freestanding units to moisten the air. Dry air in the winter is very stressful for insects. Insects need moisture and by removing the moisture, many insects were controlled or at least reproducing was slowed. By humidifying the air, the insects are no longer stressed due to lack of moisture in the air. What has made a living environment more comfortable for us makes the living environment more comfortable for pests too. During the winter, don’t assume that insect pests take a vacation away from your home or office. Watch out for any signs of insects and contact us company at the first sign. We can do a thorough inspection periodically and will control the pests and make your living environment comfortable.
Pantry pests will not reproduce and thrive when moisture content in food is less than 12%. For this reason there’s a lower than average occurrence of these pests in desert regions. During our rainy season, when evaporative coolers are pumping moisture into the air, calls for these pests escalate. Humidifiers can create the same conditions other times of the year. Molds and mildews also need humidity to grow. That’s why you see them in bathrooms and basements. With the discovery of “Toxic” molds excess humidity is not desirable.
We’re not trying to discourage use of humidifiers, but you should be aware of the consequences of too much humidity. If you smell a musty odor or see mildew or mold, there’s too much moisture and improved ventilation is needed. All living things need water and dryer is better when it comes to unwanted pests.
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