Top Q&A Homeowner Questions

August 2007

How to remove bees from the basement 

• Contact one of the beekeepers listed on the Bee Swarm List if they are swarmed into a mass.
• This list is available through the Extension office
  
• Use a pyrethroid spray. If this doesn't get a nest you can treat with Sevin or Permethrin dust. The bees will eventually track in enough dust to kill the hive. Informational NCSU link

 

How to kill yellow jackets in the ground 

The nest should not be approached during the day as the hive is active. Wait until dusk to approach the area, and maintain your distance as the insect spray is applied.

• Read and follow all label directions before applying the bee & wasp spary.
• Do not use a flash light as they are attracted to the light and will defend the nest. 
• Several hours before dusk, determine the direction of the flight patterns the bees use leaving and approaching the nest, and stay out of this pattern during the application of the spray. 
• Yellow Jackets are aggressive and will sting when animals or people come near the nest. You can wait until freezing weather (December) when the nest will be killed by cold, and they will not return to the nest. 
• To kill them, you can try mixing liquid soap in water and pour down the hole at dusk.  Be careful when you pour as they will come out angry.   NCSU Yellow Jacket information 
  

Summer Crepe Myrtle Problems 

 How to control Mildew

• Spray with Horticultural Oil and keep leaves washed with a solution of water and dish soap solution. NCSU Crepe Myrtle Info 

If you have other questions or a more specific question, please call the MG Hotline at 7336-703-2846 when the Hotline is open. MG Hotline availability