FAQ

Q: Should we put fertilizer down in April or should we use Corn Gluten and fertilizer in the same month?

A: Corn Gluten helps stop crabgrass seeds from germinating and a great benefit is that it contains 9% plant nitrogen so it’s also a very good non-toxic fertilizer. You won’t have to worry about burning your children or pets.

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Q: We have had a squirrel living inside our attic for the past few weeks. He comes and goes. He has made quite a mess there and I just wanted to know how to clean it up?

A: Squirrels can be just as damaging if not more so than mice. The real problem at this time of year is making sure there are no young squirrels (babies). If the mother is prevented from getting to her babies she can tear your house apart. You should get a free inspection.

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Q: I keep pulling the ticks off my dog and it is only March. Is there anything at all we can put down in the yard to get rid of them? My friend said cedar oil.

A: Now is the time to get a treatment. Although cedar oil is a natural pesticide with good results it is not registered for use in Rhode Island. Any pest control company that uses it is breaking the law. There are other legal plant oils that work very effectively so until cedar oil is approved don’t use it.

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Q: We have had five years of treatments of pesticides on our grass and I have finally got my husband to change to Organic Fertilizer. Before he does that should we just leave the grass for one year without putting anything on it? I am worried it is still in the ground and will kill the organic fertilizer.

A: It’s ok to start organics now, but if you want an instant chemical type lawn then think again. Organic lawns are natural and by definition rely on nature to take its course. If you want instant results and are not concerned about chemical usage, think about your health first and then commit to organics. After a few years you will be very pleased you did.

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Q: We have had a new floor put down in our kitchen as it was rotted through from Termites and I am not sure what else. As we have used pressure treated wood we should not have a problem again. Is this correct?

A: Termites will not eat pressure treated wood, but they will just build their tubes over it. Replacing wood is not a solution for termite treatment. They will just find another way to find the untreated wood. Call us for a free inspection.

Q: We had Carpenter Ants both inside and outside our house last year. After November we did not see any. Do they come back every year?

A: They spend the winter (usually November-April) in a dormant state deep in their colony. This year the warm winter has woken some of them up prematurely. They will certainly be back this year in full force. If you have seen them inside your home you need to get an inspection as they may have a colony chewing away at your wood. They can do just as much damage as termites if left alone. We have been busy with activity during February. Don’t ignore them and don’t kill the foragers as the queen will just lay more eggs and you will make matters worse.

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Q: My trees are coming into bud. Is this a good time to feed them?

A: Wait until the soil is around 50 degrees, then add micronutrients as opposed to nitrogen products. Definitely don’t add nitrogen to sick trees. Let's hope we don’t get a late winter blast of cold air to kill the buds.

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Q: Is it true that Rodents inside the home can make you sick? I have lived in the same house for over 15 years and we always have mice. We set traps, catch mice then do not see any for about two weeks, then they are back. It is an on going thing?

A: They are very dangerous to live with. Apart from fires and damage and bad odors, they can carry salmonellosis, meningitis, leptospirosis, rat-bite fever, ringworm, and dermatitis. They are also known to transmit diseases by contaminating food and especially pet food.

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Q: We recently had a Termite Treatment having some cups put into the ground around the house. My builder has found more live termites - mainly at the back of the house. I have contacted the company who did the treatment and I was told not to worry about it as they will eventually die. Problem is we are having windows replaced and I do not want these eaten away by termites.

A: Actually I don’t like that type of service because of the chemicals used, but if the cups are monitored correctly the termites should die out. Just make sure the inspector tells you what is happening.

Below are just a few of the many questions we receive regularly. For even more questions and information, visit our blog or sign-up for our E-News to receive Environmentally Friendly tips, updates and the latest information about new products and services directly in your inbox!

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