Book a good reference on organically controlling pests

Here are some questions I encountered this past week:

Q: Where can I get a good reference book of organic ways to control pests?

A: Robert H. Stauffer, a local master gardener, wrote a book, "Environmentally Friendly Pest Control," published by Trafford in Canada. To purchase one, call (866) 638-6884.

Q: How can I get my neighbor to remove a tree that is dropping debris in my pool?

A: Call 455-3898 for the Clark County Social Service Neighborhood Justice Center. This service enables you to discuss disputed issues in the presence of an arbitrator. There must be a resolution at the end.

Q: We converted our yard to xeriscape three years ago. Now one mondel pine is loaded with pine cones and shedding lots of needles. We are wondering why it has all the cones?

A: When plants load up with bushels of cones, it indicates your tree is really suffering. During the conversion process, you removed the tree's main source of water. Needle shedding is normal for evergreens.

Add more drippers, but that's hard to do. Consider circling the tree with Netafin tubing at three-foot intervals out to its dripline spacing. In the meantime, give it good soakings through these stressful times, and don't fertilize it until next year.

Q: How do you get rid of those noisy insects called cicadas?

A: They are difficult to control, because adults do not eat much. They mate, lay eggs and die. In the evening, larvae emerge from finger-size holes under trees and shrubs. You'll see their exoskeletons clinging to trunks, limbs and walls. Males screech their love songs to attract females, who make saw-tooth openings in tender twigs to lay their eggs. In about seven weeks, the young hatch and drop to the ground as larvae and burrow into the ground to repeat the process. Eventually, twigs die back.

Some gardeners kill them with hammers as they climb the tree, while others put nets over their plants. One woman found her weed-whip gave off the same male mating sound. She enjoyed the zapping sounds as females headed toward the mating call.

Q: What is a bug that's about an inch long with unusual legs messing around my pomegranates?

A: It's the leaf-footed plant bug. Notice the hind legs. You'll see miniature leaves on them, hence the name. Leaf-footed plant bugs are hard to kill. They poke their long snouts in the flower end of pomegranates and feed on developing fruit. Later, the injured fruit ferments and draws other insects and they catch the blame for the damage, but this bug started it all. Spray them with insecticidal soap or neem oil early to avoid damaging plants. These are organic products. Keep watching for others still hanging around.

Q: We want to plant fig and lemon trees but have a small yard. Do we need pollinator trees with them?

A: No, lemons and figs are self-fruiting, so you'll be OK.

Q: Why do my figs stay small and hard?

A: Watering is so critical when figs are forming, so water more as they size up.

Q: We were digging up a dead plant and found the root ball loaded with BB-sized egg casings with small holes in them. What are they?

A: They are Osmocote fertilizer pellets. Nurseries use this slow-release fertilizer to sustain plants to give you a higher quality product.

Q: What evergreen fruit trees can we grow in our climate?

A: Citrus and loquats are about your only choices. Citrus is marginal because of our winters. You can grow them in containers to keep near your home through the freezes. Loquats make an excellent ornamental tree and bring a tropical effect to the landscape.

Q: How do I control the waxy, fuzzy white stuff on my Mediterranean fan palm fronds?

A: This is a natural phenomenon of this palm, so enjoy it.

Q: Why won't my 2-year-old oleanders bloom?

A: They are still too young. They'll bloom next year.

If older oleanders don't bloom, it's probably a lack of water. One of my emitters plugged and the oleander stopped blooming. Also, removing too much of last year's growth will prevent blooming.

Q: We transplanted an Argentine giant cactus from a pot to the ground recently. Why is it developing whitish blotches on the arms?

A: The sun is burning the older tissue. Cover it with shade cloth and all will be well next summer.

Linn Mills writes a garden column each Sunday. You can reach him at linn.mills@ springspreserve.org or call him at 822-7754.