There are some tiny bugs on my Christmas tree. What should I do?
Aphids and spiders are the two most commonly found pests on fresh-cut Christmas trees. In both cases, adults that were on the trees back in late summer or fall laid eggs on the stems or needles. These eggs normally remain dormant through the inhospitable weather of winter, but they hatch when they become sufficiently warmed by heat within the house. An infestation may vary from just a few to several hundred individuals. Newly hatched insects and spiderlings are very small (approximately 1/16 inch).
None of the insects or spiders that emerge after being carried in on a fresh-cut tree will cause any harm or damage to the tree, the house, the furnishings or the occupants. They cannot bite or sting and they will not live long enough to grow or multiply. The tiny insects or spiderlings are simply an annoyance.
An application of an insecticide to fresh-cut Christmas trees is not necessary or recommended. The insects and spiders will quickly die of starvation or desiccation, whichever comes first. If newly hatched insects or spiders are found on the floor or other areas around the tree, simply vacuum them up and discard them.
Why are my potatoes beginning to sprout?
Potatoes should be stored at a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit and relative humidity of 90 to 95 percent. Tubers often begin to sprout if storage temperatures are above 50 degrees F. Also, don’t store potatoes with apples or other fruits. Fruits produce ethylene gas. Ethylene promotes sprouting of potatoes.
My poinsettia has lost several leaves. What is the problem?
Improper watering may be responsible for the leaf drop on the poinsettia. Over-watering will cause the lower leaves to turn yellow and drop. Plants that are allowed to get too dry will wilt and also drop leaves.
The water needs of a poinsettia can be determined with a finger test. Check the potting soil daily with your finger. When the soil becomes dry to the touch, water the plant until water begins to flow out the bottom of the pot. If the pot is wrapped in decorative foil, punch a hole in the foil at the bottom of the pot for water drainage and place a saucer underneath the pot. Discard the excess water which drains into the saucer. Today, most florists use molded plastic pot covers rather than foil. When watering these plants, carefully remove the poinsettia from the pot covering, water the plant in the sink, then drop it back into the molded pot cover.
Also, make sure the poinsettia is not located near a heat source or cold draft. Warm, dry air blowing across the plant from a furnace register and rapid temperature fluctuations (such as near a door) can also cause leaf drop.
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