Consumers get answers from Department of Agriculture

Prepared by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Office of Public Affairs Tommy Irvin, Commissioner. Call Consumer Q's hotline at 1-800- 282-5852.

Q: I purchased five cubic feet of top soil. When it was delivered, it did not look like five cubic feet. I contacted the company and they brought some more soil but it still doesn't look right. Can you help me?

A: Yes, our office of Fuel and Measures will dispatch an inspector to evaluate the situation for you.

Q: I was told that my trees have been invaded by Ambrosia beetles. How can I know for sure and what can I do about it?

A: Your county extension agent can make a positive identification for you. If it is Ambrosia beetles, once the tree is infested with more than 10 to 20 beetles, there is nothing you can do to kill the fungus. Once it's in a tree, the only solution is to cut the tree down and burn it. The burning is important. If you don't burn it, the beetle could go to other trees.

Q: Is there any way to prevent infestation by Ambrosia beetle?

A: According to Dr. Gretchen Pettis of the University of Georgia College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, if Ambrosia beetles have hit trees in your area before, spray the trunks and branches of your trees with pyrethroid insecticides such as permethrin or cyfluthrin. This will kill a beetle before it can start digging. Apply the pesticide every two to three weeks for up to three times starting in early April. Please make sure to follow application instructions.

Q: I have a corn field that I want to mow into a maze for commercial use. Are there any regulations regarding this usage of my corn fields?

A: In speaking with our office of Commercial Pesticides, you should make sure that all pesticide usage instructions have been followed and that the instructions for field re-entry are strictly adhered to. Patrons should be advised that exposure to corn stalks can be a skin irritant. Additionally, it is recommended that you check with your local municipality for any requirements they may have.

If you have questions or problems with products or services regulated by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, you may write the Office of Public Affairs, Room 224, 19 Martin Luther King Drive, Atlanta 30334 or call 1-800-282-5852.