Consumers get answers from Georgia 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.

Consumer Alert: Risk of explosion and hearing damage prompts recall of remote control airplanes. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, announces a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. Name of product: Sky Rangers Park Flyer Radio Control Airplanes; Units: About 21,000; Distributor: Estes-Cox Corp., of Penrose, Colo.; Hazard: The airplanes are launched by hand and can explode near the consumer's head, posing a risk of temporary hearing loss and injuries to eyes, face and hands; Incidents/injuries: Estes- Cox has received 45 reports of airplanes exploding, including 22 reports of consumers experiencing temporary ear pain or hearing being affected; five reports of minor burns to hands, faces or eyes; two reports of chest impact from debris; two reports of eye injuries; and one report of a cut hand. One comsumer sought medical attention for burning eyes; Description: This recall involves Model 4116 Sky Rangers Park Flyer radio control airplanes, which come with a black battery charger. The airplanes have a wingspan of about 14 inches, a light blue, white and orange polystyrene foam fuselage, and a copper coil on the rudder. Airplanes with a warning sticker on the fuselage near the on/off switch are not included in the recall; Sold at: Hobby stores and other retailers nationwide from September 2005 through December 2006 for between $20 and $40; Manufactured in: China; Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled airplanes immediately and contact Estes-Cox to verify that their plane is being recalled and for instructions on returning the airplane for a replacement product; Consumer Contact: For additonal information, contact Estes-Cox at 800-576-5811 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. MT Monday through Thursday, or visit the firm's website at www.estesrockets.com.

Q: The grounds of my home are infested with what I think are June bugs. They seem to be swarming about 2-3 feet above the lawn. Do you have any suggestions?

A: Before taking any corrective action, get an accurate identification of the insect. June bugs are related to the Japanese beetle and can be treated the same. You may spray with liquid Sevin, which can be bought at almost any garden store. While it is relatively safe, repeated use can result in a buildup of mites. Sevin is also poisonous to bees, which pollinate flowers, so do not use the dust form on flowering plants visited by bees. Lawns may be treated with Diazinon or Dursban. To get the insecticide down to the grubs, you must water the lawn after treatment with approximately a half inch of water. It is very important to read and follow all label directions as improper use of insecticides may affect human and animal health.

Q: What are the requirements to operate a kennel and where would I find the laws? Is each county governed by its own laws?

A: A copy of the rules and regulations for the state of Georgia can be obtained by writing to the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Office of Animal Protections, 19 MLK Jr. Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30334. We govern breeding kennels and boarding kennels. The local government may have regulations regarding how many animals you may have on your property and/or may have kennel regulations of their own. You will need to check with your zoning department or local animal control office for any local ordinances.

Q: As a summer project my grandchildren usually raise baby chicks. I have heard that chick- ens carry lice and mites. Is this anything that is contagious?

A: It is true that baby chicks may carry lice and mites; however, they are not contagious to humans. According to scientist with the University of Georgia College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, the mites and lice can be treated with a dusting of Malathion or Sevin. Check the birds weekly for mites and lice. Push the feathers back to inspect the skin around the vent and head. If you find lice or mites dust with Malathion or Sevin. It is important to read and follow all label directions as improper use of pesticides may affect animal and human health.

Q: I have ants in my yard and they are coming into my house. How do I get rid of them?

A: Although ants are beneficial insects, they can become serious pests when they invade homes. Pharaoh ants are small, yellow ants about 1/ 16-inch in length. They are very common in the Southeast. Most ants are attracted to food and drinks spilled in the home. Nests can be found under logs, rocks, firewood, at the bases of trees, and in landscaping rails and mulch. Once the nest has been located, you may apply Sevin or proucts containing Diazinon to the mound. Various formulations of these products such as dusts, granules or liquid may be used. Remember it is important to read and follow all label directions as improper use of pesticides may affect animal and human health.

Q: What is the correct termite treatment program for a new home? I've heard that there is to be an initial treatment and that a second treatment should be done some time later.

A: Before the foundation is poured for a new home, the soil is pretreated for termites. Once the landscaping has been done, the soil is trenched and treated again around the perimeter of the home. Although not required to do so, the builder usually does this. You should speak with the builder in advance to make arrangements for these treatments.

If you have questions or problems with products or services regulated by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, you may write the Office of Consumer Services, Room 224, 19 MLK Dr., Atlanta, GA 30334 or call 1-800-282-5852.