Q: I found a bee-looking creature in my garden. It has a fuzzy black body with yellow at the top, all indications of a bee, but with strange wings and a long snout! -- Brooke Clem, email
A: My bet is that it's one of the bee flies. There are several species of this important pollinator, most of which have fuzzy bodies and fly-type wings. They sip flower nectar during the day and look for the nests of bumblebees or solitary wasps. Eggs are laid at the nest opening and when the prey has pupated underground, the bee fly larvae attacks. Like the fuzzy red/orange velvet ant, bee flies are predators of cicada killer wasps, which are numerous now.
Q: I appreciated your email newsletter article about a kingsnake taking care of a copperhead. We have seen a number of copperheads on our property. Is there some way to encourage the kingsnake population? -- Cathy Rainer, Watkinsville
A: Snakes of any sort are simple creatures. They hang out in spots where they can find food, shelter and mates. Having lots of frogs, mice and snakes on your property would encourage kingsnakes to come by but there is no way to specifically attract them. You could investigate buying one from an online pet store. Local snake expert Jim Rodgers (nearlynativenursery.com) can give you more information on snake identification and care.
Q: I caught your radio advice to control zombies in a lawn by pitching them headfirst into a wood chipper. Is there an organic option for control? -- Zack Martin, Lake Lanier
A: My radio staff members, Ashley Frasca and Scott Maxim, are crack zombie control researchers. They say that you can control zombies organically by liberally applying a crowbar to the skull. The key seems to be destroying their brain before they bite you. Silver crosses, wooden stakes and blue glass bottle trees have not proven effective.
Q: Is there any difference between the pre-emergence for winter weeds and the pre-emergence for summer weeds? -- Ann Jones, Gwinnett County
A: No. While different chemicals are used in different products, they all prevent seed germination or sprout/root elongation after seedlings emerge. We’re getting close to the optimum time (Sept. 15) for fall application of pre-emergent chemicals to lawns. I’ve already seen chickweed sprouts in a shady flower bed.
Q: A builder just clear-cut all the trees behind our fence. Which is the better evergreen tree for fast growth, minimal maintenance and effective privacy: Leyland Cypress or Thuja Green Giant? -- Dave Coyle, Johns Creek
A: Either plant would be great. They can grow up to three feet per year to 30 feet tall in full sun. Frankly, it will look best if you use both, to prevent visual monotony in the back yard. I'd install in a triangular pattern (two Leylands behind one 'Green Giant') with each plant six feet from its neighbor. You'll get the fastest growth if you rototill a strip 12 feet wide along the property line. Use a starter fertilizer at planting and water them appropriately during fall. You'll need to water them occasionally in winter if it is windy for several days. Wind dries out needles and the ground can get pretty dry in December and January.
Listen to Walter Reeves Saturday mornings on AM 750 and 95.5 FM News-Talk WSB. Visit his website, www.walterreeves.com, or join his Facebook Fan Page at xrl.us/wrfacebook for more garden tips.
