An inexpensive, natural fire ant control. One that's safe and actually works!

fire ant mound

 About this time of year, subterranean insects (such as fire ants) resurface and start to build nests/mounds. This is also the time of year when lots of people get bit by fire ants. Small children, pets and wildlife too – a few of which are seriously and permanently injured by the ants OR by the poison that's meant to kill the ants.

 You’d think that birds would eat them nearly to oblivion; and in ten, twenty or thirty generations they might. But fire ants are a relatively recent introduction to North America, and our birds haven’t figured out yet how to eat them safely.

For now, I control fire ants by soaking their mounds with a non-poisonous liquid compost solution. I don’t claim to be an etymologist, but this safe, homemade solution works for me – and costs less than 10% of what I’d pay for an advertised poison. And, if you get the queen, fire ants won't return.

I recommend a mixture of 40% compost tea, 40% orange oil and 20% liquid horticultural molasses (mixed thoroughly). Then I mix a half-cup of this mixture with one gallon of water, and saturate the fire ant mound with it. Pour slowly, making sure it soaks into the mound, and doesn’t just run off. (I use a stick to quickly break through the mound’s crust)

This natural solution doesn’t poison the fire ants (or children or wildlife or pets), it instantly dissolves the insects’ exoskeletons so they can’t walk, dig or eat. In about five minutes, there’s no ant activity. A few days later I’ll add beneficial nematodes to the soil to control fire ants long term.

 

 

 

OWEN YOST, in addition to being a blogger, is a licensed Landscape Architect emeritus who has lived and worked in north Texas for over 30 years. He is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award of the Native Plant Society of Texas, and is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), International Federation of Landscape Architects, National Wildlife Federation and the Audubon Society. His office is at Yost87@charter.net in Denton.

 

Birdfeeders and windows; the danger zone

A lot of birds are killed by flying into windows. There are zones, however, where it’s OK to put a feeder near a window. A feeder closer to a window than 2 feet (including on the window itself) is safe. Also, a feeder farther away than 7 feet is OK. The “danger zone” of between 2 and 7 feet should be avoided. You may still have a few bird strikes, however, when birds just aren’t paying attention. Like if it's being chased by a hawk or something.

White-throated Sparrow

A White-throated Sparrow crashed into our large kitchen window early this morning. (it was probably migrating north, like all true sparrows) The lifeless body was on our deck. Putting pathos aside, it was an opportunity to examine it up close. It’s a beautiful  bird – black streaks, pure white throat, vivid spots of yellow, and tan and gray body. I felt a deep responsibility for seeing to the needs of these couple-of-grams creatures whose home we have chosen to usurp.

Cats belong indoors   Ordinary housecats are one of birds’ greatest dangers; natural predators. They’re naturally stealthy and excellent hunters, even if well fed.  Nobody knows for sure, but there may be 2.5-million outdoor cats in Texas. Each kills an average of 5 or 6 birds a year. That works out to 12½ to 15 million dead birds annually. (Cats live a lot longer when kept indoors anyway.)

We have a cat at our house. However we never let it outside. It stares longingly out the window at birds. Not only will it lives longer as an “inside cat”, but so will the birds in our neighborhood.

 

 

OWEN YOST, in addition to being a blogger, is a licensed Landscape Architect emeritus who has lived and worked in north Texas for over 30 years. He is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award of the Native Plant Society of Texas, and is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), International Federation of Landscape Architects, National Wildlife Federation and the Audubon Society. His office is at Yost87@charter.net in Denton.

 

 

 

two very INexpensive hobbies.

The two least expensive hobbies to have

They’re not raising race horses or collecting impressionist art. As you’ve probably guessed, one hobby is birdwatching. The other is gardening. Certainly, they’re inextricably intertwined (say that 3 times, fast). Being retired, I do both, and probably save a lot of time and money that can now be lavished and squandered on grandchildren.

Why are both birdwatching and gardening are at or near the top of the list of popular, inexpensive hobbies. For one thing, they cost a whole lot less than most hobbies (most others are fine hobbies, but money's tight, folks!). There are no rules and procedures for either. None! There are no clubs to join (unless you want to), there’s no “must” wearing apparel, and you don’t have to travel anywhere (again, unless you want to). Getting started with either is as simple as hanging a birdfeeder or two in your yard, and nurturing plants nearby.

A big appeal of both birdwatching and gardening is that they’re profoundly educational while being inexpensive. They're not physically demanding, either. The two hobbies delve into the  interrelationships of nature’s plants and animals. Seeing things like birds hanging around certain flowers, and nesting in certain trees, and thinking about “why”, is a big step toward understanding the world we all live in. Showing things like that to your grandchildren is enlightening to everyone!

 

OWEN YOST, in addition to being a blogger, is a licensed Landscape Architect emeritus who has lived and worked in north Texas for over 30 years. He is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award of the Native Plant Society of Texas, and is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), International Federation of Landscape Architects, National Wildlife Federation and the Audubon Society. His office is at Yost87@charter.net in Denton.

 

Attracting MORE Hummingbirds to your yard.

 

Black-chinned Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds have arrived in north Texas - in great numbers. Many of them will, after resting, continue their northward migration. To encourage as many as possible to stay around, try the suggestions below;

Put up more than one feeder – First, there should be enough spots for Hummingbirds to sip nectar without waiting in line. Put up enough feeders for the number of Hummingbirds you could have, not just the number that you have today. Feeders should not be visible from each other, or the tiny birds (which are very possessive) will fight others off.

Keep nectar fresh – Fresh nectar attracts them, and stale repels them. If they get a sip of stale nectar at your house, they won’t bring fledglings or friends by. Nectar gets stale quickly on a super-hot Texas day. We change nectar every 6 or 7 days normally. But when it’s really hot, we’ll go to every other day.

 

Avoid most insect killers. - Most insecticides kill every insect around, even butterflies (which are insects). But when all the insects are dead, Hummingbirds can't exist just on nectar. About a third of their diet (similar to many other birds) is protein-rich insects. 

Plant hummer plants – Hummingbirds look for nectar from flowers in addition to feeders. Some plants have far sweeter nectar than others. Birds know this, and are drawn to them (so are butterflies) and often encourage their youngsters to feed there. Try Lantana, Turk's Cap, Mistflower and Flame Acanthus in north Texas.

Water source –  Just like humans, Hummingbirds need something to drink with meals. Water from a hose-run dripper or mister on a birdbath is ideal (a dripping faucet works too). They’ll use it to drink, to bathe, and just to play in.

          Follow these guidelines and it’s a safe bet the number of Hummingbirds in your yard will grow. The main reason is that the parents almost always bring youngsters back to where they were raised - if it was a good, safe environment.

 

 

That annoying pecking!       Many birds will peck vigorously and endlessly at a window – or anything else reflective. This happens largely in the springtime, and often with Cardinals. The offending bird (usually a male) sees his own reflection and, not being a rocket scientist, is attacking it (seeing "another bird") in a territorial dispute.

I know it drives you crazy, but the bird isn't hurting itself.  (No bird has ever been hurt from doing this, except for damaging his pride)  Try eliminating the reflection by rubbing dry soap on the outside of the window. It might stop the pecking, and it washes right off.

 

OWEN YOST, in addition to being a blogger, is a licensed Landscape Architect emeritus who has lived and worked in north Texas for over 30 years. He is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award of the Native Plant Society of Texas, and is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), International Federation of Landscape Architects, National Wildlife Federation and the Audubon Society. His office is at Yost87@charter.net in Denton.

 

 

 

Meadowlarks are wide-ranging, but disappearing.

Eastern Meadowlark

       There are two species of Meadowlarks; Eastern and Western.  Both are found in north Texas - especially in fields and meadows (hence, the name). They can be found from coast to coast, and from central Canada down to Argentina.  The Meadowlark (the colorful eastern species is more common here) is yellow and brown, but is classified as a “blackbird”.

       However, Meadowlarks are disappearing rapidly; at about the same rate as meadows and fields are disappearing. Add to that the liberal, knee-jerk use of "kill-everything" insecticides on just about any piece of grass still around. After all, Meadowlarks eat insects, and grass is usually full of them!

Eastern Meadowlark



OWEN YOST, in addition to being a blogger, is a licensed Landscape Architect emeritus who has lived and worked in north Texas for over 30 years. He is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award of the Native Plant Society of Texas, and is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), International Federation of Landscape Architects, National Wildlife Federation and the Audubon Society. His office is at Yost87@charter.net in Denton.

 

"Not many butterflies in my yard last year. Fewer so far this year. Why?"

Monarch

 

Red Admiral

 This is the ninth year in a row that the population of monarchs wintering in Mexico has fallen below its long-term average, and this year it hit an all-time low.  Butterflies, especially Monarchs, are in crisis, and we must take immediate action to protect them! Less than 20 years ago, an astounding 1 billion monarchs migrated to Mexico for the winter. This year, a small fraction of that -- just 33.5 million -- made the journey. 

Why is there a crisis? In large part it's because industrial agriculture is killing off the native milkweed on which monarchs depend. Big Ag's uses “kill everything” herbicides like glyphosate -- marketed as Roundup by Monsanto -- the EPA could dramatically increase the monarch's chance for survival, as well as many other butterflies. This can be done, not by banning herbicides entirely, but by placing common sense limits on their use.

         

Butterfly Weed

Monarchs can't live without milkweed -- it is the only plant on which they lay their eggs. In north Texas, milkweed-family plants include around 100 species.  In north Texas gardens the most common is called Butterfly Weed (Asclepias Tuberosa). having showy reddish-orange flower clusters when it's established. [Before you react poorly to the word "weed", know that it has Germanic roots, and merely means "plant" in another language)  A mass of Butterfly Weed is heaven for butterflies. Other popular native milkweeds are Green Milkweed Asclepias Viridis) and Antelope Horns (Asclepias Asperula). Also, there is the Texas Milkweed (Asclepias Texana) and many many more. Unfortunately, glyphosates like Roundup kill them all. Hence, fewer butterflies.

         Each year, as they have for countless generations, North American monarchs undertake an epic journey, flittering upwards of 3,000 miles across the U.S. and Canada to just a relative few wintering grounds, including Mexico's Sierra Madre mountains where they winter.

But as industrial agriculture has ramped up its use of genetically engineered crops resistant to weed killers like glyphosate, it has also dramatically escalated its use of herbicides -- and butterly populations have plunged.

So I recommend planting a mass (at least a dozen plants) of milkweeds in your yard this year. Maybe they won't flower in the first season, but you may help some butterfly families have a brighter outlook.

Gulf Frittilary

 

Monarch

 

 

Putting red dye in Hummingbird nectar can harm birds

According to Wildbird magazine, if nectar is dyed red, a typical Hummingbird (weighing just a few grams) takes in 10 times the amount of dye necessary to cause DNA damage.

High doses of Red #40 (the most popular dye) will also result in “significantly reduced reproductive success, parental and offspring weight” according to researchers. Plain nectar is what they need.  Nothing more.  Another research study proved that red food coloring is, more often than not, harmful to Hummingbirds.

Here in the north Texas heat, microscopic bits of mold (found in most food coloring) can multiply rapidly in heat, ruining an entire batch of nectar and making the birds go elsewhere, usually for the entire season. So change nectar frequently - every week or so.

         Adding color to nectar is just an “urban legend”; it’s never been proven to be necessary or helpful.  Nowadays, almost all feeders are colorful enough all by themselves.  In truth, it’s not just red that attracts them.  It’s any bright color except green; (an adaptation that lets them spot nectar-producing flowers in a leafy forest or jungle). 

          So please keep the nectar fresh and clear, and the Hummingbirds healthy!

 

OWEN YOST, in addition to being a blogger, is a licensed Landscape Architect emeritus who has lived and worked in north Texas for over 30 years. He is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award of the Native Plant Society of Texas, and is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), International Federation of Landscape Architects, National Wildlife Federation and the Audubon Society. His office is at Yost87@charter.net in Denton.

Mar.26(W) Want to attract a Kestrel? Get a Wood Duck birdhouse.

 

American Kestrel

A Wood Duck chooses a nest site near water, clearly. But if you’re not near water, but within about half-a-mile of a grassy field or meadow, the same birdhouse, with the same sized hole, is likely to attract an American Kestrel. It’s a beautiful, small falcon that wreaks havoc on mice and large insects near its nest.

 

UPDATE      A U.S. Federal Court has ordered the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to protect migrating birds from colliding with communications towers (cell phone, television etc.) Each year, between 5- and 50-million migrating birds are killed by collisions with towers with steadily burning lights. Those applying for tower permits from now on must comply with existing federal regulations protecting birds.

 

OWEN YOST, in addition to being a blogger, is a licensed Landscape Architect emeritus who has lived and worked in north Texas for over 30 years. He is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award of the Native Plant Society of Texas, and is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), International Federation of Landscape Architects, National Wildlife Federation and the Audubon Society. His office is at Yost87@charter.net in Denton.