Consumer Q’s

Prepared by the Office of Public Affairs

Georgia Department of Agriculture

Tommy Irvin, Commissioner

www.agr.georgia.gov



Q. My crawlspace flooded along with my yard. Is my house still protected against termites?

A. If you have a liquid termiticide barrier treatment or termite monitoring/baiting program protecting your structure, it is essential that you check with a licensed pest control company to determine if the barrier or stations have been disturbed by heavy rains or flooding. Re-treatment with a termiticide (termite-killing chemical) or re-installation of a baiting program may be required if soil has shifted away from, or has been deposited next to, a foundation or there has been movement of adjacent attached slabs, such as patios, porches, driveways and sidewalks.

The disturbance of the liquid barrier treatment or termite monitoring system is unfortunate, and is neither the fault of the homeowner, business owner or the pest control company. Property owners need to review their termite control contracts to see who is responsible for the re-establishment of the termite protection. This can be found in the terms and conditions of the contract.

Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin advises home and business owners to be cautious, in addition to using and seeking the advice of only licensed professional pest control operators. “If a company is not licensed in Georgia, it is illegal for them to practice termite control, and your property will not be professionally protected,” says Irvin.

If you are in doubt, call the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Structural Pest Control Office at (404) 656-3641. Consumers also can verify a company’s operator’s license at http://www.kellysolutions.com/ga/structural/



Q. What exactly is teff? I saw a bag of it next to the oatmeal in the grocery story.

A. Teff (Eragrostis tef) is a grain originally from Ethiopia. It is sometimes called the world’s smallest grain. The small seeds are boiled and eaten like oatmeal or porridge. It has a rich, nutty flavor and is sometimes eaten with butter, honey and raisins. The small seeds are also ground into flour. Packages of teff and teff flour usually have basic preparation instructions and often have other recipes such as pancakes, muffins, cookies and even teff hushpuppies.



Q. How can I get rid of gnats (fruit flies) inside my home? All foods and fruits are stored properly (to my knowledge), but these pesky little things keep annoying me!

A. You are correct in making sure foods are covered and properly stored to keep the fruit flies from getting to them. The main way to get rid of the fruit flies is to get rid of what they like or prevent them from getting to it. These insects are especially attracted to ripe and overripe fruits and vegetables. Bananas and cantaloupes are two favorites. Make sure your garbage can is covered tightly. Do not leave food scraps in the house. Since some types of flies (including fruit flies) can breed in drains and garbage disposals, make sure they are cleaned and/or covered. There are numerous home remedies and traps for fruit flies, but the best advice is to keep them from getting the foods they like. The arrival of cold weather will bring some relief by killing off the fruit flies that may be currently coming inside. For more information check out this publication from the University of Georgia: http://apps.caes.uga.edu/urbanag/HOME&GARDEN/indexFS.cfm?storyid=2737



Q. Are there any flower seeds that can be sown in the fall?

A. Corn poppy, California poppy, cornflower (bachelor buttons) and larkspur are best sown in the fall in Georgia. You can also set out plants of pansies, violas and snapdragons in the fall. And don’t overlook all the bulbs that can be planted in the fall.