FOR RELEASE THE WEEK OF FEB. 25, 2001
We bought a home in the foothills whose lawn is about one-third spotted spurge. On the one hand, we could get rid of the spurge and reseed the grass. On the other hand, since it obviously outperforms grass on our site, maybe we should just declare the spurge ornamental and live with it! We’re leaning toward the latter. Would that be a good choice?
It is if you’re into growing medicinal plants: spotted spurge has been used to treat cholera, diarrhea and dysentery, among other ailments, says Don Morishita, University of Idaho extension weed scientist. On the other hand, like other spurges, it is considered poisonous when eaten or touched. "Most people who are affected discover their sensitivity after handling the plants and then touching their eyes or mouth," says Morishita. "The spurges have a milky latex or sap that causes the toxicity."
To curb spurges in turf, start with proper irrigation. Too little favors weeds like the spurges and too much favors weeds like dandelions. For chemical control, Morishita recommends applying the preemergence herbicide Dimension in spring before the spurge begins to germinate. Or, once the seedlings have emerged but before they’re 4 inches tall, treat them with postemergence products containing triclopyr–such as Weed-B-Gon Chickweed, Clover & Oxalis Killer–or trimec–such as Weed-B-Gon Lawn Weed Killer.
The labels on citronella candles always list a number of precautions about disposal and/or reuse of the containers. So far, I have been unable to ascertain the reason for this. Would there be any problem in reusing these containers for potted plants? Frances Foster, Idaho Falls
Although citronella is used primarily for its insect repellent properties, it is an herbal compound with few, if any, toxic properties, says Bob Tripepi, University of Idaho horticulture professor.
"The pots that contained citronella candles can probably be used to grow plants–IF you are sure that the citronella is the only active ingredient used as an insect repellent in the candle," he says.
Although plant roots are most likely unable to take up citronella, Tripepi recommends that you grow only ornamental flowers or landscape plants in these pots. Citronella can cause skin irritation in people, and the labels of products that contain it indicate that pregnant women should avoid it. To ensure that any citronella remaining in the candle containers is not ingested by people, stay on the safe side and don’t grow edible crops in them, he says.
We’ve had mice move into our garden shed this winter. We’ll be cleaning the shed this spring and are wondering what precautions we should take against hantavirus.
Hantavirus, carried by deer mice and found in several other rodents as well, typically enters the bodies of its human victims via inhalation of the mouse’s feces, saliva or urine. Consequently, University of Idaho extension entomologist Bob Stoltz says the first precaution is not to disturb any dry rodent droppings or nests.
Instead, first thoroughly wet any dead mice, droppings, nests, food or other potentially contaminated items with a generous spray of bleach solution, made by mixing 1 1/2 cups of household bleach with 1 gallon of water. Because hantavirus exposure can also occur through broken skin, wear latex rubber gloves as you carefully double-bag the sprayed items for disposal. Then, mop or wipe all possibly infected surfaces with the bleach solution.
Before you follow up with sweeping, be sure you’ve got on your dust mask and protective goggles, Stoltz says. If your rodent infestation is particularly heavy, wear coveralls and rubber boots as well, and disinfect all of your protective clothing and gear when you’re finished. If you vacuum, keep the vacuum cleaner outside and bring only the hose indoors.
Known infestations of hantavirus demand additional precautions. Stoltz says their cleanup, decontamination and disposal should be left to professionals.
If you develop fever or muscle aches within one to five weeks of possible exposure to hantavirus, seek medical attention immediately. Shortness of breath and coughing follows quickly, and about 50 percent of hantavirus victims die within a few days of diagnosis.
[READERS: Do you have a question about your home, yard or garden? Send it to HomeWise, University of Idaho Ag Communications, Moscow, ID 83844-2332 or e-mail it to homewise@uidaho.edu. Mention of proprietary products or firms does not constitute endorsement by the University of Idaho Cooperative Extension System or imply approval to the exclusion of other suitable products or firms.]