MIRAGE-Benchmark/MIRAGE huggingface dataset:
Bugs? (Or banana seeds . . .)

Question: Recently (last week) we discovered a bunch of small, dark brown stuff in the cabinet under the sink. At first I thought they were coffee grounds (we keep the compost bucket under the sink, emptied daily) and cleaned them up. But they returned, and we discovered them on the shelves as well as the floor of the cabinet. Picture attached. Are these bug sacks/eggs? And if so, should we put them outside or trash them (invasives)? They have a rather hard exterior, but can be broken open with a strong thumbnail, and reveal a reddish interior. They all seem to have a tiny "tail" on one end. Not at all sure how they arrived (much less what they are).

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 22, 2024, 3:05 PM EDT
response: These do not look like insect bodies or debris (including insect eggs), nor do they look like plant seeds. Their size and shape does suggest mouse droppings, however. (Refer to the linked page for more information.) You may want to try using baited mouse traps or check for access points that need sealing like gaps in the cabinet, holes around piping or wiring, and similar entry points, which can be surprisingly small to let a mouse crawl through it.  Miri

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 22, 2024, 7:00 PM EDT
response: Dear Miri  Thank you for the information and . . . Eeeuuwww. And we have three cats! But I think you are right and the mouse stays in the cabinet so they don’t see it.   Deborah   On Mon, Jul 22, 2024 at 3:05 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 23, 2024, 8:52 AM EDT
response: You're welcome.
Holes in garden bed

Question: I have a fenced garden with raised beds. There is 1/4” hardware cloth on the bottom of my beds. Trying to figure out what is creating these mystery holes near by blueberries. Nothing appears very eaten aside from some nibbles on a nearby strawberry.

responder: Dr. Dana Sanchez  Replied July 22, 2024, 6:16 PM EDT
response: Thank you for the excellent photo and description - Can you tell me whether those holes are burrows, or just little pockets?

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 23, 2024, 1:12 AM EDT
response: More like a shallow pocket from what I can tell. Less than a few inches deep.

responder: Dr. Dana Sanchez  Replied July 23, 2024, 1:29 AM EDT
response: My top daytime candidate would be a tree squirrel (or chipmunk; either way, hiding yummy treasures for later), whereas if this is happening at night, we have to consider a skunk (precise removal of yummy worms or other invertebrate snacks) as your top suspect. If you have access to a trail camera, it would be fun to catch the perpetrator in the act.  Either way, using welded wire or even chicken wire to make a little hoop-house would exclude the animal. Alternatively, if you have ready access to a hose there, you could purchase a motion-sensor water scarecrow, but you'd need to aim carefully to make sure to not damage the plants you're trying to protect nor would you want to accidentally blast your family or neighbors.
weed killing rhubarb

Question: Can you tell me what this plant/weed is?  it is invading my garden and killing my rhubarb and  my burning bush.  The leaves measure 7-9 inches average.  There are no flowers. How do i eradicate them?  Thank you

responder: Diane - MSU Advanced Extension Master Gardener Replied July 22, 2024, 2:13 PM EDT
response: Angie - you didn't mention how tall the plant is but from the leaf pictures it appears to be common burdock which can grow from 3-7 ft.  Take a look at the pictures in the link below to verify.   https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/common-burdock-arctium-minus-bernh If your plants look like common burdock, then I am including a link to another article about eradication.  Note that the article makes a point of stating that it may take several years of control methods to eradicate completely.  Be cautious if using a non-selective herbicide since it will kill everything it touches. https://extension.wsu.edu/whitman/2013/11/common-burdock/ If the plant does not match the burdock pictures, then please take a picture of the full planting as it is growing and that will help me with further research.  Hope that helps.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 24, 2024, 12:14 AM EDT
response: That is not it  it never has flowers     On Mon, Jul 22, 2024 at 2:13 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Diane - MSU Advanced Extension Master Gardener Replied July 24, 2024, 11:38 AM EDT
response: Do you have any pictures of the plant actively growing (instead of the leaves that are removed)?  If not, I can offer another suggestion which is Pokeweed.  This wee has stems similar to your pictures, no flowers but does have seedlings at the top.   https://blogs.cornell.edu/weedid/common-pokeweed/ I am glad to help you further if you can provide a picture of the full plant.
Asian Tiger Mosquito

Question: I have collected two intact specimens.  These mosquitos are swarming my home in Haslett.  Want to confirm the identification and get more information on how to control them.

responder: Thank you for your question!   Laura S.      Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Replied July 22, 2024, 11:49 AM EDT
response: Hello Kim, The picture is too blurred to identify.  please try this- chill a couple whole, undamaged insects in freezer so they will not move. Place on a plain smooth cardboard or similar( not Paper towel, the texture throws off the focus). Try to get one face up, one face down. Place a coin or ruler in the shot to show size. Please attach here and our entomologist will help you. To add pictures, click the link in your email and go into your question on the website. Click the “Drop files here or choose them” below the response box to attach them.  You can upload .jpg, .png, .gif, .txt, or .pdf.  NOTE- each picture must be 8mb or less.  I believe the screen texture in your picture throws off the focus of the camera.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 22, 2024, 12:34 PM EDT
response: Thanks, Laura.Can I drop off the insects I have collected to your offices?  Kim  Sent from my iPhone On Jul 22, 2024, at 11:49 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: Thank you for your question!   Laura S.      Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Replied July 22, 2024, 2:35 PM EDT
response: Sorry, no, the Extension offices typically do not have insect ID services. To get a professional ID, please submit specimens to MSU Plant and Pest Diagnostic lab. Insects must be in good, whole condition and packaged in a water proof vial or small container filled with white vinegar. The website has the details—  https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/
Chinese Pistache struggling

Question: Planted this tree 2.5 years ago and it's been fine until now. It had two small branches with leaves turning earlier last week. Then in a matter of two days the entire tree turned yellow with curled leaves and brown tips. It gets enough sun despite being close to the mature oak because the oak leans sharply away. I gave it Osmocote in April and have been watering it along with the grass, which has been 9 minutes every early morning since it got hot. I thought that was enough since it isn't a newly planted tree. Last year it was fine to just go with the lawn water schedule. What is wrong and how do I fix it?

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 23, 2024, 12:39 PM EDT
response: Hello Sarah.  This is Tom. I am a Master Gardener in Oklahoma County which is why I am answering your question.  I have read your email and looked at the pictures. The yellow curled leaves with a brown tip is consistent with verticillium wilt, a fungal disease that kills Chinese pistache in our area.  I think that is the cause of the situation you face.  There is no treatment.      If you want a more definitive diagnosis, you can cut off a whole limb and bring it with leaves attached to the Oklahoma County Extension Office at 2500 NE 63rd Street in OKC and someone in the Resource Center can help you with diagnosis. I will be there tomorrow afternoon.  Thank you for you email. You can always call the Oklahoma County Master Gardener Resource Center at<personal data hidden> for help or come by at the address above. Tom

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 24, 2024, 3:04 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much for your reply. If it is verticillium wilt, does that mean the soil is infected? If this tree is dead, I'd love to replace it with a redbud but don't know if that will just get infected.  On Tue, Jul 23, 2024 at 11:39 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 28, 2024, 8:38 PM EDT
response: Hello Sarah. This is Tom. Verticillium species that cause plant disease are soilborne. The fungus verticillium will be in the soil as long as there is a susceptible plant it can infect and Redbud is one of those plants.  Other plants that are susceptible include maple, fig, ash, hibiscus, apple, peach and other members of the Rose family, elm and others. If you decide to plant one of the above it is advised that you plant a cultivar that is resistant to Verticillium. That may be difficult to find.  I still suggest that you cut a branch about 2-3 feet long and bring it to the Oklahoma County extension and let someone there advise you for sure if Verticillium is indeed the culprit. Thank you for your email. Tom

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 30, 2024, 2:37 PM EDT
response: Thank you so much, Tom! I dropped off a sample today!  - Sarah   On Sun, Jul 28, 2024 at 7:38 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Identify lawn fungus

Question: Good morning!
I’m thinking I have some type of fungus in my lawn. Can you identify it and inform me how to treat it?
Thank You,
George Kochmann

responder: Dennis in St. Louis Park Replied July 23, 2024, 2:12 PM EDT
response: Identifying lawn patch diseases from afar is virtually impossible. However, there are general treatment rules that may help. Most important is to maintain your lawn with proper amounts of fertilizer and water, properly timed, and mow to proper height. Here is a good reference: https://www.canr.msu.edu/turf/diseases  For fertilizing, watering and mowing, read here: https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/lawn-care-calendar https://extension.umn.edu/lawn-care/mowing-practices-healthy-lawns https://extension.umn.edu/lawns-and-landscapes/lawn-care

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 23, 2024, 10:19 PM EDT
response: Did you receive these pics originally? Might help to identify? Thanks On Jul 23, 2024, at 1:12 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:    ﻿

responder: Dennis in St. Louis Park Replied July 24, 2024, 3:25 PM EDT
response: Yes, I got the photos.  The answer remains the same. Exact lawn diseases are difficult to diagnose in person, let alone with a photo. Sometimes it requires microscopic view of individual blades. If you look at some of the photos in the links I sent you, you can see that many of these diseases look alike. That's why I said general lawn health is the best way to manage them.  Here is another good diagnostic site: https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/lawn-disease-quick-reference/ As you can see from the photos in this site, your lawn could have dollar spot, ring spot, summer patch, or something else.  Some of these patch diseases prefer high pH soil, so you could get a soil test done: https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden  Unfortunately, if the soil pH is high (typical in Minnesota), there is not much you can do about it.  Also, some of these diseases thrive in compacted soil and in heavy thatch. So consider core aerating this fall, or even dethatching: https://extension.umn.edu/lawn-care/how-control-thatch-your-lawn
murder hornet or not?

Question: We found this floating in our waterfall.  It apparently drowned while trying to get water. 

My husband also found one of these crawling in our driveway and killed it

We are located in Damascus, OR

responder: Andony Melathopoulos, Assistant Professor Pollinator Health Extension Department of Horticulture | Oregon State University 4017 Agricultural and Life Science Building | Corvallis, OR 97331-7304 cell: (541) 452-3038 Andony.Melathopoulos@oregonstate.edu oregon bee atlas | oregon bee project | twitter | facebook | instagram | podcast Replied July 25, 2024, 11:11 PM EDT
response: Thanks for keeping an eye out for invasive insects in Oregon. This is not a wasp, but a wood boring beetle (I am not an expert at beetles, but I believe this is a native Oregon long-horned beetle). Fortunately, the Northern Giant Hornet (aka "Murder Hornet) has never been seen in Oregon and the population that was found in NW Washington has not reemerged in some years.  Best, Andony

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 26, 2024, 9:35 AM EDT
response: thank you for getting back to us on this + the good news about the Asian wasp not ever being seen in Oregon and not reemerging in NW Washington either.  Marilyn   On Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 08:11:47 PM PDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
What plant is this and can it be saved?

Question: We're not sure what plant this is or how to care for it/save it. In ten years it has grown from maybe 10 inches high to over six feet. This spring the fronds/leaves started to turn brown and droop until eventually they were all dead looking. We were figuring the plant was probably a lost cause, but we just noticed these green shoots growing up from the base of the trunks.

Should we cut off all the dead fronds? Cut down all the big trunks to make room for the new growth? Or just leave it be?

More back story - back in the fall the yard service cut a bunch of the lower growth fronds - as if you were limbing a tree. Before that the fronds were a lot thicker around the bottom. At the time it didn't seem to affect the plant and over the winter it seemed to be fine during the freezes; we didn't notice any negative effects until it got warmer in the spring.

We'd appreciate any insight. Thanks!

responder: Best Regards,   Replied July 23, 2024, 12:31 AM EDT
response: Dear Marcy,  Thank you for contacting us about your tropical trees. I am not sure what species you have, but an educated guess is that the large trees have died and there are new ones growing from the roots. You could just remove the fronds and see what happens, but if they haven't greened up by now I don't think the prognosis is positive.   Chances are the extreme cold spell we had during the winter killed the top growth. If they were mine, I would cut the trunks near the ground (without disturbing the crown of the roots) and let the new foliage develop.  I hope this is helpful. Please write again anytime you have a question.

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 22, 2024, 1:03 PM EDT
response: Success! We did as you suggested, cut off the brown, dead fronds and now the green shoots are over a foot tall and looking very happy. Thank you!--Marcy Davis On Mon, Jul 22, 2024 at 9:31 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

responder: Best Regards,   Replied August 22, 2024, 6:38 PM EDT
response: You are very welcome. Happy gardening!
Minimal Leaf Growth on Azalea

Question: Hello! I planted an azalea in May. Followed the planting instructions to a T. I placed pine bark around the base to add the acidity it will add over time. It bloomed great and looked very healthy but now the leaf growth seems minimal. I’ve attached a picture of it in bloom and a current photo. Does it need a dose of fertilizer? 

Thanks!
Jim

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied July 21, 2024, 9:03 PM EDT
response: It doesn’t need fertilizer, it needs to grow vigorous roots, fertilizer stimulates top growth.  There is an old adage that is very true. First year they sleep, second year they creep, third year they leap. Transplantation shock is very common and almost impossible to avoid.  Keep up the good care. https://extension.umn.edu/how/planting-and-transplanting-trees-and-shrubs

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 22, 2024, 11:02 PM EDT
response: Thanks so much for the quick response! I had never heard of that old adage but it sure makes a lot of sense.  Appreciate your help! Sent from my iPhone On Jul 21, 2024, at 8:03 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer    Replied July 23, 2024, 5:31 AM EDT
response: You are welcome and thanks for the note.
Blue Cedar dying——

Question: A landscaper planted a Blue Atlas Cedar in my new landscape Dec 14 last year. It did well until 3 weeks ago when it dropped all needles and  looks to be dying. The new needle nubs are brown an dried up. I’m so sad, I watered it faithfully. I just don’t know what happened. Any thoughts ? I live in Claremore. Thank you.

responder: David Hillock  Replied July 22, 2024, 3:33 PM EDT
response: It is hard to say from the image alone. December is not the best month for planting so it may not have had a chance to get well established. My guess is that it may be more related to the root system, watering, and lack of root development since it was doing well until the real heat hit. Digging into the soil next to the root ball to see how wet or not wet the root ball and soil are, might tell you a little bit. Something we often see is it is planted too deep, and the soil does not drain well. The top of the root ball should be right at soil grade or slightly above. If you pull the mulch and soil away from the top of the root ball and have to dig several inches to find the top of the root ball, it was planted too deep. You might reach out to the landscaper to see what kind of warranty they offer. Additional assistance can also be found at the Rogers County OSU Extension Center - https://extension.okstate.edu/county/rogers/.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 22, 2024, 5:52 PM EDT
response: thank you for your prompt response . I appreciated your valuable information. .  On Mon, Jul 22, 2024 at 2:33 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Grant County tree planting

Question: We own over a mile of riverfront on the Middle Fork of the John Day River. Some of the riparian area is flood plain. We want to start planting trees along the river to increase shade. We also want to plant trees along the bank on the road side which is not in flood plain. What would you recommend and when you you recommend planting? Do you provide stock? I'm attaching a photo of the flood plain area where we camp as well as the road which edges the boundary of our property.

responder: Jacob Putney  Replied July 22, 2024, 5:21 PM EDT
response: Hello,  Thank you for reaching out. I would recommend planting species native to the Middle Fork area, such as cottonwoods, willows, red-osier dogwood, and woods rose. The best time to plant will be early spring (mid-March to mid-April) when the snow has melted, and the ground has thawed. When planting seedlings, they may need to be protected from wildlife browse. This is typically accomplished with either seedling protection tubes or by fencing the riparian area. Also, if the area is utilized for grazing, livestock will also need to be excluded until the seedlings can get established.   Unfortunately, OSU Extension does not provide seedling stock. However, I would recommend contacting local organizations in Grant County, who are familiar with these types of projects, and would be able to provide more information, resources, and assistance. They will be able to provide more specific information on species selection, finding seedlings, and financial and technical assistance, depending on current availability. These organizations include: North Fork John Day Watershed Councilhttps://www.nfjdwc.org/  Grant Soil and Water Conservation Districthttps://www.grantswcd.net/  Local Natural Resources Conservation Service Officehttps://www.nrcs.usda.gov/conservation-basics/conservation-by-state/oregon/grant-county   Please let me know if you have other questions or would like to discuss further. I can be reached by email at <personal data hidden> or by phone at<personal data hidden>.   I hope this helps!  Jacob Putney

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 22, 2024, 5:52 PM EDT
response: Thank you for your information. I will contact the resources mentioned. Since Grant County is free range, cattle grazing on our property is a big issue. We will not be putting up fences..time/cost prohibitive. Jean  On Jul 22, 2024, at 2:21 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
are these Deutzia sick

Question: As you see in the photos I planted some last summer and they are fine. The sickly ones were planted at the end of this past Aril. I notice some black on the end of the leaves and wonder if there is an insect or fungus problem. Please let me know what to do to save these.

Thank you.

responder: Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied July 22, 2024, 12:40 PM EDT
response: Hi,  How often are you checking for water? They may be drying out faster due to the slope or the immature root structure. Did you loosen the roots when planted? Since these were planted this spring and don't have a root system that is as established as the other deutzia, they could have gotten too water logged in the spring with our heavy rains and that could have caused some root rot and loss and now they are struggling with the high heat and drought.  They are pretty resilient though, so you can try to cut them back to the green growth underneath that looks healthy and less sparse. They may just need to get established and within the next year or 2 they should be filling out nicely like the others.  If you cut them back now and keep up with watering through our drought and heat, and they continue to keep dying back and looking sparse feel free to send additional photos.  Emily

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 24, 2024, 5:21 PM EDT
response: Thanks for your answer