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Re: Automatic Watering/Ants

>AUTOMATIC WATERING - I need someone to inform me where I can purchase an
>automatic watering device,(punch)holed plastic tubings, etc. I have
>approximately 50 meters of flower beds that need to be watered (each 24
>hours)during the family absence. Any suggestions? Thanks for any helping
>hand.
>
>ANTS - I live at 42°W-20°S. During the dry (currently our winter) season
>and the beginning of the rain season (summer) ants infest/damage
>oranges, pears, pinus, eucalyptus, etc. The ant causing it is the
>Brazilian leaf cutter (sauva). Besides the tradicional  baits (to be
>carried to the nests), do anyone knows a more efective way to FINISH
>with those ants? For instance a natural product that by contact can be
>carried by the ants inside their nests and contaminate their food
>growing storage.
>Another problem are the fire ants, that despite causing lesser problems
>to plants are dangerous when a person step on their nets. Any
>suggestions?
>Maybe someone living at 142°E-20° may have similar problems.
>All tips are welcome.
>
>Angelo Clarizia
>42°W-20°S


Angelo,

I, too live where there are lots of fire ants. In fact I think they've
destroyed the leaf cutter ants we used to see. For the fire ants, what
works around here in Texas, Zone 8/9, is a bait product called 'Logic' or
'Amdro'. Either of these products is carried into the nest by the foraging
ants and eventually the mound dies. It could be applied 2-3 times a year
and depending on the size of the area you are dealing with can run into
money, but it really works. The ant population is really cut down making
life a lot more pleasant outdoors. I do not know if these baits affect the
leaf cutter ants or not. Perhaps the info on the label would tell you.

Also, there is a web site hosted by Texas A&M Univ. that is excellent for
pests and their control. Their URL is: http://agcomwww.tamu.edu/ then go to
"print media" for various publication.

As far as watering devices, there are many types available in gardening
catalogues in the US. One of my favorites is Gardener Supply Co.
http://www.gardeners.com/.

Hope this helps.         Cindy in Texas
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