Hi All:

Several questions:

1. Is this a good time of the year to spray non-blooming citrus with hort oil? I was thinking that since the temps are now more moderate, this might be good to attack eggs, etc.
2. I have a supply of Neem oil. Does Neem oil = horticultural oil and can it be substituted?
3. Some insect is attacking the fruits of my Naval Orange tree and my Star Ruby Grapefruit. Whatever it is drills a perfectly round hole in the fruit about 0.5 inch in diameter and when one shakes the fruit, a swarm of tiny insects come flying out that have transparent wings, black (or dark) bodies and are about 1/16" to 1/8" in size. What is interesting is that they do not attack either of my lemons or my lime tree. Any ideas or what to do?

Thanks all for your help.

Happy holidays!

P.

I have the same problem. My theory is bird pokes hole in fruit, and then fly or gnat of some kind exploits the opportunity. I think the color of the fruit attracts the birds? All guessing, stay warm...

BC

Talk about staying warm. Take a look at this for the cold protection:
http://s1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb334/pertmanpb/January%202013/

We are over by Saguaro NP East at an elevation of 2982.

Best of luck!!! Thanks for the reply. I am really tired of the birds, they decimated my apricot crop this year

P.

Heh, nice work. I have my own luminaria effect in my backyard, was too tired and ready for a drink after cold prep to post any pics - looks like I'll have a few nights to do that.
Cheers,
BC

pertman, perfectly round holes are either from birds, or from snails. Birds are hard to protect against, netting is your best option. Snails of course can be treated with various snail baits - iron phosphate formulations if you have small children or dogs, metaldehyde if you do not (very poisonous to dogs and of course to kiddos). You can also try putting some copper tape around the trunks that are about 6" wide, up and away from the soil. Some folks say this will deter snails from climbing up and into your trees, as they don't like the small charge they get when trying to slime across the copper. My snails, apparently, could care less.