by Lee
Stewart & Charlotte Willert
Colorado State University Cooperative Extension
Agent, Horticulture
Larimer County
Q: I have vegetable and flower seeds left over from spring planting. Will these seeds germinate next year if I keep them?
A: Seed moisture and storage temperature are the most important factors in determining how long seed can be stored and still germinate. Drier seeds will store longer. Seeds kept dry (below 8% moisture) with low temperatures (below 40 degrees F) in storage do well without an appreciable decrease in germination. For more information, see Fact Sheet #7.221 “Storing Vegetable and Flower Seeds.”
Q: I have something crawling in the dog food in our garage and also in the dry cereal in our house. Do you know what this might be? I’ve seen moths fly around in the house—are they all the same?
A: The most common household moth that can reproduce in Colorado is the Indian meal moth. They are very common in cereal products, coarsely ground grains, dried herbs, dried fruits and nuts. They can also be found in pet foods such as dried dog food, flaked fish food and bird seed. The moths usual fly at dusk and through the night. Females lay tiny eggs on or near potential food items. The newly hatched caterpillars (larvae) seek out foods and begin to develop. To control, examine all grain products. If larvae or moths are found, discard the food items. To prevent future infestations, store food in tightly sealed containers. Read CSU Extension Fact Sheet #5.598, “Indian Meal Moth” for more information.
Q: I have some large black flies in my house this fall. Can you tell me what they are?
A: The most common house fly is the blow fly. These flies can be metallic green, gray, blue or black and are sometimes called the “house flies of the West.” They feed on garbage, carcasses and droppings from dogs and other pets. For more information, read Fact Sheet #5.502 “Flies in the Home.”
Gardening and Insect Fact Sheets are available on-line by clicking HERE.
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