If you live in Tompkins County NY, trained Master Gardener Volunteers can answer your questions on flowers, fruits, herbs, houseplants, household pests, lawns, plant health & nutrition, plant and insect identification, pruning, soils, trees & shrubs, vegetables, wildlife and more!

The best way to reach Growline volunteers is by email: growline [at] cornell.edu (growline[at]cornell[dot]edu). Please describe the problem in full detail, include multiple photos of your problem to help us with diagnosis- an overall shot of the area where the problem plant is planted, a medium-range shot, and a close-up or two. Close up shots are particularly important for diagnosis. Please also include your phone number, email, and where you live so we can call you to clarify your question or forward information as needed.

You can also call CCETC at (607) 272-2292 x161 and ask for the Growline. If the call goes to voicemail, make sure to say your name, spell your email address, and leave a telephone number so that a Growline volunteer will be able to contact you to clarify your question or to get more information if necessary.

Growline volunteers may not be able to solve your problem immediately, but you can be sure they will search for an authoritative answer and get back to you soon.

If you live outside Tompkins County, New York, call your local Cooperative Extension office found in the county seat of your own county. 

Bee Problem? Find a Swarm Collector

Information provided by the Finger Lakes Beekeepers Club

What is a swarm?
Swarming is nature's way of increasing the number of honey bee colonies in the world. Swarms usually are seen in May or June. When airborne they seem huge but generally range in size from a football to a basketball. Some are much larger. Honey bee swarms are usually very docile, not having a home to defend. They often are observed in transit. These migrating swarms are very desirable to beekeepers who like to collect swarms. Once they take up residence in a wall or chimney, they are much harder to deal with. Many beekeepers do not have the skill or inclination to tackle the removal of bees from such predicaments.

Ultimately, if honey bees get into your walls, you may have to call an exterminator. Bees, once on your property, belong to you and you can do with them what you see fit. They are not an endangered species, nor is it illegal to kill them if they become a nuisance. We hope you will give our beekeepers a chance to rescue them, however. Please do not call beekeepers about hornets, wasps, bumble bees, carpenter bees, yellow jackets, termites or spiders. Honey bees are recognized by their small size and their downy appearance. Other insects may be similar in color.

Contact a Beekeeper or Exterminator

The most current list of beekeepers statewide, listed by county, who will remove swarms or do cutouts was initiated and compiled by Cornell’s Dyce Lab, is: pollinator.cals.cornell.edu/resources/removing-your-swarms