Trail grading and weed removal is a primary focus for Nellie Gail Ranch trail maintenance crews this month and next.  Consistent with our practice since June 2018 we use organic products to treat weeds such as Avenger Weed Killer, a natural citrus oil-based organic herbicide.

The first priority is grading and filling ruts caused by rain and removing sandbags. The second is removing the weeds from the physical trail (graded dirt path) followed by the large-scale slope weed abatement through the end of May.

Nellie Gail Ranch is in the midst of swarm season. This happens in spring when half of a hive decides to leave the nest, and find a new home elsewhere. Tree branches or in the middle of a tall hedge are popular locations for bees to settle, while the scout bees look for a new home. Once a new location is found, (usually within a couple of days) the bees will move on. If they found a location in your backyard (like an irrigation box), chances are they have made this their new home. Since irrigation boxes are not ideal locations for a beehive, it’s best to call an expert to have them relocated. There are 3 professionals that remove and relocate beehives in the Laguna Hills area. These include Alberta Mirisciotti (949-646-2606); Backyard Bees (714-501-5944); and Dan the Beeman (858-230-0351). Dan only handles large jobs (those located inside walls and chimneys and rafters). Prices to humanely relocate a hive start at $200.00. I hope you’ll call and have your bees relocated instead of exterminated. Our planet needs bees to pollinate fruits, nuts, and vegetables.