DEAR SUN SPOTS: Does anyone know how to get rid of red (fire) ants? They have tunnels near our backyard and, if disturbed, come boiling out by the hundreds. I have tried several suggested methods and nothing works. — Eleanor via email

ANSWER: After reading up on this topic, Sun Spots fervently hopes you don’t have fire ants, because once established they are virtually impossible to get rid of, according to online sources and the experts at the University of Maine.

Sun Spots spoke to research assistant Tamara Levitsky who said that the first step is to make sure your ants really are fire ants. While there are areas of Maine where European fire ants (not the same fire ants that you see in the South)  have invaded, Lewiston is not a hot spot and there are native ants that look very similar. Hopefully that is what you have.

You will need to send some ants to be identified. The address, which is provided on the Cooperative Extension bulletin at http://umaine.edu/publications/2550e/, is Dr. Eleanor Groden, The University of Maine, 5722 Deering Hall, Room 306, Orono, ME 04469-5722.

To send an ant for identification, wrap it in a tissue and place in a small vial with a tight lid. Include the date of collection, date ants first noticed, street address/city/state of nest, describe the habitat of the nest site, other comments, your name, mailing address, phone number and email, if applicable.

You can find more about ants, including identifying photos, at http://umaine.edu/home-and-garden-ipm/frequent-specimens/frequent-ants/

If you do have fire ants, there are some suggestions at dealing with them at http://fireants.umaine-biology.org/management/.

Meanwhile, those still free of these nasty pests can keep them out by carefully vetting any plants or soil they bring home. 

The bulletin offers these suggestions:

“Be aware that infestations currently occur in many coastal communities and some inland sites. If you do not already have the ants on your property, you can help prevent future infestations by carefully inspecting all plant and nursery materials (potted plants, tree balls, soil, compost, wood chips and logs) prior to installing them in your yard. If you find ants infesting potted plants, you can drive the ants out by submerging the pots in water for at least one hour.”

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I acquired a Samsung Chromebook computer and cannot operate it because the default language was changed from English to Russian. Since I’m unable to read Russian, I’m unable to make any changes. Might there be someone in the Lewiston-Auburn-Greene area who can help me? I can be reached by phone at 207-946-2012. Thanks for any help I can get. — No Name via email

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Can you please help me locate a local hair salon owned and operated by Christine Robichaud and Emily? Thank you. — No Name via email

ANSWER: Readers, do you now this salon?

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Does Randy Whitehouse still work for the Sun Journal? —Brenda, [email protected]

ANSWER: Sadly, the Sun Journal lost Randy to Central Maine Newspapers (the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel).

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Thank you very much for mentioning me and my Fuller Brush sales in your column (Sept. 3). I have current brochures available at Goin’ Postal at 9 North River Road in Auburn, right behind Cumberland Farms on Center Street. Goin’ Postal can also take orders. — Alice Flanders, [email protected]

DEAR SUN SPOTS: About a year ago I submitted a request for a good working organ for our volunteer music program at Montello Manor/Commons nursing facility. The outpouring of offers I received was a credit to the Sun Spots’ column and the community.

Our organ is no longer working, so we are again in need of an organ in good working condition so that we may continue to offer this program to our residents. Thank you in advance to all who may be able to donate an organ. — Ellen Richardson, [email protected], 207-783-2039

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to [email protected].