There are about a 150 different spotted, orange red beetles. See if any of the pics below look like it. Dave Here is a link that might be useful: Spotted orange-red beetles pics

Sunflower hulls contain a growth retardant, which is what kills off some specific plants. Some varieties of hosta will be affected more than others by this problem. I fed birds year round for many years, and compromised by putting only common, thin substanced, fast growing hostas in the area of the feeder. Most of these did very well, and the few that didn't thrive were moved to another location. The other problem with sunflower seed, and in fact any type of bird seed, is that this is one of the best ways to attract voles, mice, chipmunks, squirrels, rabbits, and deer to your garden. Not to mention raccoons, opossums, and wood rats. The good news is that you aren't likely to see the last three, as all are nocturnal, but the others will all come in for bird seed during the day, and are likely to appreciate the fine hosta buffet you are providing along with the birdseed. Due to the combination of growth retardant and the increase in vermin, I discontinued feeding birds a number of years ago. Now I plant flowering perennials that attract birds and butterflies, and occasionally put out some orange slices for the orioles, but no longer feed any seed.

There ought to be a forum called Rotten Neighbors. I think it would be an active one. I know I could contribute to it regularly. Zach, personally I think roses are worse to handle than the cactus I have, especially when it comes to looking bloody when finished and I never look that wounded after cleaning around my own stuff. Every year I have to trim the rose growing in the neighbors yard along the property line fence and dispose of the tangled mess of branches which is mostly winter kill and ugly. If I don't do it, it don't git done (I have a list of stuff like this). The Desert Spoon wins the prize for the worst plant to trim or weed under but the agaves are the most deadly and they scare me at times. Cactus are a mere PITA with irritating glochids but I am currently suffering a swollen knuckle that got a deep puncture from a large cholla two weeks ago where the tip broke off down deep right next to the middle joint. It still hurts like the blazes when I bump it but at least I can bend the finger now. Second time I've done that but eventually they heal completely. tishtosh, I have never heard of puncture vine & had to look that up, I like the name 'Devil's Eyelashes' better. It sort of conjures up a visual.

Its too bad with that much acreage that the garden bed couldn't have gone somewhere else or at least further away from the nests. Since they have been established there so many years they very likely have quite an extensive hive already created. Most ants are considered garden beneficials or at worst, neutrals, except for fire ants. But Harvesters diet, unlike most ants who are carnivores, is grains and seeds not insects. Whether they will pose a threat to the gardens is a wait and see situation. They have obviously thrived well in that area without the garden there so hopefully they will continue to do so and leave the garden alone. I'd at least give them the opportunity to prove they are no threat rather than destroying them just in case they 'might' be. Dave