by Adam Russell, Texas A&M AgriLife Communications DALLAS – Homeowners beware, mosquitos are on the move. Dr. Mike Merchant, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service entomologist, Dallas, said temperatures are now warm enough to begin seeing early season mosquitoes. Merchant said recent rains created plenty of opportunities for mosquitoes to propagate, and homeowners should take preemptive… Read More →
Haley Kennedy joins District 7 as IPM agent
by Susan Himes, Texas A&M AgriLife Communications SAN ANGELO — Haley Kennedy joined District 7 as a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service agent on Feb. 1. She is the integrated pest management agent for Runnels and Tom Green counties. “I enjoyed working for AgriLife throughout my undergraduate and graduate education, so I knew I wanted… Read More →
Expert: Texas Outdoor enthusiasts, livestock producers, homeowners advised to watch for new tick
by Steve Byrns, Texas A&M AgriLife Communications STEPHENVILLE – Confirmed reports of the longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis, in six states have prompted a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service entomologist to alert Texans to its possible arrival here. Dr. Sonja Swiger, AgriLife Extension veterinary/medical entomologist at Stephenville, said the longhorned tick isn’t named for the iconic… Read More →
Sugarcane aphid populations popping up in High Plains sorghum fields
by Kay Ledbetter, Texas A&M AgriLife Communications AMARILLO – Like the popup showers that have dotted the state, the sugarcane aphid is starting to show up all over the South Plains and Panhandle, said Dr. Ed Bynum, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service entomologist in Amarillo. “We’ve had reports in the past few days that sugarcane… Read More →
Pesticide resistant, crop threatening whiteflies found in Texas
OVERTON – A pesticide-resistant population of common plant-damaging whiteflies has been found in Texas, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service specialist. Whiteflies are sucking, insect pests similar to aphids, and damage ornamental and food plants, said Erfan Vafaie, AgriLife Extension program specialist in integrated pest management, Overton. Adults are winged while young whiteflies… Read More →
Entomologists to holiday travelers: Don’t let the bedbugs bite
by Gabe Saldana and Paul Schattenberg, Texas A&M Agrilife Communications DALLAS — Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service entomologists say a few simple practices can help holiday travelers deal with bedbug infestations and avoid spreading the pest. “All it takes is one traveler with bedbugs in their luggage to stay at a hotel and that hotel… Read More →
Entomologists: South Central Texas residents can expect return of familiar pests
by Paul Schattenberg, Texas A&M AgriLife Communications AUSTIN — Fire ants, hackberry psyllids and other insect pests are expected to make a return appearance in South Central Texas during the fall, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service entomologists. “Fire ant mounds are popping back up with the rain we’ve been getting lately,” said Wizzie… Read More →
Pecan weevils’ range growing warns AgriLife Extension expert
by Steve Byrns, Texas A&M AgriLife Communications COLLEGE STATION – Homeowners and pecan orchard operators are urged to watch for pecan weevils that can decimate a crop right up to harvest, said a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service integrated pest management specialist at College Station. “This is not a new pest, but what is new… Read More →
Website offers critical mosquito, disease information after Hurricane Harvey
by Gabriel Saldana, Texas A&M AgriLife Communications DALLAS — Visitors to the Mosquito Safari website at http://mosquitosafari.tamu.edu will find comprehensive information on common mosquitoes, the diseases they carry and instructions for controlling the pest, said Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service entomologists. They said the information is critical in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, whose initial… Read More →
Texas A&M AgriLife entomologists: Floating fire ants, insect pests among flood hazards
by Gabriel Saldana, Texas A&M AgriLife Communications HOUSTON – Fire ants, as their colonies begin to flood, can join feet or tarsi to form water rafts, and they are more aggressive once in the floating formation, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service entomologists. But other insect pests can also pose human threats in flood… Read More →
Sugarcane aphids spreading throughout the Texas Panhandle
by Kay Ledbetter, Texas A&M AgriLife Communications AMARILLO – While sugarcane aphid populations are still low in grain sorghum fields across the Texas High Plains, a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service specialist in Amarillo said they are beginning to establish and could reach treatable numbers. Dr. Ed Bynum, AgriLife Extension entomologist, said sugarcane aphid populations… Read More →
Chiggers, fleas more noticeable in summer
by Paul Schattenberg, Texas A&M AgriLife Communications CENTRAL TEXAS – As people become more active in summer, so do a few familiar pests that keep Texans itching – and scratching — for relief, said Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service entomologists. “This time of year there’s usually a significant increase in chigger and flea activity,” said… Read More →
Grasshoppers, thrips threaten Panhandle crops
by Kay Ledbetter, Texas A&M AgriLife Communications AMARILLO – Two insects threatening Texas Panhandle crops may require treatment, but definitely need to be monitored in young cotton, corn and sorghum crops, said a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service specialist. Dr. Ed Bynum, AgriLife Extension entomologist in Amarillo, said early stages of grasshoppers are emerging in… Read More →
Educating the public about Zika is now AgriLife Extension’s ‘priority-one’
COLLEGE STATION – Educating the public to protect themselves from Zika has become “priority one” for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, a state leader said. AgriLife Extension is tasked with educating the public on a great number of topics for all ages, but in a bold unprecedented move, the agency has harnessed its statewide presence to… Read More →
Sugarcane aphid research aimed at planting timing, variety selection
AMARILLO – The “whens” and the “whats” of the sugarcane aphid are fueling the research of Dr. Ada Szczepaniec, Texas A&M AgriLife entomologist. For example, when are they most damaging, and what grain sorghum varieties do they prefer? With the support of Texas Grain Sorghum Producers, Szczepaniec is testing several different strategies to determine their… Read More →
Extension Welcomes Joel Webb As New Extension Agent-IPM
The Department of Entomology and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service would like to welcome Mr. Joel Webb as the new Extension Agent-IPM for the area covering Tom Green and Runnels Counties. Webb joined the IPM Program on June 1 where he replaced the position that was formerly held by Rick Minzenmayer who retired in… Read More →
AgriLife Extension entomologist: “There’s a new bug in town”
By: Paul Schattenberg, Texas A&M AgriLife Communications DALLAS – Dr. Mike Merchant, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service urban entomologist based in Dallas, said “there’s a new bug in town” — and it could cause serious harm to some of the state’s most extensively used landscaping trees. “Ash trees are used extensively around the state in… Read More →
New AgriLife Extension fact sheet gives buzz on indoor flies
By: Paul Schattenberg, Texas A&M AgriLife Communications DALLAS – It’s getting close to fly season again and a new Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service publication will help people identify different types of indoor flies, understand their biology and, most importantly, learn how to eliminate them. “Next to ants, flies may be the most common household… Read More →
AgriLife Extension expert: Conditions right for black flies
By Adam Russell, Texas A&M AgriLife Communications STEPHENVILLE – Reports of black flies are increasing as recent rains created favorable conditions for the swarming, biting pest, according to Dr. Sonja Swiger, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service entomologist, Stephenville. Black flies aren’t like run-of-the-mill house flies or other biting flies, such as horn or stable flies,… Read More →
AgriLife Extension experts inform Texans on protecting from Zika, other mosquito-borne diseases
By: Paul Schattenberg and Steve Byrns, Texas A&M AgriLife Communications SAN ANTONIO – Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service entomologists are informing Texans on how to protect themselves from the mosquito vectors that spread Zika and other diseases. “The ongoing outbreak of the Zika virus has spread throughout most of South America, Central America and the… Read More →
AgriLife Extension experts: Texans should expect mosquito population explosion
By: Paul Schattenberg and Steve Byrns, Texas A&M AgriLife Communications DALLAS – Anticipating a significant increase in the state’s mosquito population, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service entomologists are offering tips on how Texans can help slow mosquito breeding in backyards and protect from being bitten. “Mosquito populations are booming throughout the state and will likely… Read More →
Expert: ‘Exclusion’ best way to prepare for Central Texas’ spring bug boom
by Paul Schattenberg, Texas A&M AgriLife Communications AUSTIN – With the weather warming and spring just around the corner, Central Texas residents can soon expect a pest proliferation and “exclusion” is the best way to prepare for it, said a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert. “We’ve had a relatively bug-free winter and it’s been… Read More →
Extension IPM Agents Honored at 2015 TPMA Annual Meeting
AUSTIN—Three Texas A&M AgriLife Extension personnel received honors at this year’s Texas Pest Management Association in Austin. The awards were given to Extension Agent-IPM Stehen Biles, Extension Agent-IPM Danielle Sekula-Ortiz, and Extension Agent-IPM Rick Minzenmayer for their dedication and hard work throughout the year. Biles received the 2014 Excellence in IPM Programming Award for seven… Read More →
Blackland producers urged to watch for sugarcane aphid this growing season
by Blair Fannin, AgriLife Communications WACO – Blackland producers should be mindful of the sugarcane aphid, which infested grain and forage sorghum crops in parts of Texas in 2014 and can pose another threat with the upcoming crop season, said Dr. Allen Knutson, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service entomologist, Dallas. Knutson gave an update on… Read More →
Fall pest has many South Central Texans seeing spots before their eyes
by Paul Schattenberg, Texas A&M AgriLife Communications Experts say insect ‘invasion’ will continue as temperatures drop SAN ANTONIO – If you think you’re seeing spots before your eyes around the holidays, it may just be a tiny gnat-like insect “getting up in your grill,” according to entomologists with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. “If… Read More →
AgriLife Extension entomologists brace for possible new ag pest
By: Steve Byrns, Texas A&M AgriLife Communications SAN ANGELO – The tawny crazy ant, a relative newcomer to the U.S., is expanding its range, causing concern among Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service entomologists, said a state entomology leader. “The tawny crazy ant is an invasive species that came into Texas a little over 10 years… Read More →
Sugarcane aphids identified west of I-35 in Texas for first time
by Kathleen Phillips, Texas A&M AgriLife Communications COLEMAN — Sugarcane aphids have been identified on sorghum in San Saba and Coleman counties, marking the first time the insect has been found west of Interstate-35, according to Dr. Charles Allen, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service statewide integrated pest management coordinator, San Angelo. AgriLife Extension agents Rick… Read More →
AgriLife Extension expert: Browning of cedar trees in Central Texas likely due to budworm
by Paul Schattenberg, Texas A&M AgriLife Communications AUSTIN – If you live in South Central Texas and have noticed cedar trees turning brown, it is likely due to a new infestation of juniper budworms, said a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service entomologist. “Many people in this area have noticed their Ashe juniper trees, commonly called… Read More →
Scientists warning growers about explosive populations of new grain sorghum pest
by Rod Santa Ana, Texas A&M AgriLife Communications WESLACO – Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service scientists are warning South Texas grain sorghum producers to be on the lookout for a new insect pest that, left unchecked, could wipe out their entire crop. Dr. Raul Villanueva, an AgriLife Extension entomologist, and Danielle Sekula-Ortiz, an AgriLife Extension… Read More →
New crape myrtle pest hits Dallas area
Threat could spread, experts warn by: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, DALLAS – Crape myrtle, a much used Texas landscape plant, is under threat from a new type of scale invader, said two Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts. Dr. Mike Merchant, AgriLife Extension urban entomologist at Dallas, said the new scale pest turns the bark of… Read More →
Mysterious pest threatens Texas’ billion dollar grain sorghum crop
by Rod Santa Ana WESLACO – A tiny insect of unknown origin is posing a serious threat to the billion dollar Texas grain sorghum crop, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts. The threat comes at a time when a lingering drought and market pressures suggest growers will plant a larger than normal crop… Read More →
Department, Extension Welcomes Brad Easterling to IPM Program
The Department of Entomology at Texas A&M and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service welcomes Brad Easterling to the Statewide Integrated Pest Management program. Easterling joined the Garden City Extension Agent-IPM position on January 2, replacing the vacant position that was previously held by Warren Multer, who retired on March 31, 2013. He will be… Read More →
Extension Entomologists Launch Website for West Nile Information
STEPHENVILLE, Texas – The summer months usually bring barbecues and swimming pools, and the start of mosquito season. To help keep residents safe and informed, entomologists at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service recently launched a special website portal called texaswestnile.tamu.edu for information on West Nile Virus, mosquitoes and mosquito prevention. The idea to start… Read More →
AgriLife Extension event in Dallas to teach effective pest management at home
by Gabe Saldana, Texas A&M AgriLife Communications Preventing Pests in Your Home is a free, limited-seating learning event that teaches best practices for maintaining a pest-free home. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service welcomes participants to choose from one of two sessions on Nov. 22: 10 a.m.– noon and 1 p.m.-3 p.m. in Dallas. Sessions… Read More →
West Nile case numbers lowest since 2012
by Adam Russell, Texas A&M AgriLife Communications DALLAS COUNTY – Cases of West Nile virus in Texas have been the lowest in years, and researchers may know why, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts. Mike Merchant, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension entomologist, Dallas, said a publication by health officials in Dallas County may shed light… Read More →
Entomologist: Avoid itchy bites from spiking seasonal chigger populations
by Gabe Saldana, Texas A&M AgriLife Communications DALLAS — Anyone venturing into the great outdoors this summer in Texas should be ready for chiggers. That’s the message from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service entomologist Dr. Mike Merchant in Dallas. He said reports of chiggers to AgriLife Extension offices have seen a sharp uptick in recent… Read More →
Experts: Cotton farmers may face increased bollworm pressure this season
Basic integrated pest management may save crops when new technologies fail by Steve Byrns, Texas A&M AgriLife Communications COLLEGE STATION – Cotton farmers across the state could face a growing bollworm problem this season, said Dr. David Kerns, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service entomologist and statewide integrated pest management coordinator at College Station. For 15… Read More →
New AgriLife Extension statewide cotton pest management guide is now available
by Steve Byrns, Texas A&M AgriLife Communications LUBBOCK – Entomologists with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service have just released a new statewide guide on managing cotton insect pests, said one of its authors. Dr. Suhas Vyavhare, AgriLife Extension cotton entomologist at Lubbock, said The Cotton Insect Management Guide can be accessed online at http://bit.ly/2GZi5sI or… Read More →