By: Paul Schattenberg, Texas A&M AgriLife Communications AgriLife Extension expert: Treatment depends on mound location, situation SAN ANTONIO – The recent rains have brought fire ants closer to the surface, both literally and as a matter of concern for area property owners, said a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert based in San Antonio. “Rain… 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 confirmed on Southern High Plains
By Steve Byrns, Texas A&M AgriLife Communications September 12, 2014 Floyd County find is region’s first FLOYDADA — They’re hundreds of miles from the nearest sugarcane fields, nevertheless sugarcane aphids have now been positively identified in significant numbers on grain sorghum in Floyd County, said a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service entomologist. The confirmation near… 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 →