Bugs by the Yard

Join us on our new series about the wonderful world of ants. This week - harvester ants, aka red ants, aka Texas red ants, aka the horned lizards favorite snack!Logo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen DesBles

Continuing with our interviews of Program Specialists in the Texas Integrated Pest Management Program, we interview Danielle Sekula from the Weslaco area.Logo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen DesBles

The new world screwworm has been in the news A LOT lately. This episode we're joined by Dr. Sonja Swiger to discuss what you need to know to protect yourselves, companion animals, and livestock.Resources:https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/new-world-screwwormLogo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen DesBles

Green lacewing larvae are voracious predators and can be very beneficial in helping to manage other insects in the garden and landscape. This episode, we discuss how to identify green lacewings in their various stages and talk about why you want them around.https://texasinsects.tamu.edu/green-lacewing/Logo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen DesBles

Wizzie and Molly interview colleague Stephen Biles of the Texas Midcoast area. Email - [email protected]/Newsletter - midcoastipm.blogspot.comPasture Mealybug Information - http://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/pasture-mealybug/

Legume crops are beans and peas, but also many wildflower species (think bluebonnets!).Learn the other insects you may find on your legume crops, when to treat, how to treat, and how to avoid treating!Fall Vegetable Planting Guide: https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/product/fall-vegetable-gardening-guide/01t4x000004OfitAACLogo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen DesBles

Texans love to grow crops in the nightshade family - Solanaceous Crops. Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. Learn what insects typically plague them!Logo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen DesBles

Squash vine borers can be a major pain for gardeners. There isn't much you can do about them, but here are some suggestions.Mentioned during the podcast, Kaolin Clay:https://youtu.be/ZfmAm74Of6o?si=xBsj35HdAd8KGk8vhttps://youtu.be/plsFdgvvc8s?si=UYtKXscyxJA4DQU0https://youtu.be/V_oU5U9rSlU?si=daI8B6XTblqNzzSSLogo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen DesBles

Cucurbit crops are those veggies in the Cucurbitaceae family, or gourd family. This family includes squash, zucchini, pumpkins, cucumbers, watermelon, other melons and others.Learn the insects you may find on your cucurbits, when to treat, how to treat, and how to avoid treating!Cucurbit insects from Aggie Horticulturehttps://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/vegetable/problem-solvers/cucurbit-problem-solver/cucurbit-insects/Fall Vegetable Planting Guide: https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/product/fall-vegetable-gardening-guide/01t4x000004OfitAACLogo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen DesBles

Cole crops are those veggies in the Brassica family - mustards, cabbage, broccoli, kale, lettuce, cauliflower and others.They are generally grown during cooler weather and can have a number of insect issues. Learn the other insects you may find on your cole crops, when to treat, how to treat, and how to avoid treating!Fall Vegetable Planting Guide: https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/product/fall-vegetable-gardening-guide/01t4x000004OfitAACLogo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen DesBles

Cole crops are those veggies in the Brassica family - mustards, cabbage, broccoli, kale, lettuce, cauliflower and others.They are generally grown during cooler weather and can have a number of insect issues. Learn the common caterpillars you may find on your cole crops, when to treat, how to treat, and how to avoid treating!0Fall Vegetable Planting Guide: https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/product/fall-vegetable-gardening-guide/01t4x000004OfitAACLogo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen DesBles

With our final episode of 2025, we talk about ideas for stocking stuffers for the bug lover in your life. Links below are provided as a springboard for ideas, not as an endorsement for any particular product.Jeweler's loupehttps://rb.gy/9ue88aInsect collecting containershttps://shorturl.at/GLbrohttps://shorturl.at/iCSleCraig Tracy Arthttps://www.craigtracy.com/Quick Reference Publishing Guideshttps://www.quickreferencepublishing.com/Insect Legohttps://shorturl.at/Sp6OPHoney stickshttps://www.glorybee.com/honey/honeystixWildflower Seedshttps://seedsource.com/search.php?search_query=pollinatorInsect tree ornamentshttps://h7.cl/1jIEvBrass/ metal decorative insectshttps://shorturl.at/ygbB9Logo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen DesBles

Did you ever wonder where insects go in the winter? Or maybe you've wondered if we have a freeze if there will be no insects in the spring. This episode will discuss insect overwintering strategies as well as ways that you can help the insects in your yard.Logo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen DesBles

Insects display an array of sociality - from totally solitary to truly social. This episode dives into the differences in sociality.Logo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen DesBles

Trapdoor spiders are a common, yet little known spider common to areas in Texas.Logo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen DesBles

It's October and that means we pull out the weird and wonderful- well, more weird than usual?- critters for conversation. This episode is all about whipscorpions, also known as vinegaroons.https://texasinsects.tamu.edu/vinegaroon/https://www.amnh.org/explore/news-blogs/north-american-vinegaroon-speciesLogo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen DesBles

Prepare your home for boxelder bugs....find out what they are, why they may be a problem, and what to do to avoid or get rid of them.https://www-aes.tamu.edu/files/2014/06/Boxelder-Bugs-and-Red-Shouldered-Bugs.pdfhttps://agrilife.org/urban-ipm/2016/01/25/boxelder-bugs/Logo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen DesBles

Conditions are right for a fall armyworm outbreak this fall. You may be on of the unlucky to see them! Learn what they are what you can do about them.Logo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen DesBles

Yucca moths depend on yucca as for for their young, but yucca also depend on yucca moths for pollination. We'll talk about the mutualistic relationship.https://tpwmagazine.com/archive/2011/apr/scout3/Logo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen DesBles

There are a surprising number of night pollinators. This episode discusses the main moth pollinators that come out at night.

It's the time of year where the lawn may not be looking the best in Texas, often brown patchy spots can appear. This episode we break down what may be some causes of brown patchy turf and what you can do to diagnose and resolve the problem.Proper mowing practices - https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/product/mowing-recommendations-for-warmseason-turfgrasses/01t4x000004OUiyAAGFertilizing - https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/product/lawn-fertilization-for-texas-warmseason-grasses/01t4x000004OUgfAAGChinch bugs - https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/product/chinch-bug-management-in-lawns/01t4x000004OUUwAAOWhite grubs - https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/product/white-grubs-in-texas-turfgrass/01t4x000004OUUZAA4Large patch - https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/product/how-to-diagnose-and-manage-large-patch-disease-in-warmseason-turfgrass/01t4x000004OfrgAACTake all patch - https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/product/takeall-root-rot/01t4x000004OfrfAACLogo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen Des Bles

A common question we get is, "what is making those holes in my lawn??" While you may never know, learn what could potentially being making holes in the yard.Logo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen DesBles

Ever notice that certain years or times of the year insects don't seem to be around and wonder "where are all the bugs?". You aren't the only one. Hear a conversation from the hosts on how they answer that question and where all the insects have gone!Logo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen DesBles

Do you know the difference between a June beetle and a Junebug? Listen in to find out what constitutes a June beetle.Publication on white grubs (includes management)https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/product/white-grubs-in-texas-turfgrass/01t4x000004OUUZAA4Bugs by the Yard Turf pests episodes 1 & 2https://bugs-by-the-yard.captivate.fm/searchLogo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen DesBles

This episode covers how honey bees collect honey, why, and how a beekeeper extracts it for our pleasure!Beekeeping 101 Course - https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/product/beekeeping-101/01t4x000002ciQPAAYBeekeeping Factsheets - http://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/global-search/beekeeping?c__results_layout_state=%7B%7DLogo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen DesBles

Wondering what that insect may be on your succulent plant? This episode will cover common ones seen in Texas.Cochineal scale episodehttps://bugs-by-the-yard.captivate.fm/episode/cochineal-scalesPest of cacti publicationhttps://extensionentomology.tamu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/09/Managing-insect-pests-of-cacti-B6215.pdfLogo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen DesBles

It's spring which means that termites are swarming. This episode covers common termites that can be associated with structures: native subterranean termites, formosan subterranean termites, and drywood termites.AgriLife Publications on termites can be found here:https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/global-search/termite?c__results_layout_state=%7B%22page_number%22%3A1%2C%22refinements%22%3A%5B%7B%22nameOrId%22%3A%22Product_Type__c%22%2C%22type%22%3A%22DistinctValue%22%2C%22attributeType%22%3A%22Custom%22%2C%22values%22%3A%5B%22Publications%22%5D%7D%5D%7DLogo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen DesBles

Fire ants can be a real nuisance. Learn how to `best manage them in your yard.

Meet out new IPM Specialist in El Paso, Jonathan Consford. He is tasked with pecans, cotton, and anything else that comes his way!Contact information for Jonathanhttps://entomology.tamu.edu/people/consford-jonathan/Logo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen DesBles

Do you know the differences between centipedes and millipedes? While both are beneficial animals, they are beneficial in different ways. Learn how to tell these two groups apart and find out how they can help you in your garden.AgriLife publication on centipedes & millipedeshttps://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/asset-external/centipedes-and-millipedes/Logo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen DesBles

Continuing our "Bugs in love" series with information on insect mating.BBC Earth video on mantid matinghttps://youtu.be/Os3OBJSlpUc?si=WF4nlKLa2FgzANZ-Canadian Museum of Nature video on insect/ arthropod matinghttps://youtu.be/ZCbV1yMhFmw?si=hGks7w15UM0symWBLogo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen DesBles

Love is in the air! Literally for many insects trying to attract mates. Learn how insects find mates and what strategies they use - weird, odd, and brutal - to lure their loved ones to them.

This episode covers pyrethroids: what are they? how do they differ from pyrethrum and pyrethrins? how do they kill insects?Video on how pyrethroids workhttps://youtu.be/8X31U9xyqDw?si=S-p7VkIRzAE2dEbkEPA pyrethrins & pyrethroidshttps://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/pyrethrins-and-pyrethroids-reregistration-and-labelingIRAC Mode of Actionhttps://irac-online.org/mode-of-action/classification-online/Logo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen DesBles

Insect growth regulators are a class of insecticide that disrupts the insect's growth and development. Specific to arthropods without any impact on mammals, birds, reptiles, etc, this is a host specific (to arthropods) option for pest control for several insects. Learn what an insect growth regulator is and how it acts on the insect.Logo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen DesBles

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! We're back with our 2024 entomology gift giving ideas episode. This year we decided to talk books!Books recommended:My First 100 Bug Words by Chris Ferrie and Lindsay Dale-ScottA Sting in the Tale by Dave CoulsonInsects of North America by John C. Abbott & Kendra AbbottCommon Insects of Texas and Surrounding States by John C. Abbott & Kendra AbbottThe Goddard Guide to Arthropods of Medical Importance by Gail Miriam Moraru & Jerome Goddard IIEssential Entomology by George C. McGavin, Leonidas-Romanos Davranoglou, et al.Borror and DeLong's Introduction to the Study of Insects (7th edition) by by Norman Johnson and Charles TriplehornFireflies, Glow-worms, and Lightning Bugs: Identification and Natural History of the Fireflies of the Eastern and Central United States and Canada by Lynn Frierson FaustThe Bees in Your Backyard by Joseph S. Wilson & Olivia Messinger CarrilAmazing Arachnids by Jillian CowlesWasps of North America by Heather HolmSix-legged Sex: The Erotic Lives of Bugs by James K. WangbergStocking Stuffers – any laminated pamphlets from Quick Reference PublishingBonus Non-Fiction book: Miss Benson's Beetle by Rachel JoyceLogo by Natalie Cervang in the Tale, Dave CoulsontesMusic by Owen DesBles

No one likes a mosquito, but hopefully you can appreciate the intricacies and complex nature that mosquitoes find hosts and use their mouthparts. Also discussed are repellents and why some work and others don't.Logo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen DesBles

You know them. You love/hate them. It's time to talk Asian ladybird beetles.Logo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen DesBlesOther resources:https://extension.umn.edu/nuisance-insects/multicolored-asian-lady-beetleshttps://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/beneficial/multicolored_asian_lady_beetle.htmhttps://www.ars.usda.gov/oc/br/lbeetle/index/

Find out what mites can become associated with humans and which ones can survive on humans. We talk about what to do in various instances and how you can track down where mites are located for management.Common Insect and Mite Pests of Humanshttps://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/product/common-insect-and-mite-pests-of-humans/01t4x000004OUV1AAOCommon External Parasites of Backyard Poultryhttps://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/product/common-external-parasites-in-backyard-poultry/01t4x000004OxmeAACBiting miteshttps://citybugs.tamu.edu/factsheets/biting-stinging/others/ent-3009/Diagnosing Mysterious "Bug Bites"https://citybugs.tamu.edu/factsheets/biting-stinging/others/ent-3006-2/What is a Sticky Traphttps://citybugs.tamu.edu/factsheets/ipm/what-is-a-sticky-trap/Logo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen DesBles

Harvestmen, daddy long legs, cellar spiders or Opiliones are long legged arachnids that we all probably know and love or fear. Learn a little about the lore of harvestmen, their lifecycle, what they actually eat and if they are really venemous.

This episode we talk with Dr. Kyle Slusher, AgriLife Entomology's new Pecan, Viticulture, and Fruit Specialist.https://entomology.tamu.edu/people/slusher-kyle/[email protected]://agrilifetoday.tamu.edu/2024/07/03/agrilife-extension-adds-pecan-viticulture-and-fruit-pest-management-specialist-in-stephenville/Logo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen DesBles

Hear from one of Texas A&M AgriLife & A&M Department of Entomology's newest addition - Dr. Garett Slater and Apiculture Specialist leading the new Apiculture Program for Texas. Learn his goals for the program, research he plans to do, educational outreach, and some interesting facts about beekeeping and honey bees you probably didn't know!Apiculture Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564253723033Texas Beekeepers Association - https://texasbeekeepers.org/Beekeeping 101 Courses - https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/website/78795/

Tawny Crazy Ants are an invasive and very pesky species of ant. Not found in all areas of Texas and still relatively new for even pest management professionals. Learn the ins and outs of TCA, how to ID them, who they get confused for, and what to do if you end up with an infestation.

Fleas are a common summertime pest, especially with those who have companion animals. This episode, we discuss how to identify and treat for fleas as well as the diseases they vector.Logo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen Des Bles

Peridomestic?! What's that? Peridomestic is when something lives in or around humans. So this episode, we're talking common cockroaches that you may run into inside or around your home: American, Smokybrown, Turkestan, and German.Logo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen DesBles

Have you seen these large reddish-brown ants? ...or maybe you have seen the colonies where they clear out vegetation? This episode we'll discuss how to identify these ants, their biology, and why you may want to leave them alone.Logo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen DesBlesAgriLife Learn Publication on red harvester antshttps://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/product/red-harvester-ants/01t4x000004OUUtAAOTPWD Horned Lizard Watch Reporthttps://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pwdpubs/pwd_rp_w7000_1442/habitat/Ant wiki informationhttps://www.antwiki.org/wiki/Pogonomyrmex_barbatusTPWD Texas Horned Lizard informationhttps://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/species/thlizardSan Antonio Zoo horned lizard reintroduction programhttps://sazoo.org/conservation/texas-horned-reintroduction-project/

Have you been seeing webbing covering branches in your trees and shrubs? If so, you may want to open the webbing and see if you have fall webworms. In this episode, we discuss how to identify webworms and possible management strategies.Show notes:Texas A&M AgriLife Extension - Fall Webworm Free PublicationTexas A&M Forest Service - Forest Health: Fall WebwormField Guide to Common Texas Insects - Fall WebwormLogo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen DesBles

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive beetle that is destructive to Ash trees in North America and can be found in Texas. Check out this episode to learn more about ways to prevent human-mediated spread, and steps you can take to protect your Ash trees. Texas A&M Forest Service EAB webpages:https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/eab/EAB Information 1-pagerTexas Tree SelectorState Summary of Potential ImpactsEAB Hotline Number: 1-866-322-4512Logo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen DesBles

Insects communicate in a variety of ways using various types of cues. Listen to find out more about how it is done.Check out this neat website on the "Songs of Insects":https://songsofinsects.com/Logo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen DesBles

Saltmarsh and other hairy caterpillars are common across Texas this year. Show notes:Texas A&M AgriLife Extension - Saltmasrh CaterpillarsLogo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen DesBles

This episode covers typical pest insects that may be found on roses.Show notes:Logo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen DesBles