Bugs by the Yard

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 Cervantes Music 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 Cervantes Music 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/01t4x000004OUiyAAG Fertilizing -&nbs...

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 Cervantes Music 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 Cervantes Music 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/01t4x000004OUUZAA4 Bugs by the Yard Turf pests episodes 1 & 2 https://bugs-by-the-yard.captivate.fm/search Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music 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-101/01t4x000002ciQPAAY Beekeeping Factsheets - http://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/global-search/beekeeping?c__results_layout_state=%7B%7D Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles

Wondering what that insect may be on your succulent plant? This episode will cover common ones seen in Texas. Cochineal scale episode https://bugs-by-the-yard.captivate.fm/episode/cochineal-scales Pest of cacti publication https://extensionentomology.tamu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/09/Managing-insect-pests-of-cacti-B6215.pdf Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music 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%22...

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 Jonathan https://entomology.tamu.edu/people/consford-jonathan/ Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music 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 & millipedes https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/asset-external/centipedes-and-millipedes/ Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music by Owen De...

Continuing our "Bugs in love" series with information on insect mating. BBC Earth video on mantid mating https://youtu.be/Os3OBJSlpUc?si=WF4nlKLa2FgzANZ- Canadian Museum of Nature video on insect/ arthropod mating https://youtu.be/ZCbV1yMhFmw?si=hGks7w15UM0symWB Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music 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 work https://youtu.be/8X31U9xyqDw?si=S-p7VkIRzAE2dEbk EPA pyrethrins & pyrethroids https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/pyrethrins-and-pyrethroids-reregistration-and-labeling IRAC Mode of Action https://irac-online.org/mode-of-a...

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 Cervantes Music 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-Scott A Sting in the Tale by Dave Coulson Insects of North America by John C. Abbott & Kendra Abbott Common Insects of Texas and Surrounding States by John C. Abbott & Kendra Abbott The Goddard Guide to...

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 Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles

You know them. You love/hate them. It's time to talk Asian ladybird beetles. Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles Other resources: https://extension.umn.edu/nuisance-insects/multicolored-asian-lady-beetles https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/beneficial/multicolored_asian_lady_beetle.htm https://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 Humans https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/product/common-insect-and-mite-pests-of-humans/01t4x000004OUV1AAO Common External Parasites of Backyard Poultry https://agr...

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/ eddie.slusher@ag.tamu.edu https://agrilifetoday.tamu.edu/2024/07/03/agrilife-extension-adds-pecan-viticulture-and-fruit-pest-management-specialist-in-stephenville/ Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music 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.faceboo...

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.