Bugs by the Yard

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 Cervantes Music 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 Cervantes Music 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 Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles AgriLife Learn Publication on red harvester ants https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/product/red-harvester-ants/01t4x000004OU...

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 Publication Texas A&M Forest Service - Forest Health: Fall Webworm Field Guide to Common Texas...

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-pager Texas Tree Selector State Summary of Potentia...

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 Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles

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

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

The group talks about what a honey bee swarm actually is and what it means to the colony and to the homeowner. Texas Apiary Inspection Service list of bee removers - https://txbeeinspection.tamu.edu/bee-removal/ Bee Culture Magazine Article - https://www.beeculture.com/swarm-initiation-a-nurse-bee-hypothesis/#:~:text=This%20quorum%20of%20nurse%20bees,that%20initiates%20the%20swarming%20process.&am...

2024 is a big year when it comes to periodical cicadas with TWO broods emerging in the United States. Illinois seems to be the place to be with both broods in the state and some areas with overlap. This episode will cover information on both periodical cicadas as well as the annual cicadas that we have in Texas. Show notes: University of Connecticut - The 2024 Periodical Cicada Emergence US Forest...

This episode we cover information about mason bees, including the blue orchard bees. These bees are wonderful native pollinators that you can attract to your landscape. Check out these additional resources for more information! https://www.tcmastergardeners.org/mason-bees/ https://citybugs.tamu.edu/2021/06/17/the-native-mason-bee/ https://txbeeinspection.tamu.edu/mason-bees/ Logo by Natalie Cervan...

Crape myrtles are the most commonly planted ornamental trees in our landscape and a scale threatens to take away some of the beauty of your tree. Learn what the group thinks of this scale, how to identify it, and what options are available for management. https://extensionentomology.tamu.edu/insects/crapemyrtle-bark-scale/ https://citybugs.tamu.edu/files/2010/05/EHT-049-Crape-myrtle-bark-scale.pdf...

This episode we cover how insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils work and why it's not a great idea to substitute household products for pesticides. Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles

Do you have an entomophile in your life? If so, this episode can help you with possible gift ideas! Also make sure to check out the links below. Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles Wizzie's suggestions: Jewelers loupe - 30x + 60x plus light (put that in a google search) Clip on macro lens set for camera phone (google "smartphone macro lens set) Books   -Common Insects of Texas and...

Leaf cutter ants are a fascinating, although irritating ant to find in the landscape. If you don't have them, you need to listen to again an appreciation for them. If you have them, learn more about their biology and habits so you can better understand how to treat them!

Growing some cole crops this fall? Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale or others? Learn the most common pests that will plague those plants and how you can avoid losing them to the bugs.

This episode we cover some of the active hunting spiders that can be found in Texas including ground spiders, wolf spiders, fishing spiders, and tarantulas. Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles

Ambush spiders are those who sit and wait on plants, flowers or in web funnels to wait for their prey before jumping out to catch them. They include some important agricultural biological control agents, beautiful colors, and interesting specimens.

Orbweavers are one of the largest groups of spiders. They are unique, often large, and quite beautiful!

Jumping spiders are possibly the cutest spiders on the planet with their large eyes that look at you like an anime character. This episode will talk about stuff that you may not know about these cute little spiders. Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles

Pesticide is often a word that people don't like to hear. Learn what a pesticide truly is, the history of pesticides, and what the hosts think of it's use. Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles

Thrips can show up in the landscape, especially if you like growing roses. Listen to find out if or when you need to be concerned. Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles

Listen to find out about some unusual bugs you may come across in the landscape. Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles

It's summer; it's hot; it's time for chiggers. Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles

This week, the cast talks about some of their favorite insects that are active at night! Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles