Bugs by the Yard: Recent Episodes
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
Learn about insects that occur in urban backyards and gardens of Texas; whether they be pests, beneficials, or really fascinating! This podcast is presented by Molly Keck, Wizzie Brown, and Erfan Vafaie through the Department of Entomology with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service & Texas A&M Department of Entomology.
Bugs by the Yard image produced by Natalie Cervantes. Intro and outro music produced by Owen DesBles.
Continuing with our interviews of Extension Entomologists & Program Specialists in the Texas Integrated Pest Management Program, we interview Dr. Rafia Khan from the Overton area.
https://entomology.tamu.edu/people/khan-rafia/
Logo by Natalie Cervantes
Music by Owen DesBles
Carpenter ants are known as a wood destroying insect, but are they really something to panic over? Listen in to find out.
https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Carpenter-Ants.pdf
https://citybugs.tamu.edu/factsheets/household/ants-house/ent-2001/
Logo by Natalie Cervantes
Music by Owen DesBles
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 Cervantes
Music 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 Cervantes
Music 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-screwworm
Logo by Natalie Cervantes
Music 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 Cervantes
Music by Owen DesBles
Wizzie and Molly interview colleague Stephen Biles of the Texas Midcoast area.
Email - biles-sp@tamu.edu
Blog/Newsletter - midcoastipm.blogspot.com
Pasture 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/01t4x000004OfitAAC
Logo by Natalie Cervantes
Music 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 Cervantes
Music 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=xBsj35HdAd8KGk8v
https://youtu.be/plsFdgvvc8s?si=UYtKXscyxJA4DQU0
https://youtu.be/V_oU5U9rSlU?si=daI8B6XTblqNzzSS
Logo by Natalie Cervantes
Music 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 Horticulture
https://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/01t4x000004OfitAAC
Logo by Natalie Cervantes
Music 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/01t4x000004OfitAAC
Logo by Natalie Cervantes
Music 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!0
Fall Vegetable Planting Guide: https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/product/fall-vegetable-gardening-guide/01t4x000004OfitAAC
Logo by Natalie Cervantes
Music 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 loupe
https://rb.gy/9ue88a
Insect collecting containers
https://shorturl.at/GLbro
https://shorturl.at/iCSle
Craig Tracy Art
https://www.craigtracy.com/
Quick Reference Publishing Guides
https://www.quickreferencepublishing.com/
Insect Lego
https://shorturl.at/Sp6OP
Honey sticks
https://www.glorybee.com/honey/honeystix
Wildflower Seeds
https://seedsource.com/search.php?search_query=pollinator
Insect tree ornaments
https://h7.cl/1jIEv
Brass/ metal decorative insects
https://shorturl.at/ygbB9
Logo by Natalie Cervantes
Music 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 Cervantes
Music 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 Cervantes
Music by Owen DesBles
Trapdoor spiders are a common, yet little known spider common to areas in Texas.
Logo by Natalie Cervantes
Music 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-species
Logo by Natalie Cervantes
Music 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.pdf
https://agrilife.org/urban-ipm/2016/01/25/boxelder-bugs/
Logo by Natalie Cervantes
Music 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 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 - https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/product/lawn-fertilization-for-texas-warmseason-grasses/01t4x000004OUgfAAG
Chinch bugs - https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/product/chinch-bug-management-in-lawns/01t4x000004OUUwAAO
White grubs - https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/product/white-grubs-in-texas-turfgrass/01t4x000004OUUZAA4
Large patch - https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/product/how-to-diagnose-and-manage-large-patch-disease-in-warmseason-turfgrass/01t4x000004OfrgAAC
Take all patch - https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/product/takeall-root-rot/01t4x000004OfrfAAC
Logo by Natalie Cervantes
Music 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 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%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%7D
Logo by Natalie Cervantes
Music by Owen DesBles
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 DesBles
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-action/classification-online/
Logo by Natalie Cervantes
Music 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 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 Arthropods of Medical Importance by Gail Miriam Moraru & Jerome Goddard II
Essential 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 Triplehorn
Fireflies, Glow-worms, and Lightning Bugs: Identification and Natural History of the Fireflies of the Eastern and Central United States and Canada by Lynn Frierson Faust
The Bees in Your Backyard by Joseph S. Wilson & Olivia Messinger Carril
Amazing Arachnids by Jillian Cowles
Wasps of North America by Heather Holm
Six-legged Sex: The Erotic Lives of Bugs by James K. Wangberg
Stocking Stuffers – any laminated pamphlets from Quick Reference Publishing
Bonus Non-Fiction book: Miss Benson's Beetle by Rachel Joyce
Logo by Natalie Cervang in the Tale, Dave Coulsontes
Music 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 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://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/product/common-external-parasites-in-backyard-poultry/01t4x000004OxmeAAC
Biting mites
https://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 Trap
https://citybugs.tamu.edu/factsheets/ipm/what-is-a-sticky-trap/
Logo by Natalie Cervantes
Music 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/
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.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564253723033
Texas 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 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/01t4x000004OUUtAAO
TPWD Horned Lizard Watch Report
https://tpwd.texas.gov/publications/pwdpubs/pwd_rp_w7000_1442/habitat/
Ant wiki information
https://www.antwiki.org/wiki/Pogonomyrmex_barbatus
TPWD Texas Horned Lizard information
https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/species/thlizard
San Antonio Zoo horned lizard reintroduction program
https://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 Publication
Texas A&M Forest Service - Forest Health: Fall Webworm
Field Guide to Common Texas Insects - Fall Webworm
Logo by Natalie Cervantes
Music by Owen DesBles
Insect communicate in a variety of ways using various types of cues. Listen to find out more about how it is done.
Logo by Natalie Cervantes
Music by Owen DesBles
This episode covers typical pest insects that may be found on roses.
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.&text=In%20the%20Biology%20of%20the,to%20establish%20a%20new%20colony.
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.
Logo by Natalie Cervantes
Music by Owen DesBles
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.
Logo by Natalie Cervantes
Music by Owen DesBles
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/
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
Logo by Natalie Cervantes
Music by Owen DesBles
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 Surrounding States by John C. Abbott & Kendra Abbott
-The Bees in Your Backyard: A Guide to North America's Bees by Joseph S. Wilson & Olivia Messinger Carril
-Butterflies of Houston and Southeast Texas by John Tveten & Gloria Tveten
-Caterpillars of Eastern North America: A Guide to Identification & Natural History by David Wagner
-Six legged Sex: The Erotic Lives of Bugs by James K. Wangberg
Instagram artists
- Mollyburgessdesigns designer cloth spiders, insects, and bats (find on instagram or etsy as "MollyBurgessDesigns")
- Ringgoldnicole (Nicole Ringgold) silversmith...amazing arthropod work & other stuff (website: nicoleringgold.com)
- sean_goddard_insects insects out of glass, copper tubing, etc. (website: seangoddardinsects.com)
- vetropod (Wesley Fleming) lampwork arthropods (website: www.vetropod.com/shop)
- fromhandsof.sjr pottery with slip painted arthropods (website: fromhandsofsjr.ca)
- bymikelibby arhtopods out of various objects (website: insectlabstudio.com/works/)
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
Hammerhead worms may be news to you, but they have been in Texas for over 100 years. Learn how to identify them, some interesting facts, how to manage them, and why these entomologists don't think you should panic if you come across one.
We're continuing with our beneficial arthropods series and covering decomposers.
Logo by Natalie Cervantes
Music by Owen DesBles
This spring has been really busy and I realized that I had a brain fart and posted this episode on our sister podcast Unwanted Guests. While some of you may have already listened to it as you may listen to both, I wanted to post it here where it belongs for those of you who may not tune into the other podcast.
So here it is...the missing spring pests in the veggie garden episode....sorry it's late in coming.
Logo by Natalie Cervantes
Music by Owen DesBles
Learn more about the beneficial insects that often are overshadowed by pest species. Remember, most insects are not pests (some estimates are less than 7%!) Parasitoids and predators are some of the groups that we actually benefit from as they help mitigate pest populations.
Logo by Natalie Cervantes
Music by Owen DesBles
Be sure to check out this Youtube video for more information on parasitoids! Truly a wild group of insects that take reproductive mechanisms to the extreme. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jST12cyPx98&t=168s
We're going back tot he basics with this episode and covering insect metamorphosis.
Logo by Natalie Cervantes
Music by Owen DesBles
Now is the perfect time to treat for red imported fire ants. You can either treat your yard individually, or work with your neighbors to create a community wide management program.
Logo by Natalie Cervantes
Music by Owen DesBles
Spring is creeping in and many people's thoughts are turning to getting back outside and working in the garden. This episode, we'll talk about spring garden preparation and why or may or may not want to do it.
Logo by Natalie Cervantes
Music by Owen DesBles
We all think that crane flies are the harbinger of spring. Listen in to find out more.
Logo by Natalie Cervantes
Music by Owen DesBles
Links for more information and to view pictures of crane flies:
1) https://texasinsects.tamu.edu/crane-fly/
2) https://citybugs.tamu.edu/2016/03/15/crane-flies/
In this episode, we answer the dreaded question...."what is your favorite insect?"
Logo by Natalie Cervantes
Music by Owen DesBles
Hear all about our predictions for this year's insects! Weather definitely plays a roll, and weather has been consistently warm and dry and we have some ideas for what you might be seeing this year.
Send us a comment or topic idea! Email us at BugsByTheYard@gmail.com
Image by Natalie Cervantes. Music by Owen DesBles.
The weather is turning colder, so prepare to move those plants indoors, but make sure you don't bring any pests in with them. This episode tells you what to look for on house plants and plants that come indoors over winter.
Logo by Natalie Cervantes
Music by Owen DesBles
Listen in to find out what those weird growths on your oak tree (or other plants) are and what causes them to grow.
Logo by Natalie Cervantes
Music by Owen DesBles
Love 'em or hate 'em, tune in to find out more about these fascinating animals.
Logo by Natalie Cervantes
Music by Owen DesBles
In this episode we wrap up our butterfly series with information on hairstreaks, blues, coppers, and harvesters. Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles
First off, meet our NEW colleague...Bryant McDowell! Then stay to listen and learn about the butterfly family Pieridae, commonly known as the whites and sulphurs. Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles
In this episode we continue on with the brushfoot butterfly family Nymphalidae. https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/product/butterfly-gardening/01t4x000004PDZAAA4 Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles
In this episode we begin to discuss butterflies in the family Nymphalidae, the brushfoots. https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/product/butterfly-gardening/01t4x000004PDZAAA4 Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles
Listen in to learn about the milkweed butterflies that are found in the United States: monarchs, queens, soldiers, and tropical milkweed butterflies. Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles
Listen in to find out more about the common swallowtail butterflies that can be found in Texas. Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles
The perfect insect for conjuring up summer nights. Listen in to discover more about the fascinating life of fireflies. Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles
This episode we'll talk about the ways that insects communicate by using sound. Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles
The previous episode covered information on the common social wasps in Texas, so we decided to round out the topic and cover solitary wasps as well. Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles
This episode we'll talk about the two main groups of social wasps found in Texas: paper wasps and yellowjackets. ....and yes, we touch on hornets as well.... Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles
Have you ever wondered what the spit stuff is that you see on plants? If so, listen in to find all about the insects that create the "spit". Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music by Owen Des Bles
There are a bunch of caterpillars that are emerging/ falling out of oak trees right now (springtime in Texas). Listen in to find out what caterpillars you may be seeing and what or if you should do anything about them. Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles
Honey bees are known for being pollinators, but they also provide us with products. Honey is the most popular of these products, but listen into to find out what else they provide. Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles
Listen to find out more about the history of silk and the insects that create this natural fabric. Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles
Do you know what entomophagy is? I'll give you a hint....ento is base for insect and pahgy is base for eating. Tune into this episode to find out more! Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles
Cochineal scales are a common insect, sometimes thought to be a pest, on prickly pear cactus. Tune in to find out more about why these insects are used to create a bright red dye called carmine, their history, and uses. Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles
Are you looking for a new way to compost your kitchen scraps? Soldier fly larvae may be just thing for you. This episode has guest Dr. Jonathan Cammack talking with us about Popworms and soldier flies. Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles
Texas leaf cutter ants are fascinating insects but can become a problem if they invade your landscape. Listen to find out more about these fascinating animals! Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles
A wasp that makes honey? YES! Listen in to find out more about these totally cute and wonderful insects. Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles
Tune in to find out what you can do to help create a welcoming habitat in your yard for overwintering insects. Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles
Fall is a great time to begin planning your spring garden AND to work on reducing the pests that might want to much on the spring garden. Tune in to find out what you can do now to reduce spring insect problems. Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles
If you have arachnophobia, it may not matter if a spider is venomous or not. All spiders are predators and therefore beneficial, so listen to find out what spiders in Texas you need to watch out for. Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles
Did you know that scorpions are arachnids and are related to spiders? Learn more about scorpions and what to do about them in this episode. Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles
If you live in Central Texas, you may look forward to years when snout butterflies can be seen trailing through the skies by the thousands....or you could be someone who dreads having to wash butterfly carcasses off your car regularly. Whichever you are, tune in to find out more about these fascinating butterflies and what they are doing. Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles
It's that time of year for a possible cricket season to hit in Texas. While we see crickets every year, some years there are huge populations that turn into quite a nuisance. Tune into to find out more. Logo by Natalie Cervatnes Music by Owen DesBles
It's that time of year when grasshoppers seem to be eating EVERYTHING in your landscape. Tune in to discover how to tell grasshoppers from katydids and what you can do to manage these critters Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles
Are you wondering what those bugs are on your tomatoes? ....or peppers...or eggplant.... This episode will cover two common culprits- stink bugs and leaffooted bugs. Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles
Are you seeing webbing on your plants but no spiders? You may need to take a closer look for spider mites. While related to spiders, spider MITES are a different beast. Listen to learn what to look for and what you can do about them. https://texasinsects.tamu.edu/spider-mite/ (https://texasinsects.tamu.edu/spider-mite/) Podcast art by: Natalie Cervantes Podcast music by: Owen DesBles
We've been hearing a lot about Cicada "brood X" this season - what are they and how come we aren't seeing them in Texas? Learn about cicadas, their long sad life underground, and how to chase them around the country. Podcast art by: Natalie Cervantes Podcast music by: Owen DesBles
Wasps are a concern because they care capable of stinging, but they can also be beneficial as pollinators and predators. We'll cover common wasps that can be found in Texas and when you should be concerned about them being in your yard. Podcast art by: Natalie Cervantes Podcast music by: Owen DesBles
Aphids are a sucking insect pest that plagues almost every home gardener. In this episode we discuss some basics about aphid biology, some of the predators, and how to manage them. Podcast art by: Natalie Cervantes Podcast music by: Owen DesBles
In this two-parter, Dr. Becky Bowling, Extension Specialist in Urban Water, talks to us about some of the most common turfgrass pests in Texas and how to monitor for them. In this episode, Dr. Bowling covers some of the other common pests we see in Texas turfgrass. Podcast art by: Natalie Cervantes Podcast music by: Owen DesBles
In this two-parter, Dr. Becky Bowling, Extension Specialist in Urban Water, talks to us about some of the most common turfgrass pests in Texas and how to monitor for them. In this episode, Dr. Bowling covers grubs and chinch bugs. Podcast art by: Natalie Cervantes Podcast music by: Owen DesBles
Time to start your vegetable gardens! Learn a bit about what the Bug's by the Yard hosts do to prepare, establish, and manage pests on their vegetable gardens. Podcast art by: Natalie Cervantes Podcast music by: Owen DesBles
After that rough winter storm, spring has thrust itself upon us! Every year we get asked what to plant to attract pollinators - we discuss some of our favorite pollinators, how to prevent harm to pollinators, and some plants to consider to attract pollinators. We also mention a pollinator citizen science project (https://sixleggedaggie.com/pollinator-project) that gives you an opportunity to determine what plants are considered most attractive to pollinators in your area! Podcast art by: Natalie Cervantes Podcast music by: Owen DesBles
Any time we get some cold snaps we get asked the question "will there be less insects this year?". In this episode, we discuss some insect cold tolerance strategies. Disclaimer: This episode was recorded after the first snowfall in Texas, but BEFORE winter storm Uri. Little did we know what was to come! Podcast art by: Natalie Cervantes Podcast music by: Owen DesBles
Molly Keck, Wizzie Brown, and Erfan Vafaie - three entomologists working for the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service through the Department of Entomology. We're all passionate about bugs, but why? Learn a bit about each of us, what got us into entomology, what some of our favorite insects are, and what we hope to bring with this podcast series. Podcast art by: Natalie Cervantes Podcast music by: Owen DesBles