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 CervantesMusic 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 CervantesMusic 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 CervantesMusic 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 CervantesMusic by Owen DesBles

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

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

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

We're continuing with our beneficial arthropods series and covering decomposers.Logo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen DesBlesInsects play a crucial role in the breakdown and recycling of organic materials. We also utilize this to our benefit! How many insects have you seen in your compost pile?

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 CervantesMusic by Owen DesBlesBe sure to check out these resources for additional information on garden pests! https://travis-tx.tamu.edu/about-2/horticulture/edible-gardens-for-austin/vegetable-gardening-in-austin/texas-vegetable-garden-insects-field-guide/https://citybugs.tamu.edu/factsheets/landscape/

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 CervantesMusic by Owen DesBlesBe 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 to the basics with this episode and covering insect metamorphosis.Logo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen DesBlesFor more information on insect metamorphosis, visit: https://travis-tx.tamu.edu/2023/01/23/insect-life-cycles-by-wizzie-brown/

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 CervantesMusic by Owen DesBlesFor general information about red-imported fire and biology, visit: https://texasinsects.tamu.edu/red-imported-fire-ant/For more information on community-wide management programs and contact information, visit: https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/asset-local/community-fire-ant-management/

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 CervantesMusic by Owen DesBles

We all think that crane flies are the harbinger of spring. Listen in to find out more.Logo by Natalie CervantesMusic by Owen DesBlesLinks 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 CervantesMusic by Owen DesBlesMolly's Favorites:Fire ants: https://fireant.tamu.edu/manage/faq/Honey bees: https://texasinsects.tamu.edu/honey-bee/Praying mantis: https://texasinsects.tamu.edu/praying-mantis/Zebra Heliconian: https://aggie-hort.tamu.edu/databases/butterflies/butterfly-gallery/pages/Lantana9.html and for more information, visit: https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Heliconius-charithoniaWizzie's Favorites:Pale-bordered field cockroach: https://landscapeipm.tamu.edu/what-is-ipm/ipm-concepts/pest-identification/good-bug-bad-bug/neither/cockroaches/Cuban cockroach: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/120830-glowing-cockroaches-bugs-science-animalsJumping spiders: You can download our Texas spiders publication here: https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/s/product/spiders/01t4x000004OUUuAAO and if you want to enjoy some ADORABLE photos, check out Thomas Shahan's flickr account here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/opoterser/albums/with/72157629202125460Bryant's Favorites:Dobsonfly: https://texasinsects.tamu.edu/dobsonfly/Snakefly: Check out this awesome publication: https://lacewing.tamu.edu/neuropterida/neur_bibliography/edoc12/lyu2018ref18033-19522.pdf and click here for some general photos: https://elp.tamu.edu/ipm/bugs/order-raphidioptera/Mantidfly: https://texasinsects.tamu.edu/mantidfly/Scorpionfly: https://texasinsects.tamu.edu/scorpionfly/