Welcome to Insects in the City!

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

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Potential impact of crape myrtle bark scale? The tree on the left was treated, on the right was untreated.
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Whether it’s termites or fire ants, white grubs, or aphids…if it’s an insect pest, we’ll try to provide you with the best science-based, pest management solutions. Check out the tabs at the top of the page for practical information on a variety of insect topics. If you’re a pest management professional, visit the Insects in the City blog for professionals to see what’s happening with pest control in Texas.

This work is supported in part by the Crop Protection and Pest Management, Extension Implementation Program [award no. 2021- 70006-35347/project accession no. 1027036] from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Clover Mites: Tiny Creatures, Big Impact

I have had a few individuals (homeowners and pest management professionals) reach out to me about infestations of tiny mites that are aggregating on their structures, windowsills, and even seeing them invade indoors! For most of us in Texas, we won’t ever have to battle the army of microscopic mites – known as clover mites, or brown mites. In north Texas, however, this may be a sight we are all too familiar with as the end of winter approaches and temperatures rise. The clover mite, scientifically known as… Read More →

Spring Pests: What to Expect as Temperatures Rise

As the chill of winter fades and temperatures begin to rise, a variety of insect pests start to make their presence known. Environmental factors such as an increase in temperature and the moisture we often see during the spring season will signal over-wintering arthropods to emerge during these favorable times. Here’s a look at some of the common pests you might encounter in and around your home during spring. Ants: Arguably the most notable ant pest in the Texas landscape is the Red Imported Fire Ant (RIFA). The… Read More →

Open House November 4, 2022 to Welcome our new Entomologist

It is with much please to announce that we have hired a new entomologist for the Dallas Center. Mr. Bryant McDowell graduated with his Master of Science in Entomology in 2019 from Texas A&M University. His thesis: Population genetics and the colony breeding structure of the invasive tawny crazy ant, Nylanderia fulva, in Texas will allow him to help Texans with identifying ants. McDowell’s role as the Extension Program Specialist for Urban IPM will be to support the IPM Experience House by providing training classes for pest management… Read More →

Insects in the City

The best in science-based, pest management solutions from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service