Insects, Pests & Diseases

We have a wide range of information, publications and specialists that cover an array of questions related to insects, pests and diseases. Topics run the gamut from beneficial and pest insect identification to integrated pest management regimens and protection from vector-borne diseases.

Related Departments: Entomology, Plant Pathology and Microbiology

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Pest and Disease Lab Diagnostic Services

Texas Apiary Inspection Service assists beekeepers by checking nosema and varroa levels in order to help diagnose problems found in hives.
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Insects, Pests & Diseases

Publications

Publication

Passage of the Integrated Pest Management School Program amendment mandated that pest control in public school facilities be addressed.

Publication

Plum pox virus is a highly destructive disease that affects peaches, plums, and apricots.

Publication

Bacterial canker is a disease that affects cherries, peaches, apricots, and other stone fruit.

All Insects, Pests & Diseases Publications

Programs

We offer numerous free and affordable programs on agriculture and natural resources, family and community health, economic health and youth development. We also offer many volunteer opportunities. Browse the list below.
Program

The Plant Pathology (PLPM) Extension program provides services across Texas through subject-matter specialists in areas of plant health management, plant diseases, plant-microbe interactions and environmental sciences.

Program

Pesticide applicator certification standards are set to ensure that restricted pesticides are available to those who protect food, forage, structures, health, water, rights-of-way, and landscapes.

Program

In the Natural Resources project area, youth gain knowledge and experience in a variety of outdoor topic areas such as water conservation, outdoor living skills, forestry, fishing, and more. Young Texans involved in these projects are introduced to a vast array of educational and fun opportunities to be immersed in the world around them.

All Insects, Pests & Diseases Programs

Courses

Course

This course is for new or veteran school IPM coordinators, school administrators, and others who need to understand the Texas school IPM requirements.

Course

Do you know how to apply IPM principles to your school garden as required by Texas state law? After this course, learners will know how IPM principles apply to school gardens, differentiate between harmful and beneficial insects, and more. District School IPM Coordinators can use this module as part of their education plan.

Course

This introductory course is for School district administrators, animal control specialists, code enforcement agents, and pest management professionals. This course offers SPCS-TDA license holders 1 Pest CEU toward annual license renewal.

All Insects, Pests & Diseases Courses

All Resources on Insects, Pests & Diseases

  • Course

    This online course will provide an overview and in-depth knowledge of mosquitoes of Texas, the diseases they carry and how to properly manage them. Approved for 7 AG and & SPCS CEUs through TDA.

  • Course

    This introductory course will teach you to connect ant behavior and treatment methods, identify different species, perform ant treatments, and solve problems using IPM practices. In Texas, this course is approved for one hour of General-Pest Features category CEU credit.

  • Course

    This 8 hour course is designed to satisfy the Apprentice Training Requirements as specified in Rule 7.132 (i) (2) and will cover common structural invertebrate and vertebrate pests of the United States, particularly in the state of Texas.

  • Course

    This online course is designed for landowners and pesticide applicators who are looking for techniques to control pond algae and floating aquatic plants, commonly known as pond weeds or pond grass. This course offers 1 hour of IPM CEU credit.

  • Course

    This course is designed to assist pest management companies in training new employees. By taking this course, apprentices and other employees will have the opportunity to receive 20 hours of in-depth training required by the Texas Department of Agriculture Structural Pest Control Service.

  • Course

    As urban areas expand and homeowners continue to want attractive lawns and landscapes, the use of pesticides to control plant pests has continued to grow. Take this course to become an apprentice and learn about pesticides and their proper use, as well as how to apply them for home, lawn, and other landscapes.

  • Course

    Prepare to take the Private Pesticide Applicator Exam administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture with this course designed for pesticide applicators in Texas. Private pesticide applicators use or supervise the use of restricted-use or state-limited-use pesticides or herbicides to produce an agricultural commodity.

  • Course

    This course is designed for landowners and pesticide applicators who are looking for aquatic vegetation management techniques or CEUs. During this course, you will learn why aquatic vegetation is problematic, how to manage it, prevention methods, and effective forms of control and mode of action.

  • Publication

    Plum pox virus is a highly destructive disease that affects peaches, plums, and apricots.

  • Publication

    Bacterial canker is a disease that affects cherries, peaches, apricots, and other stone fruit.

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