Pesticides & Pest Management

This course is for anyone wanting to learn how pests in Texas and the Southern United States invade our homes. It helps the learner understand how to prevent and/or manage common household pests without the use of pesticides by using different control tactics. What are the most common pests and how do you prevent them from moving inside with you? Even if you live in an apartment, this lesson will help you keep your home pest and pesticide free!

Insect pests are often a major limiting factor in Texas sunflower production. Of the 50 insect species recorded on sunflowers in Texas, about 15 are considered potentially major pests. This publication assists producers in identifying the insect pests that reduce sunflower yield and describes when those pests are most likely to occur during the growth […]

Do you know what to do if you have a bat encounter in your building? Bats are a high-risk animal group for transmitting rabies. Participants will learn the principles behind preventing or excluding colony establishment within buildings.

Since the discovery in Harris County, Texas, in 2002, tawny crazy ants (Nylanderia fulva Mayr) have expanded their invasive range to include 43 Texas counties (Fig. 1). These ants have also been confirmed in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. After an introduction to a new location, these ants can reach extraordinary densities within a year or two and become significant pests in urban, rural, and unmanaged natural areas. It is imperative that people remain diligent with regard to the potential transport of these ants across Texas and the United States.

Populations of feral hogs, a non-native species, have grown dramatically in recent years. On school grounds, damage by feral hogs can impact sports fields, lawns and landscaping, irrigation systems, and gardens. This guide functions as an aid, primarily to school Integrated Pest Management (IPM) coordinators, to address the presence of feral hogs on school grounds. […]

Coalitions create an ongoing peer-to-peer support network for school professionals and others working to reduce pest problems and pesticide use in schools. This publication is designed to provide a practical guide to starting and sustaining effective coalitions for Integrated Pest Management (IPM). (6 pages).

Parasites are very common when it comes to raising backyard poultry. Northern fowl mites, Scaly-leg mites, Chicken mites, Sticktight fleas, and Poultry lice can cause harm to your flock if not treated correctly. This publication talks about the different parasites and the proper treatment to follow. (2 pages)

Laurel wilt is a fungal disease transmitted by the redbay ambrosia beetle that affects desirable trees in urban and residential areas of Texas. This publication discusses signs, symptoms, and management efforts in the control of laurel wilt. (2 pages)

Plant-parasitic nematodes are microscopic roundworms that feed on plant roots. In turf grasses, they cause damage similar to that of water stress, nutrient deficiency, or root diseases. Golf course managers can use this publication to learn about testing for nematodes, identifying the species that damage turf, and managing nematodes. (3 pages.)