Tag Archives: fire ant baiting

SPN: While the humans are away the pests will play

Since March 23, 2020, most TX schools have been closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, during this time the most common pests of TX have not taken a break from your campuses. Even though our AgriLife Extension offices are closed we are still working from home and insect questions are still coming in. Over the past month we have seen an increase in stinging caterpillars mostly in the San Antonio and Hill county region of the state. There will be a special story on that coming later… Read More →

SPN: Hot Weather Pests and Remember to Monitor

Hot Weather and Pests By Dr. Mike Merchant It’s summer in Texas and either you saw too much rain this spring, or not enough but no matter where you live the summer pests are out. Some pests are more troublesome during extreme conditions, while others flourish during more typical conditions. Here are a few observations concerning current weather conditions and pests. Millipede mass migrations commonly occur in the fall, but can also happen in the spring and summer. Above average rainfall is likely to blame for this year’s… Read More →

SPN: Fire Ant Control: The Two-Step Method and Other Approaches

By: Dr. Paul Nester, Extension Program Specialist – IPM, Houston/Metro area When it comes to insect pests, fire ants would probably top everyone’s list! Red and black imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta and Solenopsis richteri) are invasive species and their painful bites can injure or kill livestock, wildlife, domestic animals, and humans. Their large mounds (as many as 300 per acre) are unsightly and often damage mowers and other equipment. Fire ants also infest buildings and can damage electrical equipment by chewing on wire insulation. Fire ants cost… Read More →

School Pest News, Volume 14, Issue 4, May 2015

Fire Ant Management  by Molly Keck, Extension Program Specialist II Rain brings fire ants… at least that’s what people say. Rain doesn’t necessarily make fire ants more abundant – they were always there, they just weren’t as noticeable. When it rains, the ground becomes saturated and the fire ants move their colonies higher. When they pop above the ground, you come across them more readily and its gives the impression that there are more and they are worse than during dry months. Unless you have been treating regularly,… Read More →

Fire Ant Basics

When it comes to fire ants, pay attention to detail  By:  Dr. Mike Merchant In case you missed it, last month a 13-year old middle school student died  as a result of fire ant stings he suffered during half-time on a Corpus Christi, Texas football field.  The student, Cameron Espinosa, was on the sidelines when he complained of difficulty breathing after receiving fire ant stings on the field.  He collapsed and died several days later from complications due to an apparent anaphylactic reaction to fire ant venom. The… Read More →