The group talks about what a honey bee swarm actually is and what it means to the colony and to the homeowner. Texas Apiary Inspection Service list of bee removers - https://txbeeinspection.tamu.edu/bee-removal/ Bee Culture Magazine Article - https://www.beeculture.com/swarm-initiation-a-nurse-bee-hypothesis/#:~:text=This%20quorum%20of%20nurse%20bees,that%20initiates%20the%20swarming%20process.&text=In%20the%20Biology%20of%20the,to%20establish%20a%20new%20colony ..read more

2024 is a big year when it comes to periodical cicadas with TWO broods emerging in the United States. Illinois seems to be the place to be with both broods in the state and some areas with overlap. This episode will cover information on both periodical cicadas as well as the annual cicadas that we have in Texas. Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles ..read more

This episode we cover information about mason bees, including the blue orchard bees. These bees are wonderful native pollinators that you can attract to your landscape. Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles Check out these additional resources for more information! https://www.tcmastergardeners.org/mason-bees/ https://citybugs.tamu.edu/2021/06/17/the-native-mason-bee/ https://txbeeinspection.tamu.edu/mason-bees ..read more

Crape myrtles are the most commonly planted ornamental trees in our landscape and a scale threatens to take away some of the beauty of your tree. Learn what the group thinks of this scale, how to identify it, and what options are available for management. https://extensionentomology.tamu.edu/insects/crapemyrtle-bark-scale/ https://citybugs.tamu.edu/files/2010/05/EHT-049-Crape-myrtle-bark-scale.pdf Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles ..read more

This episode we cover how insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils work and why it's not a great idea to substitute household products for pesticides. Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles ..read more

Do you have an entomophile in your life? If so, this episode can help you with possible gift ideas! Also make sure to check out the links below. Logo by Natalie Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles Wizzie's suggestions: Jewelers loupe - 30x + 60x plus light (put that in a google search) Clip on macro lens set for camera phone (google "smartphone macro lens set) Books  -Common Insects of Texas and Surrounding States by John C. Abbott & Kendra Abbott -The Bees in Your Backyard: A Guide to North America's Bees by Joseph S. Wilson & Olivia Messinger Carril -Butterflies of Houston and South ..read more

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 ..read more

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 Cervantes Music by Owen DesBles ..read more

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 ..read more

Orbweavers are one of the largest groups of spiders. They are unique, often large, and quite beautiful ..read more