Unwanted Guests

What to do about house sparrows

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension — Wed, 17 May 2023 09:00:00 -0600

While house sparrows are totally adorable, they can sometimes take up residence around the home in a very inconvenient location. Listen to find out what you can do to avoid this from happening.

**Just a quick note that this is the last episode of Unwanted Guests. If you want more information about insects, subscribe to the podcast Bugs by the Yard.

Logo by Natalie Cervantes

Music by Owen DesBles

Things to know before buying and using pesticides

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0600

It can be overwhelming trying to choose a pesticide. This episode covers things to consider before buying a pesticide as well as considerations for using pesticides.

Logo by Natalie Cervantes

Music by Owen DesBles

Common Pests in the Spring Veggie Garden

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 01:00:00 -0600

Planting a spring vegetable garden? Learn who we think are the top pests of those spring plants and what we recommend to do to treat them.

Clothes moths or pantry moths

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 09:00:00 -0600

There are various stored product moths that can invade homes. In this episode we talk about how to figure out what type of moth you have and what to do about them.

https://extensionentomology.tamu.edu/

Indianmeal moth https://extensionentomology.tamu.edu/insects/indian-meal-moth/

Pantry & fabric pests https://ipmhouse.tamu.edu/files/2021/03/stored-product-pests.pdf

Logo by Natalie Cervantes

Music by Owen DesBles

Pest predictions for 2023

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 09:00:00 -0600

Tune in to discover what we are guessing (note I said guess) may be problematic in 2023.

Logo by Natalie Cervantes

Music by Owen DesBles

Holiday home invaders

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 12:00:00 -0600

The holidays are in full swing and we want to prepare you for possible unwanted guests (not the in-laws).

Logo by Natalie Cervantes

Music by Owen DesBles

Hackberry psyllids or those little bugs in the windowsill

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension — Wed, 16 Nov 2022 09:00:00 -0600

Hackberry psyllids can become a nuisance in the fall as they may move indoors. Their small size allows them to enter around doors and windows, so they may pile up on windowsills.

Logo by Natalie Cervantes

Music by Owen DesBles

Meet our newest team member!

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 09:00:00 -0600

The Unwanted Guest team is really excited because we have a new member who will be helping us out with the podcast and answering questions, identifying insects, and providing trainings in the Dallas area.

Logo by Natalie Cervantes

Music by Owen DesBles

Rover ants

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 09:00:00 -0600

Rover ants are those tiny little black ants that you may discover in your kitchen or bathroom, a potted plant, or other areas near your home. Listen in to find out what to do when you find these gals.

Logo by Natalie Cervantes

Music by Owen DesBles

Ways to protect yourself from mosquitoes

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 09:00:00 -0600

This episode we'll discuss a variety options that can help to manage mosquitoes around your home.

Logo by Natalie Cervantes

Music by Owen DesBles

Carpenter ants

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension — Wed, 25 May 2022 09:00:00 -0600

Carpenter ants are some of the largest ants that can be found in Texas and are considered to be a wood destroying insect. Listen in to find out how to identify and manage these insects if you find them in your home.

Logo by Natalie Cervantes

Music by Owen DesBles

https://extensionentomology.tamu.edu/insects/carpenter-ants/

Formosan termites

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension — Wed, 11 May 2022 09:00:00 -0600

There are numerous species of termites in Texas, including some that have found there way here from other parts of the world. Listen in to find out more about formosan termites and how to mange them if you find them on your home.

Logo by Natalie Cervantes

Music by Owen DesBles

https://extensionentomology.tamu.edu/publications/formosan-subterranean-termites/

Honey bees in homes

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 09:00:00 -0600

Honey bees are considered beneficial insects due to their benefits as pollinators and producers of products such as honey and wax. Even though these beloved insects can be great, there are times when they can turn into pests. Listen to find out when honey bees can become a concern.

Logo by Natalie Cervantes

Music by Owen DesBles

https://txbeeinspection.tamu.edu/bee-removal/

All about bats (in structures)

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 09:00:00 -0600

Listen to learn if bats really do eat all the mosquitoes around your home and what to do if they take up residence in your attic.

https://www.batcon.org/

Logo by Natalie Cervantes

Music by Owen DesBles

What are pesticide baits?

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 09:00:00 -0600

Listen in to find out more about pesticide baits: how they are formulated, what insects they are typically targeting, how to use them, pitfalls to avoid, and much more.

Logo by Natalie Cervantes

Music by Owen DesBles

Swarmers: termites vs. ants

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 09:00:00 -0600

Can you tell the difference between termite and ant swarmers? Do you know what a swarmer is? Tune in to find out more on how to tell the difference between these two types of insects.

Logo by Natalie Cervantes

Music by Owen DesBles

Bed bugs in homes

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension — Wed, 02 Mar 2022 09:00:00 -0600

Did you listen to our last episode a little too late and now you have bed bugs in your home? Listen in to find out where to look for bed bugs and options for management.

Logo by Natalie Cervantes

Music by Owen DesBles

How to avoid bringing bed bugs home

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 09:00:00 -0600

Do you travel? No matter where you stay, hotels or homes, no matter the price of your room, there is a possibility of encountering bed bugs. Listen in to find out what to look for and how to inspect for bed bugs before turning in for the night.

Logo by Natalie Cervantes

Music by Owen DesBles

Silverfish and firebrats

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 09:00:00 -0600

Did you turn on the bathroom light and discover a silvery, carrot-shaped insect with three tails? If so, listen in to find out more about silverfish....and firebrats.

Logo by Natalie Cervantes

Music by Owen DesBles

Firewood insects

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 09:00:00 -0600

Have you discovered insects in or around your firewood? Listen to find out what type of insects they may be and whether you should be concerned about them infesting your home.

Logo by Natalie Cervantes

Music by Owen DesBles

Stored product moths

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension — Wed, 08 Dec 2021 09:00:00 -0600

In episode 14 we covered information on pantry beetles. This episode will cover how to identify stored product moths and what to do about them.

Logo by Natalie Cervantes

Music by Owen DesBles

Pantry beetles

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension — Wed, 24 Nov 2021 09:00:00 -0600

Have you found bugs in your pantry? If so, they will most likely be either beetles or moths as those are the most common culprits. This episode of Unwanted Guests will describe what pantry beetles you may have and how you can get rid of them.

Logo by Natalie Cervantes

Music by Owen DesBles

Kissing bugs

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 09:00:00 -0600

Listen in to discover how to identify a kissing bug, why you should keep an eye out for them, and how you can reduce your chances of having them get into your house.

Kissing Bugs and Chagas Disease in the U.S. | Texas A&M (tamu.edu)

CDC - Chagas Disease

Triatomine testing in Texas:

Triatomine Testing (texas.gov)

Logo by Natalie Cervantes

Music by Owen DesBles

Fall nuisance pests

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension — Wed, 27 Oct 2021 09:00:00 -0600

Listen in to find out which insects may become a nuisance when the weather changes. We'll cover hackberry psyllids, acorn weevils, and boxelder bugs.

Logo by Natalie Cervantes

Music by Owen DesBles

Commensal Rodents

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 09:00:00 -0600

While commensal rodents can be a problem at any time of the year, cooler temperatures can have them searching for a cozy place to spend winter....which can lead them indoors. Learn all about commensal rodents, how to avoid them, and how to manage them.

Logo by Natalie Cervantes

Music by Owen DesBles

Unwanted Ladybugs and Excluding Your Home

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension — Wed, 29 Sep 2021 09:00:00 -0600

Harmonia ladybird beetles are wonderful for controlling aphids in landscapes, but what happens when they move into your home? Tune into find out more about these beetles and how you can keep them- and other pests- outside.

Logo by Natalie Cervantes

Music by Owen DesBles

Tawny crazy ants

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 09:00:00 -0600

Tawny crazy ants can be a major pest at certain times of the year. While they don't sting, the NUMBERS of ants can become overwhelming. Tune into to learn where these ants are found in Texas and what you can do about them.

Logo by Natalie Cervantes

Music by Owen DesBles

Large flies

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 09:00:00 -0600

It's summer, it's hot and flies are going crazy. Tune in to discover what type of flies you may find in and around your home as well as what you can do to mange them.

Logo by Natalie Cervantes

Music by Owen DesBles

Small flies & gnats

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 09:00:00 -0600

Small flies can be a BIG problem when they come indoors. Find out the common small flies you may encounter and how to get rid of them.

Logo by Natalie Cervantes

Music by Owen DesBles

I wanna join the flea circus

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension — Wed, 14 Jul 2021 09:00:00 -0600

It's summertime which means that fleas can be a problem whether you have pets or not. Learn why you may have fleas in your home and what you can do to reduce the population.

Controlling Fleas - How do you get rid of fleas in your home? (tamu.edu)

Logo by Natalie Cervantes

Music by Owen DesBles

Carpet beetles; the common household pest with an outdated name

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 09:00:00 -0600

A discussion of how carpet beetles get inside the house, how to locate them, and how to eliminate them.

Podcast art: Natalie Cervantes

Podcast music: Owen DesBles

Mosquitoes with guest Dr. Sonja Swiger

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 09:00:00 -0600

Mosquitoes are a serious concern as they can vector diseases to humans and companion animals. This episode we talk all things mosquitoes with our guest Dr. Sonja Swiger who is a medical/ veterinary entomologist.

https://mosquitosafari.tamu.edu/

https://livestockvetento.tamu.edu/

Podcast art: Natalie Cervantes

Podcast music: Owen DesBles

Red imported fire ants

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 09:00:00 -0600

Red imported fire ants are a major pest in Texas. Learn about why they can be such a problem as well as management strategies.

https://fireant.tamu.edu/

Podcast art: Natalie Cervantes

Podcast music: Owen DesBles

Termites and management

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension — Wed, 19 May 2021 09:00:00 -0600

Learn about the types of termites that can be found in Texas, when you should be concerned about them, and what you can do to manage them.

Intro to Your Hosts

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension — Wed, 28 Apr 2021 09:00:00 -0600

Get to know your hosts of Unwanted Guests- Molly Keck, Janet Hurley, Robert Puckett, and Wizzie Brown. Learn how we got into entomology and little bit about what we do every day.

https://extensionentomology.tamu.edu/

Podcast art: Natalie Cervantes

Podcast music: Owen DesBles