ROVE BEETLES – What are they? and where do you find them?

Common name: Red and Black Rove Beetles Scientific name(s): Various Paederus sp. and some related species in the Staphylindae family. Description: Small, elongated, ant-like beetles with tiny wings, usually 1cm or less in length. Most species are black with a red thorax and a red band across the abdomen, and blue or green iridescence on the wing-covers. Geographic distribution: Found


Termite baits are generally recognized as the most reliable method to achieve colony control, but what evidence is there that liquid soil treatments using a non-repellent insecticide can also deliver colony control? Whereas termite baits are generally regarded as the best option for delivering colony control, there is little evidence supporting claims that soil treatments

Fruit and Vegetable Juice: How Food Affects Health


Oils and Fats: How Food Affects Health

Along with protein and carbs, fats are an important component of a good nutrition program. They contain more than twice the number of calories per gram as carbohydrates and proteins, so a small amount of fat contributes a large amount of calories. However, fats can certainly add flavor to food — and you need some

What’s a PLU Code? How to Shop for Organic Produce


The Blue Metallic Mud Dauber Wasps

People often think of mud daubers as pest not because they are aggressive but because they build mud nests all over the place. However, ugly as those nests are they are how these wasps create the next generation. When it comes to the blue metallic mud dauber, you want to keep these beautiful ladies around.

Types of Lawn Damage in the Greater Austin Area

A beautiful lawn is a thing of pride and joy, but not so much when the lawn becomes damaged by pests or has other issues. In this blog, we look at some of the more common reasons parts of a lawn die. In some cases, that damage is from pests and in others, those dead