Beekeepers who will remove honeybees from walls, structures and trees or collect swarms. Some will remove other bees and wasps.

As a part of a state-supported aerial mosquito spraying program coordinated by the Louisiana Department of Heath and Hospitals, mosquito landing rate counts are required before and after aerial spraying is conducted.

This interactive and fun quiz will challenge your knowledge of Red Imported Fire Ants.

Insects and information for the month.

The Argentine ant, an exotic species brought to New Orleans from South America in the late 1800s, is found throughout the state after being transported in nursery stock and by cars, boats and RVs. Their huge colonies, with millions of workers and hundreds of queens, extend for miles. Identifying characteristics, areawide management and cultural controls incuded.

Information on biology and management of Cimex lectularius.

The red imported fire ant, a Louisiana resident since the early 1950s, can be a painful pest or a beneficial friend. Depending on your situation, you may want to manage these ants or simply let them go about their helpful way. Eradication vs. management of the fire ant is discussed in this fact sheet.

Pest information for the month.

Bugs for January include: Strawberry/scarlet-bodied wasp moth, Bed bugs, Horse-hair worms, spiders, centipedes, millipedes, ants, small flies, and stored-product pests.

Bugs to watch for in December

Information on Phorid flies creating problems in hurricane damaged areas. They feed on and develop in decaying vegetable and animal material.

Map showing parishes that have a spreader available for use in area wide application of fire ant baits. Listing of locations by parish that have implemented the area wide program.

Insect problems in swimming pools and solutions for getting rid of them.

This poster discusses the specific characteristics used to identify Argentine Ants.

Identification, biology and treatment of the elongate twig ant.

Insects of the month. Bugs covered include: spiders, Cigarette/drugstore beetles, Indian meal moths,thrips, roaches, plants indoors, slugs and snails, Silverfish/firebrats, mosquitoes, brown recluse, bed bugs.

The purpose of this study was to determine if differences in worker size are indicative of social form for Solenopsis invicta colonies in Louisiana.

This poster discusses natural feeding preferences, adapted feeding preferences and feeding strategies of the Argentine Ant.

Properly identifying the ant species is the first step in determining whether and how to control them. In this publication there are options for managing various kinds of imported fire ant problems.

Small hive beetles were first detected in the United States in 1996. Although they are relatively harmless pests in their native South Africa, they have become serious pests of honey bees, especially in the southeastern region of the United States. Information on damage, life cycle, best management practices and control included.

Authorities are releasing a natural enemy of the pink hibiscus mealybug to try to bring this insect, which is a danger to both nursery and agricultural crops, under control, LSU AgCenter entomologist Dr. Dale Pollet said Tuesday (Oct. 10, 2006).

The twospotted spider mite is one of the most persistent and damaging pest problems affecting strawberry production in Louisiana. Damage, description, life cycle, monitoring, control information and color photos included. Spanish version also included.

This article details the current interest in crazy ants: how to identify them, general information and how to manage them.

New invasive found in Louisiana.

This poster addresses habitat preferences and where Argentine ants can be found.

Bugs of the month for September 2009 include: slugs, yellow jackets, stinging caterpillars, fire ants, love bugs, Green June beetles, loopers, Elongated Tree ants, armyworms, Diaprepes weevil.

bugs of the month

This publication is intended to help local and municipal governments address potential concerns or problems between the public and beekeepers. (PDF Format Only)

Standard Conditions, Scientific Collecting (wild birds): 50 CFR 21.23 Conditions.

Until the recent rains we had little to talk about, but with the heavy rains and the showers, we are beginning to see movement in the insect populations.

The dry weather has given in to the rains, but the effects of the dry weather remain as some insect populations persist.

There are several aphid species being reported at this time. Nine other pests are also on the move this month.

We are seeing some replays on some pest and a few new ones. Pests covered this month include: Cinch bugs, fall army worms, cicadas, cicada killers, fire ants and yellow jackets.

The bugs of August 2009 include: Ensign wasps, Armyworms, Red-headed azalea caterpillars, Lantana lace bug, Asian hackberry aphid, Rose borer, Grape leaf skeletonizer.

A grassy plant used worldwide for erosion control and a new pop-up termite indicator may provide new, environmentally safe weapons in the arsenal to combat subterranean termites.

Caterpillars and adults on shade trees and chinch bugs and parasitized armyworm.

Homeowners in South Louisiana and elsewhere in the Gulf South who are rebuilding after last year’s hurricanes have opportunities to add more termite protection to their homes, according to experts with the LSU AgCenter.

(Distributed 04/29/04) LSU AgCenter entomologists confirmed that termites found the week of April 18 at a home in Pineville were Formosan subterranean termites. This is the first sighting of the pests in the Alexandria area. These termites pose a greater threat than the native species because they form larger colonies, are more aggressive and form carton nests above ground.

The expansion is part of a federally funded test program dubbed Operation Full Stop, which is looking for ways to control the destructive creatures.

Mosquitoes buzz around Louisiana every day of the year. More than 60 species inhabit the state. While many are benign, some are carriers – or vectors – of several worrisome diseases. It's everyone's responsibility to keep their numbers down.

PowerPoint on spring honey and pollen sources. Among those included: White Dutch Clover, Vetch, Verbenia, Wisteria, Mint, Willow, American Buckwheat Vine, Tallow, Magnolia, Orange Citrus, Passion Vine, Black or Honey Locust, Crimson Clover, Sweet Clover.

Bugs of the month: Asian wooly aphid, Lubber grasshopper, June beetles, Crape myrtle aphids, Psocids, African honey bees, Orange dog caterpillar, Cicada killers.

New invasive that has been found in Louisiana. Information and pictures of this new pest.

Cleaning up wood debris after a hurricane or other severe windstorm can spread one of Louisiana’s most destructive pests – the Formosan subterranean termite.

It’s the time of the year when Formosan subterranean termites swarm and spread their colonies. Humans help termites travel great distances when they move infested railroad ties, utility poles, lumber, landscaping timbers, potted plants, shipping crates, pallets, mobile homes, paper and other cellulose products.

The lobate lac scale, native to India and Sri Lanka, was first reported on hibiscus in Broward County, Florida, in 1999 and was found on several other hosts in Broward and Miami-Dade counties in 2000. The scale was found in six additional southern Florida counties by 2004, and it has rapidly become a major pest. This publication was produced and distributed by USDA–CSREES Integrated Pest Management Centers in cooperation with the National Plant Diagnostic Network, APHIS, and ARS.

Learn how you can Fight the Bite and be a Skeeter Buster

This map shows where Africanized honeybees have been trapped by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry.

It’s been an exhausting year with all that has happened. We have the African honeybee in three parishes; we had hot, dry weather that reduced the honey crop; the price of honey went down; and we had not one but two hurricanes that tried to blow us all away or drown us.

Volume 72 provides information on the African honeybee movement into Louisiana, Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry district offices, The state beekeepers' meeting, the October field day at the USDA Bee Breeding and Physiology Laboratory and the State Fair honey competition.

The winners of the 2006 honey competition competed in three categories: Light Honey, Amber Honey and Dark Honey. Due to the reduced number of entries, the competition will be discontinued at the state fair. The competition will be moved to the state beekeepers meeting if enough requests are made for it to continue.

Fire ants may be an indoor problem during the dry season as they search for water and food. The mounds move below the surface but they will still forage for food during the cooler times of the day.

Things to consider when constructing or renovating a home to protect your house from termites.

A document containing the Louisiana Pesticide Rules and Regulations.

Provides Honeybee informatiom in Louisiana. Includes honey prices, pest control, bee hive registration information as well as information on swarms and removal of bees.

The public can order any fire ant bait through local hardware stores, nurseries or coop/feed stores.

This poster addresses where Argentine Ants are found in Louisiana, as well as cost-effective ways to control them.

This Web page examines the materials available to the homeowners for use on ornamentals and turf.

The 3-dimensional structure of tetrahydronootkatone and nootkatone was determined. A description of our methods and results are provided.

This article describes a stainless steel mesh that may be used as a barrier preventing termites from entering structures around specific routes of entry .

Provides additional links for information on termites.

One important key for successful management of a pest is to identify it. This publication can help you differentiate between ants and the dry-wood and subterranean termites that are pests in Louisiana. It also contains specific information on Formosan subterranean termites.

Help discover locations where the Formosan subterranean termite is not known to exist.

Considerations on integrated pest management of termites and other wood attacking organism are presented in depth.

This poster discusses background of Argentine Ants, baits that are cheap and effective for indoor use, and outdoor ant control.

Learn how to inspect and treat your home for Formosan subterranean termites.

Ants and insects of the month: Crazy raspberry ants, Caribbean crazy ant, Crazy ants, Paratrechina longicornis, leaf-cutting ant, Atta texana, Pharaoh ants, Monomorium pharaonis, Argentine ant, Linepithyema humile, Carpenter ants, Camponotus, Spider mites, Fall web worms, River birch sawfly, Citrus psyllid

Insects of the month for June 2009.

Linepithema humile (Mayr), the Argentine ant, is an important invasive species that has great impact on agriculture, urban and natural environments worldwide. This poster discusses the basic nest biology and structure of the Argentine Ants.

Brief summary informing people of the abundance of fire ant mounds in pastures at the St. Gabriel Research Station.

Bugs for the month of May 2009. We are getting hot and wet, and we are beginning to see some serious insect problems.

Bugs to watch for in May

Information about studies on CCD.

Facts and information on the West Nile virus and how it's affecting Louisiana.

Bugs of the month

Efforts are under way to prevent the spread of Formosan subterranean termites in mulch from New Orleans and Louisiana following hurricanes Katrina and Rita. It is true that there is a lot of cellulose debris (wood, paper and their products) in Louisiana following these two hurricanes.

The commissioner of agriculture in Louisiana imposed a quarantine for the Formosan subterranean termite on October 3, 2005, in Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington parishes. The Formosan subterranean termite is the most destructive insect in Louisiana.

Owners of South Louisiana property affected by last year’s hurricanes may need to evaluate the termite protection for their homes and other buildings but won’t necessarily need to treat again, according to an entomologist with the LSU AgCenter.

Insects for March: Buck moths, Eastern tent caterpillars, Forest tent caterpillars, Tussock moths, Varied carpet beetles, Mites, White flies, Scales.

Most people are aware of the damage fire and severe weather can do to their homes, but many overlook the threat of termites. Photos of termite damage and signs of termite infestation are included in this publication, which covers Formosan subterranean termites and other subterranean termites.

Lesson activity for 4th-12th graders on fighting off mosquitoes.

All fire ant baits work very well when applied according to the label instructions. The way a fire ant bait works depends on the active ingredient in the bait.

Fire Ants move long distances through the transport of potted plants, soil and sod. Fire ants spread by producing new queens and colony movement from unacceptable site due to flooding or other disturbances.

Because of the impact of mosquitoes in Louisiana on humans and domestic and wild animals, the negative effect on tourism and especially their potential as carriers of organisms that cause diseases, the first mosquito abatement districts were established in the early 1960s. Since then, with the help of the Louisiana Mosquito Control Association (LMCA) and the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center (AgCenter) entomologists, several other parishes have established mosquito control programs

Termites can’t hold their breath forever, although they have a capacity to live under water for a significant amount of time, according to a world-renowned termite expert. That means termites in areas flooded by the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina may not be as prevalent as they have been for a while – offering a small grain of good news among the massive destruction.

This publication includes information on the identification and management of carpenter bees.

Dr. Maxwell Lea of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry provides information on the diagnosis and treatment of 3 mosquito-borne diseases afflicting animals in Louisiana: Canine Heartworm Disease, Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (Sleeping Sickness) and West Nile Virus.

Bugs of the month.

People who work or play outdoors are often attacked by numerous species of insects, ticks and mites. If you choose or are required to be outside when insects are active, use a repellent. This publication explains how repellents are chemical substances that protect people from insect attack by making the body unattractive or offensive to insects. A repellent does not have to kill insects to be effective, although it may.

Bugs of February

This publication includes a description of wireworms and explains the importance and types of injuries they can cause to your trees. It also includes information on their life history, habits and methods of control.

Pier and beams construction can make temite tubes visible if good contruction techniques are followed

Acrobat ants, Crematogaster spp., are small (2-4mm) ants that appear to be all the same size. The abdomen is heart-shaped when viewed from above and the heads are round.

There are about 2,500 species of termites worldwide. Although only about 2% are frequent invaders of wood structures used by humans, termites must be managed because they can and will cause great damage. This publication includes information on how to manage them. Only available in pdf format.

The chances of poultry and other domestic birds acquiring mosquito-transmitted encephalitis viruses are relatively low, according to an LSU AgCenter expert, who says you also can take precautions to further reduce that risk.

Termites can not eat through solid concrete. In order to enter a structure they must come up around the outside edges or enter through some other opening in the slab. Traditional termite treatments require the application of a continuous chemical barrier to the soil around all possible entry points.

It may be tempting to ignore tree stumps and tree debris left over from hurricanes because of the expense of removal. But if let go long enough, this can lead to a nuisance far more expensive to clean up – carpenter ants.

Bugs of November to watch for in home and yards.

A few strange caterpillars and other insects are being found around the state.

A couple of bugs this month are new to the state. You're encouragedto pick up and send in anything you have not seen before. Especially if you get plants from outside the state or something unusual shows up after a storm or other extreme conditions.

Information card on tackling termite problems when beginning a renovation project

Information card on places to look for Formosan subterranean termite Infestations

Information card on where to look for termites in trees

If a honey bee swarm or colony is located in area well traveled by the public, it would be in the best interest of the city or agency to have the bees removed as soon as possible. This document provides information local officials can use to plan and prepare.

Two distance education teleconferences were conducted by the North Central Region Integrated Pest Management Center in June 2005. The presentations covered biological questions and control options.

Volume 73 is a special edition dealing with mosquito spraying and support for beekeepers who lost hives to the hurricanes.

(Distributed 09/05/08) Most of the mosquitoes being bred in the standing water left in Louisiana from Hurricane Gustav are not the kind that carry West Nile virus, according to LSU AgCenter entomologist and mosquito expert Wayne Kramer.

The process of removing honeybees from walls in a house is complex. Most people think they only have to spray and kill the bees. This would be effective if they were yellow jackets or hornets or even bumblebees. Honeybees, however,require a more demanding process.

The living drill, as the carpenter bee has been appropriately named by many homeowners, has the ability to bore into and structurally damage timbers and other painted or unpainted wooden materials. These holes are actually the nesting sites the bees use to raise their young.

The insect list is short this month, but one item in particular includes an in-depth discussion. The African honeybees and their recent discovery in two more parishes have some of the public concerned. Before there is a panic, some information needs to be presented.

It has been an on again-off again honeybee season, and the weather has not really cooperated for the bees -- first, too dry and too hot; now too wet in some areas for the bees to work efficiently.

The pink hibiscus mealybug is an invasive species that will infest agricultural crops, vegetables, fruits and ornamentals. Populations can be hard to detect initially but can build up quickly and spread by wind, birds, animals and humans.

Formosan and subterranean termite biology, ecology and behavior are compared and contrasted.

There are two majors types of termites in Louisiana: Subterranean and drywood. The subterranean termites are divided into two subgroups: The native subterranean termites and the Formosan subterranean termite. Determining the type of termite is important for management.

Formosan subterranean termites are more aggressive and cause more damage than native subterranean termite species because of special biological attributes.

Detecting termites in trees can be helped by a few tips on where to look.

West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne disease that can cause encephalitis, or a brain infection. Mosquitoes acquire the virus from birds and pass it on to other birds, animals and people.

A poster containing information on how to protect yourself from mosquitoes.

The LSU AgCenter is providing mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) to the New Orleans area in an effort to suppress mosquito populations in the many abandoned swimming pools in the city.

Identifying to species, recognizing problems and having a sound knowledge of control techniques can help in solving a termite problem.

Argentine ants have been reported in a few isolated areas in Louisiana. These ants are different from fire ants in appearance, nesting habits and behavior. These differences make control efforts different as well.

This is the first issue of a newsletter intended to communicate new information and recommendations for fire ant management and other ant problems in Louisiana. This issue focuses on current methods for community-wide fire ant control.

Document containing the Louisiana Pesticide Law.

As soggy as it has been one would hope that most of the insects had drowned, but alas, no such luck. Some have said they have become more relaxed and excited in the somewhat cooler environment and many have moved indoors to escape the constant drenches and standing puddles.

Two videos presenting information on the pink hibiscus mealybug.

common beneficials in and around the yard.

Report and send in samples of Formosan subterranean termites to help determine its range and help prevent its spread.

Native subterranean termites are found throughout Louisiana and are a natural part of the environment in Louisiana. Formosan subterranean termites, native to East Asia, arrived in the United States after World War II and were established in New Orleans by 1966.

Landscaping practices may increase the risk of subterranean termites attacking a structure and of spreading Formosan subterranean termites. Information is presented on the types of woody plants that termites attack and methods of inspection.

Landscaping practices may increase the risk of subterranean termites attacking a structure and of spreading formosan subterranean termites. Concepts on reducing the risks of moving and reporting Formosan subterranean termites are presented.

Stepping outdoors was like being under attack for one homeowner. Fire ants were everywhere in her yard. Her sister’s pasture also was under siege. So they turned to an LSU AgCenter entomologist for help. (Runtime: 1 minute, 47 seconds)

Ants range from mildly to highly annoying. Knowing the species, biology and control can help you manage them. This is a useful reference for pest management professionals, extension personnel and homeowners. A key to ants, color photographs, diagrams and a glossary are included. Spiral bound copies are available for $10 each. To purchase using a check, use the pdf order form. To purchase with a credit card, click on "order publication."

The process of removing honeybees from walls in a house is complex. This publication explains how to safely and properly remove the bees from your walls.

Keeping bees can be a fascinating and profitable hobby in Louisiana. Start with one or two colonies and as you learn the mechanics of beekeeping, establish additional colonies.

Is Retreating for Termites Necessary? Also find information on preventing formosan subterranean termites from spreading, disposing of termite infested wood and debris, transporting mulch and other wood debris, inspecting and retreating, signs of infestation and differences between termites and ants.

Many Louisiana gardeners are expressing their desire to attract butterflies to their yards. Learn how to create a butterfly-friendly environment with a few simple requirements: food, water, shelter and a place to reproduce. (PDF Format Only)

Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) and western equine encephalitis (WEE) virus infections occur in horses and other equids. Where does EEE come from? What's the best way to protect a horse? Find these answers and more.

A scourge of New Orleans and South Louisiana could find its way to other parts of the state and country if people move wood that’s infested with Formosan subterranean termites.

The Formosan termite is a devastating pest that consumes wooden structures and woody plants and causes hundreds of millions of dollars of damage each year. The LSU AgCenter is making progress slowing its spread in the New Orleans' French Quarter, despite the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita did not interfere with the LSU AgCenter’s efforts to control Formosan termites in New Orleans. Known as the French Quarter Program, the federally funded pilot test began in 1998.

Fire ants can be a serious problem after hurricanes – particularly in flooded areas, according to experts with the LSU AgCenter.

The Formosan subterranean termite was spread to Louisiana around the end of World War II. Described as the most important structural pestof the new millennium, the Formosan subterranean termite is now considered the most destructive insect in Louisiana.This publication includes information on how to decrease the spread of Formosan subterranean termites.

They can travel across a country or even traverse continents in a suitcase or shoe, and they’re infamous for infesting intimate locations – beds. Now the fabled bedbug is infesting beds around New York City, and some people are concerned if the bugs will spread.

LSU AgCenter faculty members are working on plans to put the Formosan subterranean termite research project in New Orleans’ French Quarter back on track after the recent hurricanes.

Growing conditions last summer and a mild winter means growers helped foster high levels of nematodes in many fields. Planting corn instead infested areas can be the solution because the crop is a poor host.