Well, we are coming to the final days of the year, and we still have a few bugs causing some problems.

Ants and insects of the month

Bugs of November to watch for in home and yards.

Well, summer is here, and we are seeing some different pests to start it off.

We finally got some rain but it only made things grow better for some pests.

The weather has warmed, and the bugs are everywhere. Some are even a little early.

This is going to be an interesting beginning to what appears to be a long, hot, buggy year. Several problems are being affected by the hot dry weather, and some bugs are being found early and in areas where they are not usually a problem.

Spring is supposed to be here shortly, but the temperature outside is a little frosty. But this hasn’t deterred the insects.

The weather has been up and down, and the bug populations seem to have adjusted. And if this is any indication, we will have a full year and then some. We are having reports on pests that normally do not show up until April.

The weather may have killed a few insects, but the vast majority are still kicking. A good example are the mosquitoes we have been seeing every time the sun warms us up a little.

It seems just yesterday it was 2007. Pest problems are light presently, but two major situations have developed.

Lady bugs are excellent predators of aphids and several other small, soft-bodied insect pests, but they have a bad habit of colonizing when the weather begins to cool. Watch for wasps and bees looking for a place to overwinter, and keep a sharp eye out for pests in Christmas trees and firewood.

Bugs of the month.

Power point on invasive species.

Bugs to watch for in May

We are seeing a decline in some insect populations but some explosions in others. Here are some potential problems this month.

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.

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

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.

We are seeing a decline in some insect populations but some explosions in others. Here are some potential problems this month.

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.

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.

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