Ag Biz News Column By: Chad Gulley County Extension Agent–Ag/NR Smith County Flea Control on Pets                 Fleas are small wingless insects that feed on animal and human blood.  It is estimated that Americans spend $9 billion annually on flea control.  In Texas, the most common species that causes problems is the cat flea.  This flea feeds on cats, dogs, and wildlife.  Other species of fleas exist but are usually not as common on pets or in homes. The flea goes through four stages as it develops.  These… Read More →

Ag Biz News Column By: Chad Gulley County Extension Agent–Ag/NR Scorpions   Are scorpions invading your home?  Scorpions are easily recognized by their characteristic shape.  Scorpions prefer a dry habitat but occur throughout Texas.  Scorpions are arachnids and are close relatives of ticks, mites, and spiders.  These arachnids carry a painful sting. The scorpion has four pair of legs and two large pincer-bearing arms (pedipalps) in front of their body.  On the end of the long, slender tail is a bulb-like poison gland or stinger.  The tail is… Read More →

Ag Biz News Column Chad Gulley County Extension Agent—Ag/NR Smith County   Texas Leaf-Cutting Ants                 Have you been seeing large, winged ants lately?  These winged species are the male and female reproductive species of the Texas leaf-cutting ant.  The Texas leaf-cutting ant causes economic damage to forest lands, landscapes, and even some agricultural crops in Texas.  These ants are also referred to as town ants, cut ants, and night ants to name a few. The Texas leaf-cutting ant is rust brown in color and ranges from 1/16… Read More →

Ag Biz News Column By: Chad Gulley County Extension Agent–Ag/NR Smith County Fly Species and Livestock                 Livestock producers have several species of flies to manage when it comes to livestock production.  These fly species, if left untreated, can cause economic losses to livestock species through energy loss and physical feeding of these pests on our livestock species.  The fly species can reduce weight gains and feed efficiency of our livestock. The fly species that are most common are the housefly, stable fly, and horn fly.  Other external… Read More →