Watch Out for Puss Caterpillars!

Asp or Puss Caterpillar
Photo: Martha Cray

Puss caterpillars, AKA Asps, are being seen in some pretty significant numbers this fall.  These small, fuzzy, blonde, almost cuddly looking fuzz balls can pack a mean punch.
Embedded within the hairy facade are venomous spines, which can result in a blister or burn reaction on the skin to more severe reactions such as vomiting or worse.  In general, it is believed that the severity of the reaction depends on the age of the larva and thickness of the skin it encountered.

Shrub with several asps.
Photo: Martha Cray

Puss caterpillars can be found on trees and shrubbery.  Usually where one is found, many are close by.  If you encounter one, avoid it - this is not something you want to experience!  If you have an outbreak on a tree or shrub, it would probably be a good idea to treat the foliage to avoid unnecessary stings.  Bt when they are actively feeding on foliage, spinosad or permethrin are recommended products.  Be sure to follow all labels carefully.

Rain Brings Ag Termites

Public Service Announcement!  This wet weather, following months of dry weather provides ideal conditions for Ag or Desert Termites to emerge to mating swarms.

It would not be uncommon to see 1/4 to 1/2 inch flying brown insects accumulated around light colored doors, garage doors, walls, or under porch lights.

Desert Termites should not cause major concern. They are not wood feeders, instead feeding on grasses. They may be an issue in an urban landscape or agricultural hay field, but generally their damage isn't worth the cost to treat them (although there are exceptions).

Desert Termite swarmers (reproductives)

A Desert Termite swarm.

Bug Banquet - A Culinary Experience You Don't Want to Miss!

Texas A&M AgriLife in Bexar County is so proud to announce a culinary even you won't want to miss!  Enjoy an evening of entomophagy prepared by expert chef's and Bexar County 4-H Food Challenge Teams. Dine under the stars at Clearwater Ranch and learn how raising insects is a sustainable form of agriculture and a surprisingly enjoyable culinary experience.  Our mission is to introduce you to a new way to thinking of obtaining your protein!  While this may be a novelty and maybe "odd" thing to consume, insects are a staple in the diets of many other cultures.  As our population increases, land and other natural resources decrease, it is imperative that we come up with better ways of feeding ourselves... insects may be the answer!

You will have the opportunity to delight in an expertly prepared four course meal made with delectable insects and paired with an appropriate cocktail, beer or wine.  Food prepared with insects can be pushed to the side for those not so inclined to partake.  Our goal is to introduce the idea and show how you can incorporate insects into the diet without relying solely on them.

November 6, 2015

Clearwater Ranch 

(24510 Clearwater Run, San Antonio, TX 78255)

7-9pm
$35 per individual/ $50 per couple

Menu:

• Fire Ant Queso (blanco queso seasoned with local peppers and fire ants); paired with Honey Bee Cocktails from local bees.
• Candied Pear Salad Greens with Roasted Mealworms (mealworms add a nutty flavor to a sweet salad with local greens); paired with local craft beer, Texican Lauger.
• Goat Cheese Quesadillas & roasted sweet potatoes and squash from local garden (tortillas made with high protein cricket flour, Texas goat cheese and locally grown sweet potatoes); paired with local craft beer, Texcian Lauger.
• Chocolate covered strawberries garnished with toasted coconut cricket granola; paired with Cranapple Chardonnay from Helotes winery.

Please register at: https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/BexarCounty