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Texas Tree Critters

Texas Tree Critters

Daddy Long Legs

As winter approaches, you'll see more critters seek refuge inside the house. One of those critters is the Daddy Long Legs. They are mysterious and fascinating. Common questions about this critter include: Are Daddy Long Legs really spiders? Are they poisonous? Do they bite? View more about Daddy Long Legs.

Spider Mites

Spider mites are tiny, and they look like specks of red and black pepper on the undersides of leaves. View more information on identifying and treating for spider mites.

Webworms

Fall is prime time for webworms.They’re not tree specific, but they’re usually first noticed on pecan trees. View more information on these pesky defoliators, webworms.

Bagworms

At first glance, bagworms look like little bundles of twigs or cones. The worm is hiding beneath a clever disguise.Bagworms mainly affect bald cypress and evergreens in our area. View more information on bagworms.

Honeybees

Honeybees are beneficial insects in the garden. Their primary function is to make honey, of course, but honeybees are also beneficial in pollinating flowers, fruits, and vegetables. View more information about honeybees.

Velvet Ant

Is it a giant ant, wasp, or something from outer space? Check out more information on the Velvet Ant or Cow Killer.

Barklice

What's that creepy looking spider webby stuff on my tree? Despite their name, Barklice are beneficial critters for trees; they break down dead tissue and other debris. Check out more information on Barklice.

Mediterranean Gecko

Although Mediterranean Geckos look weird, you can see their internal organs through their transparent skin. They are beneficial in the garden and around the house. Like other lizards, Mediterranean Geckos help control the insect population. They like to hang out on the exterior of homes in damp, dark places. Sometimes, you will even see them out in the open at night. View more information on the Mediterranean Gecko.

Tomato Horn Worm

Spring is here, and tomatoes, flowers, herbs and veggies are being planted!! If you're growing tomatoes this year, you'll want to keep an eye out for the Tomato Horn Worm. This month's critter is the caterpillar of the "Hummingbird Moth" and uses its chewing mouth parts to damage foliage on tomato plants. The good news is that Tomato Horn Worms can be parasitized by predators, and they're easy to pick off and smash. Read more about the Tomato Horn Worm.

Aphids

Aphids are bad guys in the garden. They suck juices from plant stems and newly formed buds. Fortunately, the lady bug is on patrol. Just as aphids suck plant juices, lady bugs suck the juice out of aphids. Check out more information about aphids.

Lady Bugs

Lady Bugs are good guys in the garden. They eat aphids (see photo above) and other insects that destroy plants. Check some basic Lady Bug information.

Wooly Bear Caterpillar

This is the Wooly Bear Caterpillar. Have you ever seen this caterpillar? Sometimes they get into the house in the spring. It's actually the larvae of a really cool moth, the Giant Leopard Moth. Read more about the Wooly Bear Caterpillar.