Ranchers and hay producers in more than 20 counties have reported a new pest damaging their grass.
The pasture mealybug is an invasive insect that originates from Australia. It’s recently been found in fields from the Rio Grande Valley to east of Houston. Farmers and entomologists alike are looking for methods to control the bug.
Stephen Biles, an integrated pest management specialist in Port Lavaca with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, spoke to the Texas Standard about the pest. Listen to the interview above or read the transcript below…