Drought Brings More Ants, Other Bugs Inside Homes; Ways to Keep Them Out
This summer’s drought is causing ants, cockroaches and other bugs to head indoors more than usual, as extended periods of dry weather affects their food and moisture supply. Texas A&M’s Department of Entomology has these tips to keep bugs out:
Hot, Dry Conditions put DFW Area at “Very High” Fire Danger Risk; Prevention Steps to Know
The recent wildfire disaster in Maui and the many wildfires that fire crews have battled throughout Texas this summer are a stark reminder that hot weather and dry vegetation, coupled with wind, create ripe conditions for a fast-spreading fire.
Free Butterfly Gardening Class Tomorrow
Butterflies are welcome visitors that bring our landscapes to life with activity in addition to helping pollinate our favorite plants, so this class helps you learn easy and practical tips to create a butterfly habitat in your landscape.
“The Drowsy Chaperone” Open Aug. 18 at RCT
A “madcap, screwball musical within a comedy,” The Drowsy Chaperone pays tribute to the Jazz Age shows of the 1920s.
Early Morning Bird Walk Saturday
Learn more on the Early Morning Bird Walk this weekend.
Time to Plant Ground Covers and other August Gardening To-Dos
The Dallas County Master Gardener Association, sponsored by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, has published its August Garden Tasks List. The monthly lists help gardeners and those new to gardening stay on track for “what to do when.”
Recycling Blue Bag Giveaways Scheduled for August
Public Services staff will be at Bike Mart, 1451 W. Campbell Rd., each week this month on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, handing out free blue recycling bags and spreading the word about the benefits of recycling.
Free Upcoming Online Classes Focus on Trees, Native Plants
Tough Plants for Texas Online Cost: Free (Must register; information here) Aug. 5-12 On demand 24/7 beginning 8 a.m. Aug. 5 and ending at 8 p.m. Aug. 12 Cacti aren’t the only native plants that thrive in our harsh local climate and soils....
Water Conservation Tips Offered for Pool Owners
Pool owners are reminded that there are several tips on the City’s Environmental Partnership Initiative web page for conserving pool water, helping to lessen “water bill surprise.”
What’s the Bug? Extension Service Helps with Identification
If you’ve ever noticed insects, dead or alive, in or near your home and want to know what they are, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension service offers a web page called “Insects in the City,” with links to resources that provide help with identification.