Texas A&M AgriLife Extension - McMullen County

09/01/2026

08/31/2026

Excellent news!!

AUSTIN, TX – The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) executive director officially released movement restrictions for areas of Texas previously deemed as New World screwworm (NWS) Infested Zones. Following months of coordinated surveillance and eradication activities, designated areas of Gillespie, Kerr, Kimble, La Salle, and Webb Counties were released from New World Screwworm (NWS) movement restrictions on August 31, 2026, marking a significant milestone in Texas' ongoing NWS response.

Read the full press release:https://www.tahc.texas.gov/news/2026/2026-08-31_EDO_NWSZoneReleases.pdf

08/30/2026

Dr. David Kerns and Greg Wilson with Texas A&M Entomology shared valuable insights into the emergency exemption for Centric 40WG for pasture mealybug treatment and best practices for its use with Farm Progress Daily.

“It does not mean ‘spray every yellow pasture,”’ Wilson said. “It means that if mealybugs are easily found with plant injury, there is now a labeled option that research has shown will work if it is applied correctly.”

Learn more about this new treatment option: https://bit.ly/4qGkVsZ

08/15/2026

Great news-an effective treatment was approved by EPA!

Pasture mealybug has spread to 79 counties in Texas, putting grazing and forage grasses at risk. Losses could run $100 million to more than $1 billion a year, AgriLife Extension economists say.

Our updated fact sheet covers Centric 40WG, the first EPA-approved treatment, plus ID and monitoring tips. Get it here 🔗 tx.ag/PastureMealybugUpdate

08/13/2026

LEPC WAKM Meeting present today!

08/10/2026

08/10/2026

Bring us your water samples from any private well, and we'll run this screening at no cost to you. Call Christy with any questions.

08/05/2026

Our McMullen County Extension agent, Christy Lansford, talks Mealybug with Kiii 3 News.

A tiny invasive pest is causing big concerns in South Texas. Experts say the pasture mealybug could threaten grass, ranching operations and wildlife food sources.

08/04/2026