About Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service provides research-based education and outreach programs that support agriculture, livestock production, horticulture, natural resources, environmental stewardship, family well-being, youth development, and community improvement throughout Texas. As the outreach arm of the Texas A&M University System, AgriLife Extension connects farmers, ranchers, homeowners, businesses, municipalities, and communities with practical solutions grounded in scientific research.
Official Website
https://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/
Texas is the second-largest state in the nation and contains an extraordinary range of ecosystems, including deserts, prairies, forests, coastal regions, wetlands, agricultural valleys, and major metropolitan areas. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension develops programs specifically designed to address the unique environmental, agricultural, and economic challenges found across the Lone Star State.
Core Services Offered
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension provides educational resources and technical assistance across a wide range of disciplines that support economic growth, environmental sustainability, and healthy communities.
Agriculture and Crop Production
Texas leads the nation in numerous agricultural commodities and supports one of the most diverse agricultural economies in the United States.
- Crop production management
- Integrated pest management
- Soil health programs
- Nutrient management planning
- Irrigation efficiency education
- Agricultural economics and marketing
Major crops supported by Extension programs include cotton, corn, sorghum, wheat, rice, peanuts, citrus, vegetables, and specialty crops.
Livestock and Ranch Management
Texas is the nation’s leading cattle-producing state and has a large livestock industry that includes cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, and horses.
- Beef cattle management
- Sheep and goat production
- Horse management
- Livestock nutrition
- Animal health education
- Range management
Home Gardening and Horticulture
Texas homeowners rely on AgriLife Extension resources for practical gardening and landscape management guidance adapted to the state’s diverse climate zones.
- Vegetable gardening
- Fruit production
- Landscape maintenance
- Tree and shrub care
- Lawn management
- Garden pest identification
Master Gardener Program
The Texas Master Gardener Program is one of the largest volunteer horticulture education programs in the country.
Master Gardeners assist residents with:
- Plant selection
- Pest identification
- Composting techniques
- Water-wise landscaping
- Pollinator conservation
- Sustainable gardening practices
Natural Resources and Environmental Stewardship
Texas contains vast natural resources that require responsible management and conservation.
- Water conservation education
- Wildlife habitat management
- Range stewardship
- Forest conservation
- Watershed protection
- Environmental sustainability initiatives
Community and Family Programs
AgriLife Extension supports healthy families and communities through a variety of educational programs.
- Nutrition education
- Food safety programs
- Financial literacy training
- Health and wellness initiatives
- Community leadership development
- Disaster preparedness education
4-H Youth Development
The Texas 4-H program is one of the largest youth development organizations in the United States and provides educational opportunities that help young people develop leadership skills and practical knowledge.
- STEM education
- Agricultural sciences
- Environmental education
- Animal science projects
- Leadership development
- Community service activities
Pest Pressures and Challenges in Texas
Texas faces some of the most diverse pest pressures in the country due to its size, climate diversity, extensive agriculture, and growing urban populations. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension provides science-based recommendations to help residents and producers manage these challenges effectively.
Fire Ants
Red imported fire ants are among the most significant pests in Texas and affect millions of acres of land each year.
Fire ants can:
- Deliver painful stings
- Damage electrical equipment
- Interfere with agricultural operations
- Threaten livestock and wildlife
- Reduce turfgrass quality
Texas A&M researchers have been national leaders in fire ant research and management for decades.
Termites
Termites cause millions of dollars in structural damage annually throughout Texas.
Common termite species include:
- Eastern Subterranean Termites
- Formosan Subterranean Termites
- Drywood Termites
Extension resources help homeowners understand termite prevention, inspections, and treatment options.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes are widespread throughout Texas and are particularly abundant in coastal areas, wetlands, urban environments, and irrigated landscapes.
Extension programs provide information on:
- Mosquito biology
- Breeding habitat reduction
- Integrated mosquito management
- Personal protection measures
- Community mosquito control efforts
Mosquito management remains important because of nuisance concerns and disease transmission risks.
Agricultural Crop Pests
Texas producers face pressure from numerous insect pests that can significantly impact crop yields and profitability.
Important agricultural pests include:
- Cotton Bollworms
- Stink Bugs
- Armyworms
- Aphids
- Thrips
- Sorghum Midge
Extension entomologists provide pest monitoring programs and integrated management recommendations throughout the growing season.
Livestock Pests
Texas livestock producers must manage numerous parasites and insects that affect animal health and productivity.
Common livestock pests include:
- Horn Flies
- Stable Flies
- Ticks
- Cattle Grubs
- Horse Flies
- Mosquitoes
Extension specialists provide guidance on integrated livestock pest management programs.
Tree and Forest Pests
Texas forests and urban trees face threats from both native and invasive insects.
Important tree pests include:
- Emerald Ash Borers
- Bark Beetles
- Oak Wilt Vectors
- Borers
- Scale Insects
- Defoliating Caterpillars
Forestry specialists help landowners and municipalities monitor tree health and implement effective management strategies.
Turfgrass and Landscape Pests
Texas lawns and landscapes encounter numerous insect pests due to the state’s long growing season and warm climate.
Common turfgrass pests include:
- White Grubs
- Chinch Bugs
- Sod Webworms
- Armyworms
- Mole Crickets
AgriLife Extension provides extensive turfgrass management resources for homeowners and landscape professionals.
Desert and Urban Pests
Many areas of Texas experience pest pressures unique to arid and semi-arid environments.
Common urban pests include:
- Scorpions
- Cockroaches
- Ants
- Spiders
- Rodents
- Kissing Bugs
Extension specialists provide guidance on prevention, identification, and management of these pests.
Invasive Species
Invasive insects continue to threaten Texas agriculture, forests, landscapes, and natural ecosystems.
Notable invasive pests include:
- Red Imported Fire Ants
- Emerald Ash Borers
- Giant African Snails
- Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs
- Spotted Lanternflies
Extension personnel work closely with state and federal agencies to support monitoring, early detection, and public education efforts.
Integrated Pest Management Programs
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) serves as a cornerstone of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension pest management education programs.
IPM strategies emphasize:
- Accurate pest identification
- Pest monitoring and scouting
- Economic threshold decision-making
- Biological control methods
- Cultural management practices
- Responsible pesticide use
These practices help reduce pest populations while protecting beneficial insects, pollinators, wildlife, water resources, and environmental quality.
Research and Diagnostic Services
Texas A&M University conducts extensive research focused on agriculture, livestock production, forestry, pest management, natural resources, and environmental sustainability.
Research areas include:
- Crop protection
- Urban entomology
- Livestock pest management
- Biological control
- Forest health monitoring
- Invasive species research
Extension specialists translate scientific research into practical recommendations that benefit Texas residents, businesses, farmers, ranchers, and landowners.
Educational Publications and Resources
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension publishes a wide variety of educational materials covering pest management, agriculture, gardening, livestock production, natural resources, and environmental stewardship.
Popular Resources Include:
- Pest identification guides
- Crop production manuals
- Livestock management publications
- Garden pest fact sheets
- Tree health resources
- Invasive species alerts
Many publications are available online and are regularly updated to reflect current research findings and emerging pest concerns.
Contact Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Whether you need help identifying a pest, managing agricultural crops, improving pastures, maintaining a garden, protecting trees, controlling fire ants, addressing termite infestations, or implementing integrated pest management strategies, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service provides access to research-based information and local expertise throughout the state.
Residents can contact their local Extension office or visit the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service website to access educational publications, pest management resources, diagnostic assistance, and professional guidance.