Pecan nut casebearer
We reached biofix with pecan nut casebearer here in Erath County. So, you will need to be checking for eggs in the new nutlet the next few weeks to know when to treat.
Damage: The most damaging pest of pecans is the pecan nut casebearer. It infests all pecangrowing areas of Texas.
The larva feeds directly on the developing nut in the spring, soon after pollination in April (South Texas) through early June (North Texas). This spring generation is the most damaging, as a single larva often destroys all the nutlets in a cluster (Fig. 4).
Biology: The adult casebearer is a gray moth about _ inch long (Fig. 5). The moths deposit eggs on pecan nuts at night. Before hatching, the greenishwhite to white eggs change to pink or red. The eggs hatch in 4 to 5 days, and the empty white eggshell remains on the nut.
After feeding for a day or two on a nearby bud below the nut cluster, the tiny larvae tunnel into the pecan nut.
They often leave visible silk and black excrement (frass) (Fig. 4) on the outsides of infested nuts. The larvae feed inside the pecan nuts for 3 to 4 weeks.
The larvae are olive gray and reach about ½ inch long. Full-grown larvae pupate in the pecan nut; adult moths emerge about 9 to 14 days later.
Control: Apply a labeled insecticide as the eggs begin to hatch. Look for eggs on the nutlets in the spring just after pollination when tiny nuts are forming. Flag egginfested nut clusters to monitor egg hatch.
Insecticides containing spinosad are effective, leave a residue that remains effective for some time (have some residual effect), and harm beneficial insects less than do other insecticides.
To maximize the insecticide’s residual activity, delay treatment until you see the first egg hatch. Once inside the nuts, the larvae are protected from insecticides.
Wildfire Safety Program to Be Held in Stephenville May 31 The Erath Master Gardeners will host a public program titled “Be Prepared Before Tragedy” on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Courthouse Annex III, located at 222 East College Street in Stephenville.
The featured speaker will be Adam Turner, a specialist with the Texas A&M Forest Service, who will present on wildfire ecology and practical techniques for reducing wildfire risk.
His talk will cover ways to protect homes and landscapes from fire damage, including tips on creating defensible space, fire-resistant landscaping, and emergency readiness.
The registration fee is $10, payable at the door. Attendees are asked to RSVP by calling 254-9651460.
The program will empower residents with knowledge and tools to better safeguard your homes and communities.