more... > Ouachita Parish > Agriculture & Natural Resources > Procedure for Obtaining a Private Applicator's Pesticide License [Image: Image & Link] Information about obtaining a private applicator's pesticide license for purchasing restricted use pesticides from the Ouachita Extension Office. Information includes how to purchase The National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual, which is used for study purposes. 2011 Louisiana Soybean Performance Trial Results [Image: Trial chart] The results of the 2011 Louisiana Soybean Performance Trials have been finalized and can be found here with key points. Controlling Sticker Weed Homeowners often have questions on controlling sticker weed in their lawns. The best defense against weeds in a home lawn is to have a dense, healthy turf canopy. Herbicides are used as supplemental aids in controlling weeds. Plant Blueberries for Edible Landscape Blueberries fit into any general home landscape design. Researchers have shown that a serving of blueberries provides more antioxidant activity than many other fresh fruits and vegetables.  more articles... Produce Your Own Garden Salad Our regional climate lends itself to home gardeners having a spring and fall vegetable garden. There is a vegetable that can be planted every day of the year in Louisiana. Varroa Mites and VSH Honey Bees Honey bees are being developed to take advantage of hygienic behaviors to help control varroa mites. The detecting and removing of a mite infested brood guarantees the health of the colony and helps eliminate varroa mites. Varroa Mites: Know Them to Control Them Tips on how to keep varroa mites from affecting a bee hive. Carpenter Bees, Beetles and Sap Suckers [Image: Leaf of fig tree image] Wood boring insects have been a challenge to homeowners and gardeners all season. Long-term invasions by these borers weaken and damage wood. When sprinkles of sawdust are seen, it is a good idea to investigate. Small Hive Beetles [Image: Image] Information about small hive beetles (SHB). The larvae tunnel through combs, killing bee brood and ruining combs. The SHB eats pollen, brood, honey, dead adult bees and combs. Maintaining strong, healthy colonies with young productive queens is one of the management techniques for resisting SHB damage. Eastern Tent Caterpillars [Image: Eastern Tent Caterpillar Image] In early March, caterpillars will begin to build tent like webs in area trees. While feeding on tree foliage the caterpillars will grow to the length of about 2 inches. The caterpillars then leave the tree and may be found anywhere in your yard looking for a place to pupate. Crane Flies [Image: CraneFly1] They are huge and they are everywhere and are often called "mosquito hawks". Pollen, the Golden Bounty [Image: PollenationImage1] There are more than 240,000 species of flowering plants which must transfer pollen from the male parts to the female parts to reproduce. This is accomplished by a fascinating array of mechanisms and manners. Termite Swarming Season is Here [Image: SwarmingTermiteImage] Termite swarming season is here, and tiny gossamer winged insects can be seen flying in small clouds. If you are unlucky these insects will be found flying within your house, emerging from tiny holes in your wall. Are they ants or termites? Insecticides for Termite Control [Image: LDAF Approved Termidicides] Information to provide knowledge on insecticides used for termite control and prevention. Click for more information...