OSU Extension News

However, snakes would rather avoid people and are incredibly important animals.

“Snakes, both venomous and nonvenomous, cause great anxiety in many people and are considered cold-blooded killers,” said Dwayne Elmore, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension wildlife specialist. “They are cold-blooded of course, but unless you are a rodent, fr...

Mosquitoes breed in open water sources, so the best way to eliminate these pests is to get rid of their breeding grounds, said David Hillock, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension consumer horticulturist.

“Look around your landscape at anything that collects water. Flower pots, rain gutters, watering cans, old tires or birdbaths are prime...

With the heavy rains many parts of the country sustained this spring, there was flood damage to homes and other property, including vehicles. Unfortunately, there are some unscrupulous sellers who simply want to unload these damaged vehicles to unsuspecting buyers.

Gina Peek, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension housing and consumer...

Both long-term and short-term impacts will be evident, said Dwayne Elmore, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension wildlife specialist.

“In the short term it is filling wetlands which provides habitat for many aquatic species,” he said. “Mud flats have been covered, which reduces shorebird foraging opportunities for some species, but floods...

For families that may not have a lot of experience with airline travel, these helpful tips may come in handy and possibly cut down on some frustration, said David Davis, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension specialist.

“Going on vacation is an exciting event for families, but sometimes air travel can be stressful, especially if you’re uns...

The tarantula, for example, while large, fast and very hairy, is harmless to people, said Andrine Shufran, Insect Adventure coordinator in Oklahoma State University’s Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology.

“While tarantulas have big fangs, their venom is not dangerous to people,” she said. “They won’t make you sick, they’re not going to kill...

In Oklahoma, the American dog tick and lone star tick are most prevalent this time of year, said Justin Talley, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension livestock entomologist.

“These ticks are in your yard, and if you spend time at any recreational area, especially in eastern or central Oklahoma, or if you share common indoor areas with y...

Aside from cutting the risk of being bitten, doing so will add a layer of safety against the West Nile virus. The virus is spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes, which pick up the disease from feeding on diseased birds.

In Oklahoma, the West Nile virus is, in part, related to the rise of the Culex mosquito, said Justin Talley, Oklahoma...

State residents are more than familiar with damages caused by tornadoes, but more and more people across the state are now dealing with flood damage. Considering the drought over the past several years, many residents were not prepared for what seems to be this unending rain.

Gina Peek, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension housing and...

One of the best ways to improve the health of your plants is by adding organic matter in the form of compost or composted manure to your soil. This can help reduce the amount of fertilizer treatments your plants need, said David Hillock, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension consumer horticulture specialist.

“The addition of compost or m...