It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Forth Worth, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I had a wonderful experience working with their team. And would recommend them to everyone”
“Extremely responsive, professional, and friendly. Nothing but wonderful things to say about the process and”
“Haley and Toan have been an amazing resource to my mother and I, helping us”
“Haley and her team are a pleasure to work with! As a partner in the”
“My family and I couldn’t be happier with Always Best Care (ABC). From the minute”
“Very easy to work with and great communication. They go over and above. Would highly”
“I live in MD. I have very close friends who live in PA. The husband”
“My mother ended up immobile from a fall that happened Christmas morning. The following day”
“They were able to hook my mother up with home care services as soon as”
“Always Best Care Senior Services were our Angels in our time of need after my”
“I am currently a Certified Caregiver for Always Best Care. Haley and Gina have been”
“My experiences with Haley and Gina have been nothing short of spectacular! They are very”
“I had a wonderful experience working with their team. And would recommend them to everyone in my circle of friends and family”
“Extremely responsive, professional, and friendly. Nothing but wonderful things to say about the process and people. An evaluation was performed the same day I called about needing the service. They are very sensitive to your needs and follow through to make sure they are met in to the highest degree.”
“Haley and Toan have been an amazing resource to my mother and I, helping us with sitting services for my father in a dementia facility after his return from a hospitalization but they have really gone above and beyond. She has been an amazing resource and really cares about helping people. I am a nurse myself and so impressed with how proactive and helpful she has been, far beyond just sitting services. Very appreciated and much needed. I would absolutely recommend using her and her company to help you and your loved ones.”
“Haley and her team are a pleasure to work with! As a partner in the senior care industry, Always Best Care has been known to go above and beyond when it comes to working with, and educating families on options and resources. I am always happy to work with them, knowing they will provide the best care and options for the families they serve!”
“My family and I couldn’t be happier with Always Best Care (ABC). From the minute we reached out to Haley, the owner of ABC, we have received excellent service. Haley responded to all of our concerns and has gone above and beyond to be sure our loved one has what is needed. Haley and her team at ABC were able to set up care for our loved one on very short notice. Working with Haley has made a difficult situation much easier to navigate. I would highly recommend Always Best Care. THANK YOU!”
“Very easy to work with and great communication. They go over and above. Would highly recommend!!!”
“I live in MD. I have very close friends who live in PA. The husband was diagnosed with cancer. It was a diagnosis that came out of left field. It left them reeling with every unknown when they were told it had developed and progressed rapidly. I called a friend, who lives in my home state, to ask if she knew of any companies that could not only provide health care services to my PA friends, but be ready to do so without delays. She referred me to Haley Davis with Always Best Care Senior Services. I called as soon as I hung up. I left a voicemail, and received a call from Haley within 10 minutes. Providing as much detail and information as I could, I was assured they would be able to provide different levels of care as they were needed. She also said that I, or any member of my friends’ family, could call her if we needed anything. Today my PA friend said she emailed Always Best Care Senior Services last night. Later today I heard that Haley responded, and services were put into place. The absolute last thing anyone should have to be concerned about when they are emotionally overwhelmed and physically depleted from a devastating disease is dealing with automated phone systems, reaching the correct departments, filing requests in triplicate, and being told they’ll be put on a waiting list. Absolute Best Care Senior Services is just what the name says. They aren’t just able to provide the services that will be needed, they provide the peace of mind that allows their clients to focus on themselves. That’s what caring and compassion are about. I don’t think I could ever express my gratitude. Thank you.”
“My mother ended up immobile from a fall that happened Christmas morning. The following day we got in touch with Haley Davis, the owner/president of Always Best. She came to our home (within hours) on her day off. Had rented a wheelchair, reserved transportation to get our mom home, set up a nurse assessment and RN in-home care within 24 hrs! Our family couldn't be more pleased and appreciative of Haley and her team... class act!”
“They were able to hook my mother up with home care services as soon as she left rehab. Very flexible with scheduling and hours. Competitive pricing. I would recommend them.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services were our Angels in our time of need after my Mom’s heart surgery. Haley, Erin and Rebecca were all fabulous, super responsive and extremely professional and knowledgeable. We don’t know what we would have done without them. We very highly recommend them!”
“I am currently a Certified Caregiver for Always Best Care. Haley and Gina have been incredible! I love the communication, the dedication and consistency to helping others. Meeting new clients/patients is exciting and gives me purpose! Knowing I can be assistance to help others that need just a bit extra is an amazing feeling! This company is like a family as well as our clients. We treat everyone with the dignity and care that everyone should be entitled to. Despite being employed with the company, I would still offer these services to friends and family! :)”
“My experiences with Haley and Gina have been nothing short of spectacular! They are very caring and compassionate. This is is the group that you should consider for any of your loved ones assistance! Highly recommend them!!!”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Forth Worth, TX, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Forth Worth, TX understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Forth Worth, TX 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
FORT WORTH – Following a series of informational training sessions, educational workshops, and networking opportunities at the Texas Emergency Management Conference that occurred last week, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) announced record-setting turnout for the largest emergency management conference in the country. Over 4,200 attendees from 45 states and 6 countries registered to attend The Conference, representing first responders, emergency ...
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Bodacious Bar-B-Q, a 34-year-old Arlington restaurant in a 1950s barbecue landmark, will close in August, owner Fran Ruegsegger posted on Facebook.“We’ve had so many wonderful people come through here — customers who became family,” she wrote, announcing the end of the only DFW location for a loose East Texas chain of restaurants with differen...
Bodacious Bar-B-Q, a 34-year-old Arlington restaurant in a 1950s barbecue landmark, will close in August, owner Fran Ruegsegger posted on Facebook.
“We’ve had so many wonderful people come through here — customers who became family,” she wrote, announcing the end of the only DFW location for a loose East Texas chain of restaurants with different owners but the same name and similar menus.
“We’ve watched folks grow up, and now they’re bringing in their own kids,” she wrote.
Bodacious was once considered one of Arlington’s best barbecue restaurants. Customers came to 1206 E. Division St. for the simple platters and inexpensive sloppy Joes made of chopped brisket and pork.
“God never closes one door that He doesn’t have a better one to walk through,” Ruegsegger wrote, “so we are excited for whatever opportunities God has ahead for us.”
The restaurant rates 4.2 stars with users of Google.com and 3.8 stars with users of Yelp.com, with praise for the pork and beef sandwiches and plates.
Bodacious opened in 1991 as part of East Texas pitmaster Roland Lindsey’s barbecue empire.
But the building dates to 1958, when it was built as a highway location of Texas legend Underwood’s Bar-B-Q from Brownwood.
Back then, many cross-country travelers still chose to drive Division Street between Fort Worth and Dallas instead of paying to take the brand-new Dallas-Fort Worth Turnpike, now Interstate 30.
Jackrabbits roamed where stadiums now stand. Even Six Flags Over Texas would not open until three years later. The city was primarily known as the home of the Buick Roadmaster and other 1959 General Motors cars.
Bodacious is open for lunch daily except Sunday, and for dinner Thursdays through Saturdays; 817-860-4248, bodaciousbbqarlington.org.
This story was originally published May 30, 2025 at 5:32 AM.
Senate Bill 3, which was recently approved by both the Texas Senate and House, and now makes its way to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk to become law, would prohibit the making and sale of consumable hemp products that contain any amount of a cannabinoid other than CBD and CBG.Lt. Gov. ...
Senate Bill 3, which was recently approved by both the Texas Senate and House, and now makes its way to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk to become law, would prohibit the making and sale of consumable hemp products that contain any amount of a cannabinoid other than CBD and CBG.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has been an outspoken supporter of banning THC products in Texas, even going so far as to spar with a media member this week about the bill. But what has Gov. Abbott said about the potential ban that could douse the booming hemp industry?
Here’s what the two state officials have said about banning THC.
? More trending stories from our newsroom:
→Is it legal for parents in Texas to allow minors to drink at home?
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→Are Texas beaches full of bacteria?
Patrick held a press conference on May 28 to discuss the “importance of this vital legislation.”
“This is serious business, this is not Dan’s folly,” Patrick said. “This is to save an entire generation from being hooked on drugs.”
Patrick claims that some 8,000 THC-selling shops have sprouted up in the last three years, many of them “without permits.” He said these shops are selling products to kids to “destroy” them and that it can poison anyone, even adults.
During the press conference, a reporter with the Houston Chronicle asked Patrick if there was a way have the ban while also giving access to adults who use THC products.
Patrick quickly said no and that they don’t want anyone to have access to THC products in Texas.
“You wanna go home and eat a bag of this tonight and see if you’re here tomorrow?” Patrick said while holding a bag THC-infused cereal bites. “We focus on kids, because that’s where they built the shops, but adults are buying this stuff too.”
After Patrick’s press conference, a few media outlets reached out to Abbott’s office for comment on the governor’s stance on the THC bill.
They were sent the same statement.
“Governor Abbott will thoughtfully review any legislation sent to his desk,” an Abbott spokesperson told KTRK-TV in Houston, KDFW in Dallas and the Star-Telegram.
The 89th Texas Legislature’s regular session ends on June 2.
This story was originally published May 30, 2025 at 2:43 PM.
Expect a mild Mother's Day with highs into the mid to upper-70s. Thanks to an upper-low slowly moving to the east of North Texas, a mixture of sun and clouds will fill the sky. Isolated showers could be possible during the afternoon. Most of any chances of rain with stay across eastern North Texas into East Texas.A ridge is expected to build across the Central United States next week, bringing hotter and sunny weather to North Texas. High temperatures will soar into the 90s for the middle of next week. Near-record heat is likely on Tu...
Expect a mild Mother's Day with highs into the mid to upper-70s. Thanks to an upper-low slowly moving to the east of North Texas, a mixture of sun and clouds will fill the sky. Isolated showers could be possible during the afternoon. Most of any chances of rain with stay across eastern North Texas into East Texas.
A ridge is expected to build across the Central United States next week, bringing hotter and sunny weather to North Texas. High temperatures will soar into the 90s for the middle of next week. Near-record heat is likely on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Latest Forecast:
INTO THE MORNING: Partly to mostly cloudy and mild. Low: 57. Wind: N 5-10 mph.
SUNDAY (MOTHER'S DAY): Sun, clouds and mild. Isolated showers are possible during the afternoon into late evening. High: 77. Wind: N 10-15 mph.
MONDAY: Sunny and warm. Low. 58. High: 83. Wind: NW 5-10 mph.
TUESDAY: Sunny, breezy and hot with record breaking heat. Low. 63. High: 94. Wind: S 10-20 mph with higher gusts.
WEDNESDAY: Partly sunny and hot with record breaking heat. Low. 72. High: 96. Wind: SW 10-15 mph.
THURSDAY: Partly sunny and very warm. Low. 75. High: 90. Wind: S 10-15 mph.
FRIDAY: Partly to mostly cloudy and warm. Low. 72. High: 88. Wind: S 10-15 mph.
SATURDAY: Partly to mostly cloudy with a 20% chance of a storm. Low: 70. High: 88. Wind: S 10-15 mph.
SUNDAY: Partly cloudy with a 20% chance of a storm. Low. 70. High: 87. Wind: S 10-15 mph.
MONDAY: Sun and clouds, warm. Low: 68. High: 86. Wind: SW 10-15 mph.
TUESDAY: Sun and clouds, warm. Low: 63. High: 85. Wind: NW 10-15 mph.
If only we could garden without the insects, what a great place Texas could be.But they’re here, and so are we, and we must learn to identify and deal with the issues they bring us. Here are some of the most common for this time of the year. Look, and you may find.? Bagworms. Not to be confused with tent caterpillars, these larval insects feed almost exclusively on cone-bearing plants such as junipers, cypresses, arborvitae and cedars. They begin their active feeding stage as tiny caterpillars no larger than the sh...
If only we could garden without the insects, what a great place Texas could be.
But they’re here, and so are we, and we must learn to identify and deal with the issues they bring us. Here are some of the most common for this time of the year. Look, and you may find.
? Bagworms. Not to be confused with tent caterpillars, these larval insects feed almost exclusively on cone-bearing plants such as junipers, cypresses, arborvitae and cedars. They begin their active feeding stage as tiny caterpillars no larger than the sharpened end of a pencil, always carrying a fibrous bag constructed from the needles of the host tree behind them.
As the larvae grow larger, so do their bags. Finally, several weeks into their feeding and when the caterpillars have grown and completed their bags at less than 2 inches in length, they seal themselves within the bags and tie the bags to twigs of the host plants with tough fibers that hold them in place for months, actually years. The following spring, the moths will emerge, eggs will be laid, and the process will begin over again.
Control bagworms by watching closely for their early feeding. They are already active at this time. When you first see them, spray with Bacillus thuringiensis, Spinosad, or other labeled product. If you wait too long your only recourse will be to pick them off by hand, not a pleasant task.
? Webworms. What you will see in late spring will actually be eastern tent caterpillars. Webworms create shrouding webs that hang over the ends of branches of pecans, walnuts and several other species of trees. Tent caterpillars, by comparison, are generally within the crotches of the branches. In either case, try to break open the webs to expose the caterpillars to plundering birds. Use Bt or Spinosad sprays to kill them.
? Slugs, snails and pillbugs. These are pests of the cool, wet times of spring and early summer. They hang out in moist, mulched beds and they come out to feed primarily at night. Control them with Sevin dust or one of the several baits.
? Fire ants. They aren’t so much pests of your garden plants, but the small red or dark brown pests like to hang out in freshly tilled garden soils. They’re very aggressive, and when you disturb one of their colonies they will swarm instantly to let you know their displeasure.
Fire ants also build large mounds following rains to move their queens up out of the waterlogged soils. The best control practices involve area-wide baits that offer six-month protection for entire landscapes and perimeters of house foundations. Accompany that with individual mound treatments where they have built mounds near entries, in play areas, or adjacent to homes where they threaten to move inside with you.
? Lace bugs. If you’re seeing small, mottled tan spots on the upper surfaces of leaves of azaleas, Boston ivy, gray cotoneaster, sycamore, lacebark elm, bur oak or pyracantha, that’s almost assuredly damage of lace bugs. The surefire way to tell is to turn the leaves over. If you see small black, waxy specks, they would be the excrement. You may even be able to see a few of the adult pests with clear wings on the backs of the leaves.
Lace bugs can be stopped quickly with application of most general-purpose organic or inorganic insecticides. Be sure the spray coats both top and bottom leaf surfaces.
? Crape myrtle bark scale. We’ve discussed these before here. They look like cigarette ashes plastered up and down the trunks. They exude a sticky honeydew residue that drops onto leaf and stem tissues as well as hard surfaces below. Black sooty mold grows in the honeydew. To stop all of it before it ever starts, use a soil drench of Imidacloprid around the drip line of each crape myrtle plant. In university research, that approach has proven to give the best season-long prevention and control of the pest.
? Aphids. These small, pear-shaped pests are found in large numbers on tender new growth of many types of plants. You’ll see them in reds, yellows, greens, creamy whites, brown and black, always with what looks like twin exhaust pipes on either side. They can often be blasted off the plants with a hard stream of water, but they are easily controlled with almost any general-purpose organic or inorganic insecticide.
? Spider mites. The most universal “insect” pest of landscape and garden plants in Texas, these are actually mites. That means they have eight legs and are more closely related to ticks and spiders than they are to true insects. They suck plant fluids from the leaves of your garden plants causing them to become mottled light tan, then almost white, then browned and crisp. They kill more garden plants than any other pest that we have, yet they’re the smallest of all our common invaders.
If you think you have a marigold, tomato, juniper or other plant with spider mites, thump a suspect twig or leaf over a sheet of plain white paper. If you see nearly microscopic specks start to move about freely after a few seconds, those would be the mites. Look at them under low magnification and you’ll see their eight legs.
We no longer have access to specific miticides at the consumer level. You’ll have to look for a general-purpose insecticide that says it can give control of mites or spider mites. Apply it so that you coat both top and bottom leaf surfaces. Wait 10 days, then try the “thump” test on another leaf or twig. If you still see mites, spray again.
? Leaf rollers. There are several species of insects whose larvae use their host plants’ leaves to form cocoons. They roll themselves up within the leaves and wait for the metamorphosis as the change into the adult flying insect. Control them with early application of a systemic insecticide prior to the formation of the molds.
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