Month: June 2021

I moved to the area recently and there’s this weird bug at my place. It’s one of those microscopic 1-millimeter kinds, like biting midges? Except it only attacks if I accidentally spray something on its nest (sneezes and hairspray count).

If I get it mad, I feel a light rain of a million little soldiers landing on my skin, and they instantly go for the wrists and ankles. It kinda feels like a force field of handcuffs or shackles and after a few minutes my muscles get really weak.

If I keep fighting, I can feel this little march up my arms, and then they go for my eyes. If I look in the mirror I can actually see little rings of what looks like dust or ash form around my eyes, except I know it’s not dirt cause I can feel the bites.

I’ve lived in enough of the South that I’ve been stricken by hitchhikers before in my life, but I’m surprised by how organized these guys are, and how they don’t seem interested in me for food, it’s more like they’re protecting their nest.

I’ve heard of African fire ants that team up to take down zebras and stuff, but I don’t know much about an American version that’s smaller than grains of salt!

Any idea what I’m dealing with? It was like, move to Houston area, boom, these dudes. Are they seasonal?

This may be an obscure question, and with how varied Houston is may be impossible to answer… but, I’m looking for a rough guide on what to plant and when here. I’m in the Clear Lake area, and have the regular tomatoes and peppers planted, with some snap peas, but I’m certain I’m missing out on other things or ways to may my garden more efficient. But I can’t really figure out what will grow best here and more importantly – when to grow it.

I have found things like this but it’s specific to trees, but I want something like that for vegetables. E.g. Plant Okra around this time. Harvest Okra at this time and plant winter beets, etc.

Anyone have any pointers or where I should look for such a thing, as I’m certain others have figured this out and I don’t need to leave it to trial and error.

Thank you!