Lamar County-Alabama Extension

10/14/2026

Fall houseguests aren’t always welcome! As temperatures cool, brown marmorated stink bugs may gather around homes and slip through cracks and openings in search of winter shelter.

Recognizable by their shield-shaped bodies and white bands on their antennae, these insects can become an unwelcome indoor nuisance and release an unpleasant odor when crushed.

Help keep stink bugs outside with a little fall pest-proofing:

Seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors and utility entry points.
Repair torn screens and replace worn weatherstripping.
Install door sweeps on exterior doors.
Keep shrubs trimmed and store firewood at least 20 feet from your home.

Taking these steps now can help keep your home cozy without inviting unwanted guests! Learn more about Stink bugs and other pests and ways to protect your home here: https://www.aces.edu/go/6983

10/13/2026

Plant now for homegrown flavor later!
October and November are the best months to plant garlic in Alabama. In south Alabama, the planting season can extend through February.

Ready to get growing?
Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.
Separate the bulb into individual cloves.
Plant cloves pointed end up, about 1 inch deep and 4 to 6 inches apart.
Choose a spot where onions or other related plants haven’t previously grown.

Fall-planted garlic is usually ready to harvest in late May or early June. A little planting now gives you something delicious to look forward to!

Find more growing tips here: https://www.aces.edu/go/5532

10/13/2026

The Wild Pig Seminar scheduled for this Saturday has been postponed to a later date. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding!

Stay tuned for updates on the rescheduled date.

10/08/2026

Join us to learn more about modern grazing systems and how to maximize your pastures! We have two in-person opportunities to attend.

Date: November 10
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Location: Tennessee Valley Research & Extension Center
Address: 9494 Experimental Loop, Madison, AL 35756
Registration: https://www.aces.edu/event/pasture-perspectives-virtual-fencing-grazing-systems-2/

Date: December 3
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Location: Northwest Alabama Livestock Auction
Address: 14330 AL-243, Russellville, AL 35654
Registration: https://www.aces.edu/event/pasture-perspectives-virtual-fencing-grazing-systems/

10/07/2026

Alabama After Dark: Meet the opossum!

When night falls, one of Alabama’s most misunderstood neighbors begins searching for its next meal.

The Virginia opossum is the only marsupial, or pouched mammal, native to the United States. These adaptable, nocturnal animals eat a varied diet that includes insects, rodents and carrion. By consuming these foods, opossums may help control damage to gardens and lawns while serving as part of nature’s cleanup crew.

Opossums are known for “playing possum,” but that is not usually their first response to danger. Most will try to escape. If cornered, they may hiss, growl or display their approximately 50 teeth.

They may look intimidating, but opossums rarely follow through on these defensive bluffs. They also have a remarkable resistance to many viruses and rarely contract rabies.

Learn more about this member of Alabama’s nighttime wildlife at https://www.aces.edu/go/6884

10/04/2026

Go green tomorrow! 🍀

10/02/2026

We are still taking preorders for 40lb boxes of sweet potatoes from Vardaman, MS! $25 per box.

You can call the office to place your order. (205) 695-7139.

🍠🍂🥧It’s that time of year again!🥧🍂🍠

We have kicked off our annual 4-H Sweet Potato Fundraiser! Your purchase helps to support:

✅Summer Camp Transportation
✅4-H Programming & Supplies
✅Camp Scholarships
✅Event Registration Fees for 4-Hers

$25 for a 40lb box fresh from Vardaman MS. “Sweet Potato Capital of the World”

🍀Pick-Up early November-date TBA.
🍀Check or Money order ONLY-no cash accepted. (Made out to AL 4-H Foundation)
🍀Come by Lamar County Extension Office to submit payment.

📞 Call or text Sierra Barder at 205-712-7167/email at [email protected] if no reply please call Lamar County Extension Office at 205-695-7139 to place your order.

We thank you!

09/30/2026

Seeing patches of chewed grass or caterpillars moving across your lawn? Fall armyworms may be the cause.

These striped caterpillars feed on turfgrass, especially bermudagrass, and are most active on lawns in the early morning and late afternoon or evening. Look for an upside-down “Y” on the head, green droppings in the turf or birds repeatedly feeding in one area.

Can’t spot any caterpillars? Mix 2 tablespoons of liquid dish soap with 1 gallon of water and pour it over 1 to 2 square feet of lawn. If larvae are present, they may come to the surface.

Check how many you find and how much damage has occurred before deciding whether treatment is needed. Natural enemies can reduce their numbers, and some lawns can recover with proper care. If you use an insecticide, choose a product labeled for caterpillar pests of turfgrass and follow its label directions.

Find resources on managing fall armyworms on our website through the Links section of our page.