![Tri-colored bat (Perimyotis subflavus). Photo credit: Ann Froschauer/USFWS](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/tri-colored-bat-Ann-Froschauer-USFWS.jpg?h=7dec04db&itok=fjX6_Bs-)
Let's learn about some of the "creepy" creatures found—or soon to be found—in the southeastern woodlands of Minnesota.
![White, powdery insects under the joint where a leaf meets a plant stem.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/009%20Mealybug%20close%20up%20-%20Jeff%20Hahn%20Univeristy%20of%20Minnesota%20Extension.jpg?h=ca8ee002&itok=UFeTMGpL)
Inspecting and cleaning plants before bringing them back inside can reduce the chances of pests like mealybugs from taking up winter residence in your house.
![Three large borwon hens pecking on a lawn.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Backyard%20chickens_0.jpg?h=a867213f&itok=pzHjNuAo)
The Minnesota Board of Animal Health has confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Meeker County as of October 11, 2023.
![Dairy cows in a barn.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/cows-in-barn.jpg?h=a69e210d&itok=B4dOMagf)
Raising replacement cows can be expensive so creating a cost-effective replacement strategy is important.
![Dairy farmer in dairy office with cow seen through office window](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Dairy_Farm-264.jpg?h=889cb96c&itok=pWVIjxFO)
A reversed SWOT analysis, or TOWS, can help you identify new business opportunities and recognize potential threats before they become a problem.
![Lady bugs crawling on the inside of a window.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/malb-window-hahn.jpg?h=c8c3bf27&itok=CTkeiqu6)
Minnesota is home to a few species of insects with a very specific place they want to spend the winter — in our homes.
![Dean Bev Durgan](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Durgan_Bev_126-edit.jpg?h=19bd71b1&itok=OkfNthCm)
The awards were presented on Sept. 27 by Extension Dean Bev Durgan.
![Person pouring water into a testing machine.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/Testing%20Water.jpg?h=2019dc2d&itok=Y4dPuNS4)
There are an estimated 980,000 privately owned wells in Minnesota. A new community-based approach to well water testing is gaining momentum, working to keep well-sourced drinking water safe for Minnesotans.
![Vegetables with rotting, fuzzy spots lined up on a table.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/phytophthora.jpg?h=cd8c3b75&itok=5eydeZ9V)
Plant diseases that were held back by the drought are rearing up now. How far can diseases spread and what plants are at risk?
![Multi colored carrots placed in a circle with the tips in the center and the greens surrounding the outside of the photo.](/sites/extension.umn.edu/files/styles/crop_featured_image_crop/public/rainbow-colored-carrots.jpg?h=16ce8f19&itok=bmCYfurO)
How do you choose the best tomato or zinnia for your garden when you have so many options to choose from? We'll help you narrow it down.
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