I walked by a ‘Gold Mound’ golden dewdrop in my front yard the other day and noticed something strange. Many of the leaves at the bottom where blackened and sticky looking. I looked closer and saw clouds of tiny white specks flying ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Pests & Disease
Summer is in full blast, and I wanted to reissue some information on the topic of stinging caterpillars. When you think of caterpillars, you think of worm-like leaf-eaters that are generally harmless to humans. Caterpillars may be hairless, ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Pests & Disease
While many landscape plants can be considered “pest-free”, on occasion there are insects that pop up which are problematic or at least need some attention. Knowing about an insect pest, its overall impact to a plant, and how to manage ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Pests & Disease
Most moths are nocturnal and can be colorful additions to our backyards often attracted to lights at night or found on the side of the house in the morning. There are also what are called “day-flying moths” which include the polka-dot ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Pests & Disease
UF/IFAS Extension had a booth at the recent Public Works & Community Outreach Day held at the Fairgrounds on June 10th. Here we displayed our programs and shared information on what we do as an organization in the community. I ... READ MORE
Category: Fruits & Vegetables, Home Landscapes, Pests & Disease
When does a blight on a plant look like a disease, but is not? A Mexican petunia with a disease-like condition that is actually caused by microscopic mites is the answer! Many gardeners who have Mexican petunias experience this plague ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Pests & Disease
At least initially, it seems that some pests were blown away by Hurricane Ian. Once such pest in my yard was the Sri Lankan Weevil. I had a small infestation that I was managing by hand-picking. The Sri Lankan weevil or Myllocerus ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Pests & Disease
We receive many calls from homeowners having issues with worm-like, several inch long critters that turn out to be millipedes. Millipede populations periodically congregate as they migrate to other sites – maybe your lanai or garage. In ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Pests & Disease
Are your eyes playing tricks with you, or did you just see what looks like a crawling pumpkin seed? No, it's just a household casebearer! This seed-shaped, case-bearing caterpillar is not an uncommon sight in our area. Homeowners often ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension
While ambrosia is often called the “food of the gods”, when it is attached to the ambrosia beetle, it is not so heavenly. In fact, ambrosia beetles are taking advantage of freeze-damaged trees in our area as they bore in and reproduce ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Pests & Disease