A mole cricket has a face only a mother could love. They are so strange looking, in fact, that in the past week I’ve had two people ask me what they were. They have large, round, helmet-like heads, undersized eyes, and massive front claws ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Invasive Species, Natural Resources
Heat related illness (HRI) can happen any time of year in our Florida environment. Gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts are most at risk for exposure when the heat index is high. The heat index is what the temperature feels like to the human body ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Lawn
One very common houseplant loved by all is the peace lily. Also called Spathiphyllum, this foliage plant is also known for its long-lasting, jack-in-the pulpit-like white flower. While mostly kept as houseplants, peace lilies can also ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes
One of a handful of native palms, the Scrub Palmetto (Sabal etonia) is a smaller and less common relative to the ubiquitous Sabal Palmetto (also known as the Cabbage Palm). It is slow-growing and like the Saw Palmetto, produces berries which ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Horticulture
What is Florida First Detector? Florida First Detector is a multiagency educational effort focused on enhancing the early detection of invasive pests that threaten agriculture, nursery industries, and natural areas. We offer in-person and ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Crops, Farm Management, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Forests, Fruits & Vegetables, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Invasive Species, Lawn, Natural Resources, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, Professional Development, Turf, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Research, UF/IFAS Teaching,
Are mosquitoes running you off your porch in the evenings? If so, you are not alone. My social media feed is full of people asking for advice on how to get rid of these pests, especially now that four cases of malaria have been locally acquired ... READ MORE
Category: Pests & Disease
In recent years, Charlotte Harbor (and the Southwest coast of Florida in general) has seen the periodic episodes of floating grey and brown carpet-like blobs. Their appearance, and the fact that they sometimes have a strong smell, gives the ... READ MORE
Category: Coasts & Marine, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Recreation, SFYL Hot Topic, UF/IFAS Extension, Water
The act of hand-weeding is often considered a dreaded chore, but gardeners take heart! With just a few modifications and – perhaps – a slightly different mindset, you can make this chore less daunting and even enjoyable. Some tips: ... READ MORE
Category: Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes
It may sound peaceful, but doveweed can declare war on your lawn. It's like a Trojan horse in that it looks benign - resembling turf early on, it can be overlooked. Doveweed loves the heat and humidity of the summer and spreads quickly during ... READ MORE
Category: Agriculture, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Home Landscapes, Pests & Disease