A: At first I thought it might be some sort of tea scale but a closer look made me realize it was the pupa stage of some insect. I knew we probably needed to be concerned because there were so many of them. Beneficial insects seldom have large ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Pests & Disease
A: The insect may be a scale insect called the cycad aulacaspis scale, Aulacaspis yasumatsui. It apparently originated from Thailand but it is kept in check overseas by local parasitoids. Of course, here in the U.S. this scale has no natural ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Pests & Disease
A:Diagnosis of spots on leaves is often difficult but I was able to identify these pests easily once you sent them to my office. Believe it or not – they even survived the postal service delivery! The spots are insects called False Oleander ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Pests & Disease
Q: I have a wonderful area in my front yard with the perennial Gaura planted in it and love to watch the "sunny butterflies" dance around in the breeze. However, this year my gaura has some sort of scale. I pinched a piece of it and put ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Pests & Disease
A: Oak leaf blister is a common leaf disease among oaks in Florida and is caused by a fungus. Although infected trees may have unsightly leaves, serious damage is uncommon. The fungus which causes leaf blister attacks only the leaves, and does ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Pests & Disease
Q: I have these growths on the stems of my oak trees. When I crushed the growth I discovered it contained small worms. Are these killing my trees? A: The structures are called galls and are generally caused by insects. Bacteria, fungi, mites ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Pests & Disease
Q: I have large white mushrooms all over my yard. The grass is mostly dead or dying. Did the rain bring these things? What can I do? A: The photos you brought me are similar to the ones I took of my neighbor’s yard. This is called “fairy ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Pests & Disease
A: I have seen the mushrooms before at the bottom of deciduous trees, but it is most unusual to see them up one whole side of a palm. I sent the photo to the University of Florida just to be sure I was on target. Guess what? I was correct; ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Pests & Disease
Q: I have holly bushes all around my house and they are all doing fine except in one area the holly is covered with a black, flaky coating on the leaves and stems. The area where the plants are doing badly is very wet and doesn’t get as much ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Pests & Disease
A: This condition is the result of all the rain we have been receiving lately. What you have is a slime mold, Fuligo septica aptly named “dog vomit.” I hope none of you are eating breakfast or lunch now as this will not make it very appetizing. ... READ MORE
Category: Home Landscapes, Pests & Disease