Bats- Scary or Awesome?
Note: All images were taken before 2020 as masks were not required before spring of this year. The blood-sucking vampire bat stereotype of movie lore is not so scary in real life. In fact, the… Read More
Category: Pests & Disease
What is Ailing My St. Augustine Grass?
What’s Wrong with my St. Augustine Grass? The Yellow Yard– About the time September rolls around, while the rainy season seems like it just will not end, some lawns may exhibit some yellowing. Grass seems… Read More
Update on unexpected Seeds from Foreign Countries
By Yvonne Florian and Christine Kelly-Begazo Recently, many people in the United States have been receiving unsolicited packages from China, and other countries, which contain seeds, beads, jewelry, or other small items which had not… Read More
Announcing! New Virtual Plant Clinic with Indian River County Master Gardeners
The recent virus concerns have many of the usual county services offices closed to walk in traffic. However, this does NOT mean these services are not available. Some are available through the drive in window. … Read More
May-June Bug Season
Back in May I noticed numerous half-inch brown beetles congregating around my porch light every evening at around 10:00 PM. Most householders in Florida deal with their dried-out bodies under outdoor lights, in shallow plant… Read More
Beautiful Bromeliads and Mischievous Mosquitoes
In January, 2016, I moved back to Florida from another southern state. It was great to see familiar plants and to be able to go to the beach again.I love the dizzying varieties of beautiful… Read More
Pesticide Exams Now Open at Indian River County Extension
Pesticide exams will once again be administered at the Indian River County Extension Office with strict social distancing rules in place. Exams will be given every Thursday in two shifts: 12:30-2:30pm and 3:00- 5:00pm, until… Read More
COVID-19 and UF/IFAS Extension
Updated 03/16/20 As we continue to monitor COVID-19 in Florida, I wanted to take a moment to update our UF/IFAS Extension community about our current status, best practices and next steps. Please call your local… Read More
A Way to Fight Brazilian Peppertree (Schinus terebinthifolia)
In Florida, Brazilian Peppertree is listed as a noxious weed and category-1 invasive plant according to Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (FLEPPC). It was originally introduced to Florida from South America as a pretty ornamental… Read More
Invasive Alert! Meet the New Guinea Flatworm
By Joshua Kutyna, Indian River Extension Program Assistant for Christine Kelly-Begazo There is an invader amongst us, and it goes by the name of Platydemus manokwari. Better known as the New Guinea flatworm, this alien… Read More