hurricane approaching the American continent visible above the Earth, a view from the satellite. Elements of this image furnished by NASA.

Storm Prep: Preventing Pesticide Release Before Disaster Strikes

by Amy Solis
July 16, 2026

Simple steps can help protect people, pets, and the environment before severe weather arrives. Prior to the start of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, NOAA predicted a 55% chance of a below-normal Atlantic hurricane season (NOAA May 21, 2026). ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Disaster Preparation, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Disaster Preparation, Hurricane Preparation, Operation Cleansweep, Pesticide Exposure, Pesticide Information Office, Pesticide Safety, Pesticide Storage, Storms
Decorative photo.

Stay Cool, Stay Safe: Best Practices for Pesticide Applications During Florida’s Summer

by Tyler Newberry
June 18, 2026

Our Florida summers feature relentless heat, intense humidity, and constant afternoon thunderstorms. These three elements affect every applicator from homeowners to row-crop farmers. They determine whether an application will be safe and effective, ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Heat, Pesticide, Pesticide Information Office, Pesticide Safety, PPE Safety, Storms, Weather
Leafless trees glow in low golden light along a grassy field beneath dark, layered storm clouds.

“Country Roads Take Me Home” Wherever I Belong

by Amy Solis and Jessimar QuintanaAvatar photo
April 23, 2026

My Journey from the Mountains to Mosquitoes and Beyond  I (Amy Solis) was born and raised in Jane Lew, West Virginia. I grew up learning early lessons about hard work, stewardship, and resilience. Much of my childhood was spent outdoors, ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Amy Solis, Introduction, New Employee, Pesticide Information Office, Welcome, Women
Low sun over a curving country road, golden light spreading across fields, wetlands, and trees beneath streaked clouds.

PIO New Adventures

by Dr. Brett Bultemeier
December 16, 2025

It’s been a long time since the PIO has done a blog, but new adventures are on the horizon. We’re thrilled to welcome Jessimar Quintana as the new OPS Assistant with the University of Florida’s Pesticide Information Office in Gainesville. ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, HOME LANDSCAPES, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Brett Bultemeier, Intern, Jessimar Quintana, Pesticide Information Office, Spanish Language
Panoramic view from a rocky, forested ridge across a hazy valley to distant blue mountains beneath a clear, pale sky.

What’s New With The Florida Organo-Auxin Rule?

by Dr. Jason Ferrell and Dr. Brett BultemeierAvatar photo
December 16, 2025

The Florida Organo-Auxin Rule (5E-2.033) has been in place for several decades. The purpose of this rule is to place additional restrictions and recordkeeping requirements on the use of auxin herbicides (such as 2,4-D, dicamba, and triclopyr) ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Blog Community, Crops, HOME LANDSCAPES, NATURAL RESOURCES, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Archived, Brett Bultemeier, FDACS, Herbicides, Jason Ferrell, Organo-auxin, Pesticide Information Office, Rules, Update
A gloved technician sprays shoreline vegetation with a backpack sprayer beside a calm pond.

Hats and Pesticides

by Dr. Brett Bultemeier
December 11, 2025

To Hat or Not to Hat, That is the Question. It is common to see pesticide technicians in hats, particularly logoed ballcaps. They are practical for keeping the sun off while providing visibility for the company logo. The more worn in a hat ... READ MORE

Category: Agribusiness, Agriculture, Farm Management, Food Safety, HOME LANDSCAPES, Horticulture, NATURAL RESOURCES, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, Turf, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Archived, Brett Bultemeier, Chemicals, Hat, Launder, Personal Protective Equipment, Pesticide Safety, Pesticides, PPE, Protection, Safety

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