Category: UF/IFAS

Picture collage of 3 insects on green blades of grass.

When Pest Problems Become Emergencies: How FIFRA Section 18 Helps Florida Respond

by Amy Solis
September 10, 2026

All pesticide uses must go through EPA's standard registration process. However, urgent pest threats sometimes require a faster, temporary response when no effective registered option is available.  That's where a FIFRA Section 18 emergency ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, Crops, Farm Management, Invasive Species, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Aedes Aegypti, Aedes Albopictus, Asian Citrus Psyllid, Bulletins Live Two, Emergency Pesticide Exemptions, Endangered Species Act, FIFRA Section 18, Invasive Species, Mitigation Menu, Pasture Mealybug, Pesticide, Public Health, UF/IFAS Pesticide Information Office
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
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
Logo over pine flatwoods.

Pesticide Exposure: What Activities Can Lead to Exposure?

by Dr. Brett Bultemeier
October 7, 2025

In part one of this series, we discussed risk. To have risk, hazard AND exposure must both be present. Remember Risk = Hazard + Exposure. Then we discussed acute, sub-chronic and chronic exposure, and what those mean. Now it is time to dig beyond ... READ MORE

Category: Agribusiness, Agriculture, Crops, Farm Management, HOME LANDSCAPES, Horticulture, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, Turf, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Extension
Tags: Activities Of Exposure, Archived, Brett Bultemeier, Pesticide Exposure, Pesticide Exposure Series, Pesticide Information Office

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