One little insect in the Xyleborini tribe of beetles has been destroying bay trees and other species in the panhandle at an alarming rate. Unfortunately the Redbay Ambrosia Beetle attacks healthy trees. Of additional importance, the fungus which causes laurel wilt disease accompanies this beetle and typically causes tree death. The Redbay Ambrosia Beetle (Xyleborus…Read more
Month: April 2023
An Excellent Reason to Watch Your Step Under the Waves
Barnacles are one of those frequently overlooked creatures until the oblivious swimmer or fisherman contacts their sharp and jagged outer shell. Related to crabs and lobsters, these animals are commonly found in shallow waters which advance and retreat with the tides. Barnacles affix themselves permanently to hard, dense objects, thereby encrusting their surface. This includes…Read more
Predators With Good Reasons to Be Jumpy
Hunger and deprivation are excellent motivators, especially for panhandle Florida’s smallest residents. One such member of these native arthropods is the jumping spider. This salticid, a member of the Saltididae family, defies many of the commonly held perceptions of spiders. Jumping spiders actively hunt prey during the day and are often seen moving vigorously in…Read more
Hungry Garden Pests That Smell Like Trouble
The thermometer readings and humidity levels are climbing, but they have yet to reach the misery point. If able to speak, most of the insect population would likely disagree. They prefer a sultry environment which creates ideal growing conditions for plants cultivated both for food and landscape ornamentation. As such, both the insect herbivores and…Read more
An Invading Army That Is Happy to Take Over the Garden
Chief among the developing caterpillar pests is the southern armyworm. This insect is native to the warmer regions of both American continents. About 30 to 40 days on average are required for a complete generation, with environmental factors restraining even more reproduction. In northern Florida moths which produce this caterpillar can be found throughout the…Read more
Setting the Perfect Trap for Garden Pests
Nature has a way of making life as easy as possible, but it will not happen fast, so planning is critical to success. One means is by putting some plants (trap crops) which attract beneficial and/or destructive insects. Insects are one of the main challenges in growing a vegetable garden. Warm weather and high humidity…Read more
It Takes a Good Plan to Take on These Lawn Invaders
The grassy like leaves emerge green and ready to soak up the spring sun. Unfortunately, not all are the turf preferred for home lawns. Purple nutsedge, Cyperus rotundus, grows from every possible sunny location with soil capable of supporting the plant. This non-native pest is a rapidly spreading perennial which will take every opportunity to…Read more
An Exotic Species That Is Here for a Very Good Reason
Sometimes surprises can puzzle and perplex, and yet be pleasant. Finding a twenty-dollar bill in a parking lot, for example, would certainly be a positive experience. The occurrence would likely be tinged with pity for the person who lost it, though. Even if they were totally careless with their financial resources, the discovery would make…Read more