Panhandle Florida’s winter of 2023/24 has had some frigid nights. The frosty mornings have not been a rarity. Even so, there are signs winter is grudgingly retreating. Aside from the occasional warm day, the daylight hours are obviously increasing. Officially spring is still four and a half weeks away, beginning on March 19, 2024. This…Read more
Sometimes the news is just bad, and there is no way to sugar coat it. Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening and yellow dragon disease, is present in the Florida panhandle. Not surprisingly, the Asian Citrus Psyllid is present in the region, too. This tiny insect is one of two psyllids which are known vectors or…Read more
It is the time of year when visitors come crashing into panhandle Florida residences, especially those seeking an upgrade on their winter lodgings. The highways are clogged with traffic heading south in search of a willing relative or friend who might take in a traveler attempting to avoid unpleasantly low temperatures. The relatively salubrious climate…Read more
Halloween masks are big business for retailers attracting customers in October. After all, what child could refuse being a super hero, princess, or a hideous freak of nature while getting a sack full of candy? In reality, the tactic of appearing to be something intimidating is fairly common. It is especially useful in the untamed…Read more
There is nothing favorable about being compared to a roach, having roaches, or appearing roach-like. It is all negative and an insult to boot. In panhandle Florida one of the native species is the woods roach, Eurycotis floridana. Commonly referred to as the palmetto bug, this insect can reach almost two inches in length and…Read more
The consistent heat and humidity of 2023’s summer has produced an abundance of blooms, both native and exotic. The range of colors helps compensate human residents, somewhat, for the physical discomfort of venturing into the often-sweltering environment. For many insects, the current crop of flowers is a signal that pollen and nectar are readily available…Read more
There is one absolute certainty about August 2023 in the panhandle Florida area. It is hot, humid and by most standards generally unpleasant to intolerable during the middle of the day to the late evening if you stay out too long. Granted, it is summer in Florida which is usually associated with beach weather and…Read more
The lush green leaves and perfumed blossoms of summer provide an inviting veneer which covers a menacing reality. It is a jungle out there, even if the predators are small and people are not usually on the menu.Lurking beneath the foliage are aggressive and voracious creatures which may attack in near infinite waves with only…Read more
Florida is home to about 80 to 85 mosquito species, many of which live in the panhandle. Of those, 20 plus are exotic mosquitos which have been inadvertently imported, such as the Asian Tiger Mosquito. Contrary to popular perception, not all of these dine on humans. Some target only birds, others only frogs, and still others will…Read more
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
