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
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
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
As contrite and well-worn as the statement is, springtime is truly the season of renewal and rebirth. The warming temperatures and ample rain have grass growing, birds singing, and shrubs blooming. Most area residents are leaving their homes and returning to the outside activities which make panhandle Florida so attractive to citizens and visitors alike….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 also called the Tire Mosquito. Contrary to popular perception, not all of these dine on humans. Some target only birds,…Read more
Ever noticed mounds of dirt popping up in the lawn, in a cattle pasture, and other places? The locales might be experiencing an ant invasion. The Red Imported Fire Ant, (RIFA) has become a problem throughout Florida and at least 14 other states with mild winters. They came from South America in the early 1900s…Read more
Just 500 years ago Florida was barely identified, and the flora and fauna undocumented with little known of its complexity or diversity. Juan Ponce de Leon and the Spanish conquistadores who followed him claimed control of the state and geographic area for several centuries before being pushed out. Even today there are still places and…Read more
