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
Sweet gum trees, a panhandle Florida native, are appropriately named both in English and in Latin. The scientific name, Liquidambar styraciflua, literally means liquid amber, which flows in this plant’s tawny resin. This deciduous tree is found in the southeastern U.S., Mexico and the north end of Central America. Members of this tree’s genus are…Read more
There is always one in every family. No matter how affable the members and congenial the reputation, there is always one who is a chronic challenge to cope with in any situation. It may be the odd uncle who always ruins family events with confrontational behavior, or a sibling whose passive-aggressive conduct calls the motive…Read more
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
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
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
With the return of warmer weather, the focus of outdoor activities is shifting to pursuits where the partakers can maintain a personally comfortable temperature. So logically this means taking advantage of the local water resources. Panhandle Florida has a wealth of aquatic assets which can be enjoyed all year long, but spring and summer provide…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
Citrus has long been associated with Florida. A popular advertising slogan of the 1970s from the Florida Citrus Commission invited people to “come to the Florida sunshine tree…” because “breakfast without orange juice is like a day without sunshine.” The Florida citrus industry began in the northeastern region of the state along the St. Johns…Read more
Given the warming weather, yardwork is a productive choice and provides the necessary space to stay safe. Keeping a well-groomed yard and home landscape requires regular clipping of the foliage, some of which voluntarily appeared. Unfortunately, some of the “volunteer greenery” which has recently emerged is quite difficult to control and nearly impossible to eradicate….Read more
