The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Nature Notes

Free scallop sorters available for Pasco scallop season

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Scallop seekers are being offered a tool to help them know when to keep scallops and when to toss them back into the water to let them grow for another year. Experience Florida’s Sports Coast is providing the sorters for free, in an effort to promote sustainable scalloping. (Courtesy of Experience Florida’s Sports Coast)

Experience Florida’s Sports Coast is offering free Scallop Sorters to scallopers, in an effort to encourage sustainable scalloping practices in Pasco County, according to a county news release.

The free Scallop Sorters are available at the Florida’s Sports Coast office, 1938 Duck Slough Blvd., in Trinity, during regular business hours.

There is a limit of two per family, while supplies last.

The Scallop Sorter tool, developed by the UF/IFAS Extension Florida Sea Grant, helps to keep smaller, underdeveloped scallops from being harvested.

Pasco County’s scallop season began on July 1 and runs through Aug. 6.

“Promoting sustainable tourism is important to our Florida’s Sports Coast team and to our destination offerings, such as scalloping,” Florida’s Sports Coast Director Adam Thomas, said in the release. “As we gear up for the launch of our 37-day scalloping season this summer, we’re encouraging first-time and returning scallopers to use ethical practices to help ensure the health and quality of our Bay Scallop population for years to come.”

The Scallop Sorter is easy to use. Simply place the tool above each scallop to check its size. If it’s too small, toss the scallop back so it can have a chance to grow for another scallop season, the release says.

For more information, visit FlSportsCoast.com/scalloping for tips on enjoying Pasco’s Bay Scallop Season.

Published July 12, 2023

‘Prescribed fires’ aim to reduce wildfire risk

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To help reduce the risk of wildfires — set by lightning or other sources — the Southwest Florida Water Management District conducts “prescribed burns” in specific areas, according to a news release from the district.

Some major benefits of prescribed fire include:

  • Reducing overgrown plants, which decreases the risk of catastrophic wildfires

    The Southwest Florida Water Management District conducts ‘controlled burns,’ which are intentionally set fires aimed at providing active forest management by reducing the risk of wildfires and promoting the growth of new, diverse plants and creating other benefits. (Courtesy of the Southwest Florida Water Management District)
  • Promoting the growth of new, diverse plants
  • Maintaining the character and condition of wildlife habitat
  • Maintaining access for public recreation

The water management district has scheduled these “prescribed burns” at these Pasco County properties, between June and September:

  • Starkey Wilderness Preserve: This preserve is located east of New Port Richey, west of the Suncoast Parkway, north of State Road 54 and south of State Road 52. Approximately 1,500 acres will be burned in small, manageable units. 
  • Cypress Creek Preserve: Cypress Creek Preserve is located east of Ehren Cutoff, 1 mile south of State Road 52. Approximately 100 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.
  • Upper Hillsborough Preserve: Upper Hillsborough Preserve is located south of County Road 54 and east of Chancey Road in Zephyrhills. Approximately 1,000 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.
  • Conner Preserve: Conner Preserve is located south of State Road 52 and west of Ehren Cutoff. Approximately 400 acres will be burned in small, manageable units.

The water management district conducts prescribed fires on approximately 30,000 acres each year, the release says.

Published on June 28, 2023.

Giant African land snails show up in Pasco County

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Giant African land snails were found in a small area of Pasco County in June 2022.

A citizen found several unfamiliar snails and sent a photo to the University of Florida/IFAS Extension Office in Pasco County for identification.

That led to the positive identification of the invasive pest – the Giant African land snail — considered one of the most destructive worldwide.

Giant African land snails (GALS) are mollusks native to east Africa and have been found in several Caribbean locations and Hawaii over the years.

The Giant African land snail can grow to 7 inches in length and can destroy agricultural crops, ornamental plants and can even cause structural damage. An area in New Port Richey is under quarantine to keep the invasive pest from spreading. (Courtesy of Andrew Derksen/Florida Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services, Department of Plant Industry)

They’ve been identified twice before in the state of Florida – once in the 1960s and again in the 2000s in the Miami-Dade area.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) eradicated the pests in both instances.

The June 2022 identification in Pasco County led to an agricultural quarantine being set up in a small corner of New Port Richey.

The quarantine is designed to prevent the snail from escaping the area, which is extremely important in the fight to rid the state of the snails once again.

The quarantine does not affect those living outside of the zone, and those living in the zone are directed by the Department of Plant Industry (DPI), a division within FDACS, not to move plants, plant materials such as soil and yard waste, or building materials out of the quarantined zone, to ensure the snail is contained.

People and pets are still free to move about as usual.

Containment will allow specialists to find and eliminate the pests, before they can do damage and spread to other locations.

Businesses, solid waste collectors, and route-based landscaping companies are advised by DPI on how to handle these materials to stop the snails from spreading.

Homeowners are playing a big role in identifying the pest.  For those living in the quarantine zone, FDACS has been in contact and advising residents what to do if they see any.

These snails are harmful
These snails are capable of damaging our agricultural crops and many of our beloved ornamental plants in the landscape. They can consume over 500 different species of plants. In some cases, this can lead to the loss of habitat important to plant and animal species native to Florida, as well as causing economic losses.

The snails can eat stucco and paint on homes making them a structural pest.

They also can carry a parasite — rat lungworm — which is capable of causing meningitis in severe cases. While most cases are mild/moderate, handling these snails or the soil and plants they infest can be a point of exposure for animals, pets and humans.

Obviously, eradication of GALS is necessary to protect property, agricultural and ornamental commodities, and health.

The snails are hermaphroditic, which means each individual snail can produce fertile eggs — there are no males or females.

The ruler in this photo provides perspective on the size of these Giant African land snails. (University of Florida/Florida Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences)

This fact increases the potential for more offspring and their subsequent spread. Adult snails can reach 7 inches in length, which makes them an exceptionally large snail species.

The snails are terrestrial, and while they can be found near water, they won’t be found in the water.

The snails are nocturnal, so they are mainly active at night. They prefer cool, damp areas, making the area under and around shrubbery a potential hiding spot. The Pasco County GALS have brown shells with creamy white colored flesh, which is unique to the other GALS found over the years in Florida.

Typically, the flesh is brown and basically the same color as the shell.

The Pasco County GALS were most likely introduced through the illegal pet trade, since the contrast between the brown shell and creamy white colored flesh makes them more appealing.

Thousands of GALS have been found within the quarantine zone in Pasco County. To date, none have been discovered outside of the zone.

The FDACS is working diligently with trained sniffer dogs to detect all life stages of the GALS, by scouting in and around the quarantine zone. FDACS is working closely with route-based landscaping companies and nurseries in the area to ensure those businesses are not negatively affected. It is illegal to possess, sell, or transport GALS anywhere in the United States

If you think you suspect you might have GALS, please contact DPI at 1-800-Help-FLA (1-800-435-7352), for help with identification.

The best weapon we have against invasive pests is a smartphone. Pictures be easily be shared by email, speeding up the identification process.

Pictures also are the best way to stay safe from the potential rat lungworm infection, because gloves and careful handling would be required to prevent infection.

Report anything out of the ordinary
Citizens often are the first to encounter invasive pests, and saying something when you see something unusual is key.

Florida has a conducive environment for invasive pests to survive, and the trade and travel into our ports, airports, rail, and illegal pet trade provide a variety of opportunities for a pest to find its way into our state and do damage.

Feel free to reach out to your local UF/IFAS Extension Office for help identifying things you find around the home.

Together, we can help prevent the spread of invasive plants, diseases, and animals.

To learn more about the quarantine zone and the efforts to eradicate GALS in Pasco County, visit tinyurl.com/ypkysp26.

Dr. Whitney C. Elmore is the UF/IFAS Pasco County extension director and an urban horticulture agen IV.

Published August 18, 2022

Protect the environment, help to save manatees

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Fertilizer can promote a healthy, vibrant lawn, but applying too much or applying it incorrectly can cause chemical runoff that pollutes the ground and surface water.

(STEFANIE BURLINGAME)

This causes harmful algae blooms that choke out seagrass, which is the main food source for manatees, according to a Pasco County news release.

More than 1,100 manatees died in Florida last year, many due to starvation from the lack of seagrass, the release says.

Harmful chemical runoff is most likely during the rainy season — June through September — and the resulting algae blooms also can cause flooding.

Pasco County offers these fertilizer application tips that can help to protect the environment:

• Follow package directions to avoid over-fertilizing.

•Avoid spreading fertilizer on sidewalks, streets and gutters.

• Don’t apply fertilizer within 10 feet of any body of water.

• Don’t apply fertilizer ahead of expected flooding or tropical storms.

For more information, please visit KeepPascoBeautiful.org, and click on Programs, Fertilizer Awareness.

Take a long view, when choosing trees

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When it comes to trees in the landscape, size matters.

Careful planning can save a lot of trouble down the road because trees that don’t have enough room to grow and mature can damage curbs, roadways and foundations.

A tree without sufficient space also can become unstable and can turn into a safety hazard.

Keep in mind that trees are investments in your property and in the environment. Nobody wants to remove a tree, years down the road, simply because it’s too large. The cost can run into the thousands of dollars.

The Chickasaw plum grows to 20 feet to 25 feet tall, and has small, white flowers that are very fragrant. The fruit are red to yellow with a tart but pleasant flavor. The trees are dramatic when in bloom, but do possess thorny branches. (Courtesy of the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences)

Tree species, like any other landscape plant, have needs. When selecting a tree for your landscape, there are many considerations such as hardiness zone, wind rating (for tropical storms), color, texture, and harmony with the surrounding landscape.

First though, you must consider the mature height and width of any tree you are interested in planting. For example, if a tree species grows to a mature height of 40 feet and a mature width of 30 feet, trying to cram it into a small yard — with less than 20 feet of space in either direction — is a recipe for disaster. The branches and roots both can become hazards.

Well-established trees will develop a root flare, or a swollen area at the base of the trunk that aids in anchoring the plant. This is where lateral roots will grow in all directions. These roots are responsible for taking up most of the nutrients and moisture needed by the tree and for providing stability.

The general rule of thumb for lateral root spread is two to three times the mature height of the tree beyond the outer edge of the tree’s canopy. A 40-foot tree could easily have roots extending up to 120 feet in any direction.

Many homeowners find themselves with difficult choices to make once trees begin to outgrow their space. For instance, they might try root shaving. Root shaving is not a best practice, as the tree may become unstable or negatively affected by the process.

The Dahoon and East Palatka hollies are evergreen trees that grow 20 feet to 45 feet tall and do very well in Central Florida. The female develops bright red berries in the fall, which entice wildlife to visit and provide seasonal color.

In most cases, a tree that doesn’t have adequate space will need to be removed.

Besides being costly, it also can be dangerous if not conducted by a certified arborist.

The typical small Florida landscape doesn’t support most of the larger trees we’re used to seeing, such as oaks. Instead of repeating the same mistakes over again, consider planting smaller, native trees that will provide shade, beauty and much desired curb appeal.

Some small, native trees have a variety of benefits beyond fitting well into a given space. Some will allow for more sunlight to filter through, allowing for better growth of some turfgrasses, which cannot tolerate shade.

The diversity these trees bring to the landscape is an added benefit, with many serving as nests for birds, roosting and resting spots for butterflies and other pollinators. Smaller trees are less likely to be damaged during storms and they will be easier to prune, if the need arises. The blooms, and even the bark and foliage, can be focal points for the landscape providing color and appeal throughout the entire year, while helping to increase property values.

The greater the diversity of trees and shrubs in the landscape, the better the environment. Regardless of the plant, it is critical that the right plant is put into the right place, or it will fail to thrive over time. Even if space is considered, the plant might not be well-suited to the environment in a particular location given the differences in soil type, saltwater tolerance, light, drought tolerance, etc.

Examples of small, native trees that do well in Central Florida include some well-known species, as well as some that are underutilized.

The pond cypress is an adaptable tree that can grow 50 feet to 60 feet tall but it possesses a narrow canopy, which makes it ideal for particular situations where height isn’t an issue, but width is. These trees do well in wet areas, but they can tolerate dry conditions. The pond cypress offers bright green awl-shaped leaves that turn brown in the fall. The light brown fall leaves are very pretty. Remember, brown is a color, too, when it comes to nature, so don’t shy away from it. As the leaves drop through winter, the light brown, ridged bark comes into view making them a dynamic plant throughout various seasons.

The pond cypress is an adaptable tree that can grow 50 feet to 60 feet tall but it possesses a narrow canopy, which makes it ideal in situations where height isn’t an issue, but width is.

The Dahoon and East Palatka hollies are gorgeous evergreen trees that grow 20 feet to 45 feet tall, and do very well in Central Florida. The female develops bright red berries in the fall, which entice wildlife to visit and provide seasonal color.

The Chickasaw plum grows to 20 feet to 25 feet tall, and has small, white flowers that are very fragrant. The fruit are red to yellow with a tart but pleasant flavor. These trees are quite dramatic when in bloom, but they do possess thorny branches that could limit the appeal in some situations.

The wax myrtle is a wispy plant that only grows to about 20 feet tall. It’s an evergreen with beautiful whitish-gray bark and olive-green foliage that possesses a spicy fragrance. It can be a showstopper in the right location.

While the sweet acacia tree isn’t too common due to its sharp spines, it’s a beautiful tree with bright, yellow flowers so fragrant they are often added to perfumes. The soft, greenish-gray leaflets make for a sharp contrast against the yellow flowers that persist throughout spring. The sweet acacia normally reaches 20 feet to 25 feet in height.

These trees are just a sampling of the options available for Central Florida homeowners to brighten the landscape.

Trees, including small ones, are incredibly important to the health and vitality of our environment. Trees provide shade, cooling effects, pollinator and animal habitat, ecological diversity, and of course, attractive foliage and colorful blooms to our world.

In summary, planting the right plant in the right place is critical to the survival of the plant, potentially the stability of surrounding structures, and certainly to our quality of life.

For more information, call your local UF/IFAS Extension Office. Your local horticulture agent will be able to provide information specific to your needs for healthy trees and shrubs.

Published March 23, 2022

If you enjoy birds, add some natives to your landscape

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If you derive pleasure from watching birds and if you enjoy other wildlife sightings, too, there’s a way to help make that happen right in your yard.

Consider adding native plants to your landscape.

You don’t have to devote your entire yard to natives, although some people do.

Cabbage palms provide many benefits to birds and wildlife. Woodpeckers make homes in the trunks. (Courtesy of Nicole Pinson)

They can be integrated within traditional landscapes.

Interest in native Florida plants is on the rise because they are adapted to our area, provide ecological value and they generally require less water, fertilizer and maintenance once they’re established.

And, they provide cover and food for birds and other wildlife.

Chances are you already have some excellent native plants in your landscape.

In addition to attracting birds, insects and other wild creatures, some natives also provide seasonal color, such as spring blooms, and produce timely holiday berries.

Here are some bird-attracting natives to consider:

• Walter’s Viburnum Viburnum obovatum

Walter’s viburnum is an all-around great landscape plant because it’s attractive to people and wildlife. Its white, bouquet-like flowers cover the plant in spring, and provide nectar and pollen for bees. Later in the fall, songbirds enjoy the red/black berries. Walter’s viburnum grows tall and thick. This feature makes it a good plant for birds to take cover or build their nests. There are dwarf and standard cultivars, so pick the plant that works best for your landscape. Place a birdbath under Walter’s viburnum and you’ll be sure to see visiting songbirds.

• Beautyberry Callicarpa americana

Beautyberry is a shrub and like Walter’s viburnum is valuable to wildlife. The pink flowers attract pollinators and other insects. Purple berries form later in the year and offer a buffet for birds. Mockingbirds especially enjoy them. If you happen to have quail in your neighborhood, they also like beautyberries. The purple berries persist on the branches from late summer through fall, making this a specimen plant. However, beautyberry is deciduous and sheds its leaves in winter.

Invite charismatic mockingbirds to your landscape with native plants such as beautyberry.

If adding it to your garden, you may want to place it behind other plants or toward the back of the garden.

• Buttonbush Cephalanthus occidentalis

If you live near water, consider planting a buttonbush nearby. The unusual-looking, spiky white flowers bloom during summer, and provide nectar and pollen for bees and butterflies. Waterfowl eat the fall seeds. This large shrub is a favorite place for birds to take cover and build nests.

• Sabal palm Sabal palmetto

Do you have a sabal palm – also known as a cabbage palm – in your landscape or neighborhood? If so, this is great for attracting birds. Sabal palms, our state “tree,” produce flowers and fruits attractive to insects and birds. The boots on the trunk can provide habitat for wildlife. The palm fronds and canopy are great places for birds to rest or hide. Some cavity nesters also build their nests in the holes in palms. For example, woodpeckers use old cabbage palm trunks to make their nests.

• Spanish moss Tillandsia usneoides

Contrary to belief, Spanish moss is not harmful to trees – it is a harmless epiphyte. Epiphytes are not parasitic plants. They attach to plants for support but do not harm the plant or tree. You may have some Spanish moss on oak branches, elms, or other plants. The moss provides protective cover for some animals, such as butterflies and insects. Birds feed on the insects found in the moss and some birds use the moss to build their nests. These Spanish moss nests help protect the birds’ eggs and young.

• Simpson’s stopper, Myrcianthes fragrans, has fragrant leaves and white flowers. After flowering, red fruits develop. These fruits are especially attractive to birds. Simpson’s stopper may be substituted for foundation plantings and makes an attractive hedge.

• Wild coffee, Psychotria nervosa, a shrub with shiny, dark green leaves. It produces clusters of tiny white flowers that attract bees and butterflies. Later, birds enjoy the red or maroon fruits.

• Southern red cedar, Juniperus virginians, is a  thick cone-bearing tree with dense foliage. It makes an excellent hedge or when planted for privacy. Southern red cedars have male and female cones borne on separate trees. Birds eat the blue female, berry-like cones.

• Florida privet Forestiera segregate is less common in traditional landscapes. This shrub provides nectar and pollen for bees and butterflies, nesting habitat for birds, and purple fruit in summer. Look for it at native nurseries.

• Coral honeysuckle, Lonicera sempervirens, attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. They later produce red fruits that songbirds eat. This vine can be grown easily on trellises, stakes and arbors.

Attract songbirds, such as cardinals, to your garden by making sure your landscape provides food, cover and water.

Other great choices for hummingbird plants include crossvine Bignonia capreolata, scarlet sage Salvia coccinea, and firebush Hamelia patens. The red, tubular-shaped firebush flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Songbirds eat its fruit.

There are other ways to attract birds, too. For example, increase the diversity of plants in your garden to attract insects. Plant diversity is one of the easiest and most economical forms of integrated pest management. Insects visiting these plants are a food source for birds.

Limit pesticide use and choose less-toxic methods when possible. Contact your county Extension office if you need help with recommendations, including “soft” pesticides, rotating pesticides, and natural methods of pest control.

Choose plants that bloom at different times of the year. Select a mix of plants that provide food and cover year-round.

Place a clean water source nearby, such as a birdbath. Fill it with fresh water, especially during hot days.

Once you’ve created a welcoming place for birds and wildlife, don’t forget to relax, sit back and enjoy the creatures that venture in for a visit to your yard.

For more information
If you want to know more about this topic, check the references that were used in this column:

Ober, H.K. and G.W. Knox. (2019). Native Plants That Benefit Native Wildlife in the Florida Panhandle. IFAS Publication Number WEC339. Gainesville: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Retrieved from https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdf/UW/UW38400.pdf

Wilson, S. et al. (2020). Recommended Native Landscape Plants for Florida’s Treasure Coast.IFAS Publication Number ENH1082. Gainesville: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Retrieved from https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdf/EP/EP34800.pdf

Nicole Pinson is the Urban Horticulture Agent in Hillsborough County. For additional information, contact  or 813-744-5519, ext. 54145.

By Published December 01, 2021

Want to grow veggies quickly?

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Short on time and space but you really want a vegetable garden?

A variety of fall vegetables can easily be grown in containers if you keep a few considerations in mind.

You don’t need a big garden to grow broccoli. You can use a container. (Courtesy of the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences)

The container can be made of most anything that’s wood, plastic or metal, but it needs to be at least 18 inches deep to provide space for root growth.

For pressure-treated wood containers, ensure there’s enough room to keep the plants 6 inches to 8 inches from the edge of the container.

The container should be food grade for vegetables and have drainage holes in the bottom, which you may have to carefully drill, depending on the container material.

Remember: The larger the container, the heavier it’ll be when full of soil, so choose containers you can move around easily, if the need should arise.

Use a pre-mixed and sterilized potting soil blend purchased in bags from garden centers.

Want some fresh lettuce? Trying growing some, in a container.

Avoid using soil out of the landscape due to the weed seeds and nematodes, which can harm the roots. Pre-mixed potting soil blends contain a balance of water-holding media and more course materials, which helps to aerate the soil and to provide adequate drainage.

Place containers where the plants get at least six hours of full sun each day and plan to water them every one day to three days, depending on the temperature.

A liquid fertilizer, mixed at the label rate for vegetables, applied every 10 days to 14 days, will help keep your plants productive.

Purchase your plants that are healthy and uniform in color from reputable sellers.

Kale, kohlrabi, broccoli, cauliflower, collards, cabbages, Brussels sprouts, onion, radish, spinach, and Swiss chard will do very well in containers through fall into winter.

If temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit at night, move the containers so that the plants are covered or carefully place a lightweight sheet over the plants to protect from frost. Be sure to remove the cover early in the morning to keep from burning the plants.

Fall vegetable gardens are extremely productive in Florida, but timing is important.

Plant transplants anytime from Halloween to the new year.

Growing fall vegetables in containers provides a great way to get exercise, enjoy the great weather and save money on the grocery bill.

For more information on vegetable gardening, please visit https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/VH021.

By Whitney C. Elmore

Dr. Whitney C. Elmore is the UF/IFAS Pasco County Extension Director/Horticulture.

Published October 13, 2021

Milkweed bugs: Are they friend or foe?

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County Extension offices frequently hear from home gardeners who have questions about tropical milkweed plants and milkweed bugs.

Native milkweeds are less prone to pests. (Courtesy of Nicole Pinson, University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences)

Tropical milkweed plants are a non-native landscape favorite because they serve as a host plant for monarch and queen butterfly larvae. They are easy to grow and often are found in children’s butterfly gardens.

Tropical milkweed’s colorful red and orange flowers – along with its long growing and blooming season – make this a great plant for beginner gardeners.

While the plant — Asclepias currasavica — is popular, milkweed bugs are often found on it.

Milkweed bugs are orange and black, and they are considered a nuisance pest of tropical milkweed. Sometimes milkweed bugs are mistaken for a beneficial insect called the milkweed assassin bug.

When milkweed bugs infest tropical milkweed, gardeners can be unsure about what to do. Should they treat the bugs – which could harm butterflies and beneficial organisms – or leave them alone?

Handpick milkweed bugs
Cutting off the tops of plants won’t eliminate these insects, as they may come back. But handpicking them off the plant is an effective way to control them and handpicking doesn’t involve the use of pesticides.

Milkweed bugs are considered a nuisance, but they usually do not kill tropical milkweed plants.

If you’re not squeamish, you can handpick— knocking them into a bowl of soapy water. Leave them there for a little while. Then pour out the water and dead bugs.

Remove the seed pods
Interestingly, although milkweed bugs can feed on plants, they primarily feed on milkweed seed pods. Remove seed pods if you have them. This is an easy way to help control milkweed bug populations.

Knock them off with a jet of water
Another strategy for dealing with milkweed bugs is to knock the bugs off the plants with a strong spray of water from the garden hose. You might need to do this for several mornings in a row to get some control and then check back every two or three days after that. It is a pesticide-free way to reduce pests.

Leave the pests alone
Though it’s distressing to see them on the milkweed, they are harmless.

Milkweed bugs and aphids infest tropical milkweed in stages. Sometimes, there are a lot of them. Other times, they’re gone.

Many butterfly gardeners simply ignore the milkweed bugs and aphids – knowing their populations are cyclical and they usually don’t kill the plant. These gardeners tolerate some plant damage in exchange for not using pesticides on plants preferred by butterflies and other beneficial insects.

Tropical milkweed Asclepias currasavica is grown to attract monarch and queen butterflies. But some pests – such as milkweed bugs and aphids – infest the plants from time to time.

If you don’t want to remove them, just let them be. In time, they will move on. However, they may be repeat visitors to your milkweed plants.

Plant native milkweeds
Our native milkweeds typically have less pest problems. Consider planting native milkweeds in your landscape. These plants have pink to white flowers. Learn more about native milkweeds and visit a local native plant nursery, check out the Florida Museum of Natural History butterfly brochures or contact your local Extension office.

Another benefit of native milkweeds is they die back naturally in the winter here in Florida. This natural dieback may result in less parasites that can infect monarch larvae. However, you can simulate this with tropical milkweed by cutting them back in winter, on or around Thanksgiving.

These references, which were used for this column, offer additional details:

University of Florida. Florida Museum of Natural History Butterfly Brochures. Retrieved from https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/discover-butterflies/brochures/.

University of Georgia. Bugwood website. Milkweed bug insect images. Retrieved from https://www.insectimages.org/search/action.cfm?q=milkweed+bug.

For more information, contact or 813-744-5519, ext. 54145.

Nicole Pinson is the Urban Horticulture Agent in Hillsborough County. Laura Barber and Jan Ignash, master gardener volunteers contributed to this column.

Published September 15, 2021

Be careful — that ‘pest’ could actually be beneficial

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It’s easy to misidentify insects, plants, structures or conditions and view them as harmful, when in fact, they are helpful, or completely harmless.

Making the distinction in the landscape regarding what is what, is important — because you don’t want to mistake a beneficial insect or harmless condition for a pest, disease or deficiency.

It’s important to know, too, that insects can look very different, at different stages of their life cycles. For example, the beneficial lacewing larvae look nothing like its egg or adult lacewing stage.

The vast majority of insects fall into the categories of harmless or helpful, with  only about 1% considered to be pests.

Insects may have different appearances throughout their life cycle. This spined soldier bug may be mistaken for a pest, but it’s a beneficial stink bug. (Courtesy of Nicole Pinson)

At the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Cooperative Extension Service, we use integrated pest management (IPM) approach strategies. Our goal is to protect beneficial insects, consider the overall landscape and causes of plant problems, and reduce risks to humans and the environment.

Mistaken Identity #1: Stink bugs
Many stink bugs are pests of ornamental plants and vegetables, including tomatoes. But some are beneficial. The spined soldier bug and the giant strong-nose stink bug eat pests such as flea beetles and vegetable caterpillars. If you’d like to learn more about stink bugs, the “Ask IFAS” website has excellent publications including one about stink bugs and leaffooted bugs.

Mistaken Identity #2: Syrphid fly
We often underappreciate flies, including syrphid flies. Syrphid flies, also known as hover flies, are important beneficial insects. They are flies – not wasps – and they don’t sting. Adult syrphid flies feed on flower nectar and are instrumental in cross-pollinating some plants. Their larvae – which don’t look like the adult flies – appear as small slugs or caterpillars. However, these ugly-looking larvae eat aphids and other pests. The UF/IFAS Featured Creatures website explains that syrphid fly larvae may reduce aphid populations by 70% to 100%.

Black soldier fly larvae are important decomposers. Don’t be alarmed if you find them in your compost pile.

Mistaken Identity #3: Black soldier fly
Black soldier fly larvae are important decomposers. Home gardeners may find them in their compost piles or soil. They look like black maggots, but don’t be worried. These larvae help recycle waste. They turn compost into nutrient-rich soil.

If you find them in your compost pile, don’t be alarmed. Be glad. Appreciate their efforts to transform your compost into rich soil.

Read more about black soldier flies and how they’re used in animal manure management on the Featured Creatures website, https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/livestock/black_soldier_fly.htm.

Mistaken Identity #4: Flared roots on a palm
Some palms may develop a trunk that curls up from the bottom – out and over the roots. Although this may look like a disorder, it’s a natural part of the palm’s growth. As the palm roots grow at the root initiation zone, they may force the trunk outward. This is not a problem and control isn’t necessary.

Mistaken Identity #5: Lenticels
Lenticels are naturally occurring structures found on the stems and roots of some plants. They may be mistaken for scale insects or diseases. These pores are vertical or horizontal, appear as spots, or have rounded, oval or elongated shapes. Lenticels provide a means of gas exchange between the air and plant tissue. Not all plants and trees have them. You can look for them on ligustrum. The UF/IFAS publication, “How to Identify a Tree,” discusses lenticels and other features you may use for tree ID.

If you’d like to learn more about preserving beneficial bugs and helping your landscape to thrive, check the UF/IFAS Extension free online publications and feel free to consult with staff at your local county Extension office, at https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/.

For additional information in Hillsborough County, contact or 813-744-5519, ext. 54145.

Nicole Pinson is the Urban Horticulture Agent in Hillsborough County.

Published July 21, 2021

Dispelling common garden myths

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One of the best things about gardening is the opportunity it presents to learn new things.

We gain garden wisdom through trial and error, experimenting with plants and techniques, and solving problems.

Each of us has our way of gardening.

But some anecdotal advice is not the best approach to keep plants healthy.

Here are some common garden myths and why we should avoid them.

• Myth No. 1 – Add lime when planting vegetables.

Many Florida soils are naturally acidic – although soils can be alkaline with a high pH. Soil pH may be high in some compost blends and fill material. Well or irrigation water also can have a high pH. It’s important to know the pH because plants grow best within a pH of 5.5 – 7.0. It’s within this range that most nutrients are available to plants.

A better approach: Instead of adding lime before planting vegetables, get the soil pH tested from a Florida lab.

Lime increases soil pH, and it is very difficult to reverse the effects of over-liming.

Don’t add lime without a soil test. If your soil comes back high in pH, other options include: Choose a different type of soil (for example, bagged vs. bulk), plant in another location that has a preferred pH, use raised beds, or select plants that will tolerate the current soil pH.

Insecticidal soaps, rather than dish soaps, are labeled for use on soft-bodied pests, such as these mealybugs. (Nicole Pinson)

• Myth No. 2 – Make homemade pest control with dish soap.

There are many homemade recipes available online and through word-of-mouth. Dish soap is commonly touted as an ingredient for inexpensive, home remedies. However, most dish soaps are not registered or labeled as insecticides. Dr. Adam Dale and Matthew Borden, UF/IFAS, have a helpful publication called Managing Plant Pests with Soaps. In this publication, they explain that “all soaps are not the same” and dish soaps are “not an organic alternative to pesticides.”

Dish soaps are often powerful detergents used for cleaning and degreasing. These detergents are not intended for use on plants or for pest control. Dish soaps can damage plants and do not discriminate between beneficial insects and pest insects. Some of the recipes lack information about application rates, targeted pests, and other considerations, such as not applying to stressed plants or when temperatures exceed 90° F.

A better approach: Instead of using homemade dish soap recipes for pest control, use labeled insecticidal soaps. These products are affordable – like the homemade recipes – and available at garden centers and landscape supply companies. The label explains application rates and they are generally safe for use on plants, when used according to the label. Insecticidal soaps – not dish soaps – are effective on a range of pests with soft bodies. These pests include aphids, mealybugs, scales, spider mites, thrips and whiteflies. Read and share the above-referenced publication for more information.

• Myth No. 3 – Plant tomatoes in the summer.

Our hot summers are not the best time to plant tomatoes. Cooler months are better for Florida tomatoes.

A better approach: Plant tomatoes in Central Florida from January through February and then again from August through September. Want to learn the best time to plant other vegetables in Florida? Use the UF/IFAS Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide, Table 1, for a list of planting times.

• Myth No. 4 – Paint tree wounds.

In the past, it was standard practice to paint tree wounds or freshly cut surfaces. The idea was that by painting the wounds, the tree would be protected from cracking and wood-rotting organisms. However, tree studies have shown that wound dressings do not prevent decay. The painted surface may still crack when exposed to the sun, and moisture can build up between the wood and the wound covering. Trees with painted wounds may even invite wood-rotting pests compared to trees without painted wounds.

A better approach: Leave the cut surface alone. There is no need to apply paints, wound dressings, or chemical formulations to the surface of the cut because they don’t prevent decay.

Keep palms healthy: Use recommended fertilizers and don’t over-prune.

• Myth No. 5 – Hurricane prune palms.

In general, palms rarely need pruning. The idea of hurricane pruning is to remove most of the fronds to make the palm more resistant to wind damage. However, palm observations have shown the opposite is true!

Many hurricane-pruned palms fared much worse after hurricanes – they were weaker and suffered more damage – than palms that had not been hurricane-pruned. Additionally, over-pruning may attract pests, such as palmetto weevils. Too much pruning can make nutrient deficiencies worse. Over-pruning may stress the palm, making it less able to withstand disease.

A better approach: Take good care of your palms by not over-pruning them. Only prune dead or dangerous fronds. Don’t “hurricane” prune or trim them into pineapple shapes.

• Myth No. 6 – Use Epsom salts on palms.

Epsom salts have been recommended as an inexpensive palm fertilizer. However, the nutrients contained in Epsom salts are quick-release, water-soluble magnesium sulfate. And, the use of quick-release fertilizers can harm palms.

A better approach: Research by UF/IFAS indicates slow-release nutrients are better for palms. A good palm fertilizer is the 8N-2P2 O5 – 12K2O +4Mg, with micronutrients and prilled kieserite (a less water-soluble form of magnesium sulfate than Epsom salts). This fertilizer also is called the “palm special” fertilizer. Garden centers, local nurseries, and professional landscape supply companies may carry this fertilizer. Check the label to verify that 100% of the N, K and Mg are in a slow-release form. Use the “palm special” fertilizer and not Epsom salts.

To find out more, check these references that were used for this column.

References: Borden, M. A. and A. G. Dale. (2019). Managing Plant Pests with Soaps. IFAS Publication Number ENY344. Gainesville: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Retrieved from https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdf/IN/IN124800.pdf.

Broschat, T. (2017). Fertilization of Field-Grown and Landscape Palms in Florida. IFAS Publication Number ENH1009. Gainesville: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Retrieved from https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdf/EP/EP26100.pdf.

Park Brown, S., D. Treadwell, J. M. Stephens, and S. Webb. (2020). Florida Vegetable Gardening Guide. IFAS Publication Number SP 103. Gainesville: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Retrieved from https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdf/VH/VH02100.pdf.

For additional information, contact or 813-744-5519, ext. 54145.

Nicole Pinson is the Urban Horticulture Agent in Hillsborough County.

Published June 30, 2021