Commercial Connection

Pest Management University Website

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Morse) — Wed, 01 May 2013 13:53:00 +0000

Check out this website for information about pest control: http://pmu.ifas.ufl.edu/news Also, see their newsletters for upcoming class and pest information.

Here is a link to their archived newsletters: http://pmu.ifas.ufl.edu/pmu-news/pest-management-news-feed

Want to sign up for their newsletters? Go to this link and email them: http://pmu.ifas.ufl.edu/pmu-news/learn-how-to-stay-informed-pmu-news

Florida Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises Conference

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Morse) — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 14:42:00 +0000

For: Informing and Inspiring Agricultural Innovators

When: August 2-4, 2013 * Kissimmee, FL

More information: www.conference.ifas.ufl.edu/smallfarms

How to Save on Taxes

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Morse) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 15:17:00 +0000

It's tax time...see this UF/IFAS video on how to save money on your taxes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zU1-ITIgQAo&feature=em-subs_digest

Get Your CEUs

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Morse) — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 10:30:00 +0000

picture from prohortmanatee.wordpress.com

Need to renew your pesticide license??? Several categories are offered at our "CEU Variety Pack" on Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Attend the afternoon and core sessions to get your 4 CEUs for renewal for lawn/turf and ornamental categories.

Aquatic, Right-of-way, Natural Areas + others also available.

You can select 2, 4 or 6 CEUs.
To register go to this link: http://ceu-variety-pack-eorg.eventbrite.com/#
AGENDA 9:30-10:00 Check-in

Morning session:

10:00-10:50 Herbicides Modes of Action and Resistance Management

Dr. Bill Haller

Herbicide resistance is a major concern in all herbicide applications. Applicators become comfortable with certain herbicides and herbicide mixes and use them repeatedly year after year. During this presentation, Dr. Haller will give examples of herbicide resistance and how to prevent or best manage to minimize the development of resistant weed populations.

10:50-11:40 Weed Control in Florida’s Waters and Natural Areas

Dr. Lyn Gettys

Dr. Gettys will discuss the common pathways for weed introduction in Florida, present historical accounts of the state’s invasion by hydrilla, waterhyacinth, Brazilian pepper and other weeds and cover management options for controlling the “10 most-wanted list” of Florida’s aquatic, upland and natural areas weeds.

Morning session CEUs: Aquatic (2), ROW (2), NA (2), Demo & Research (2), Private (2),
Comm L & O (1), Lmt. L & O (1), LCLM (1), O & T (1),

11:40-1:00 Turn in survey, receive CEU form and Lunch on own
12:45 – 1:00 Check-in for afternoon session

Afternoon session:

1:00-1:50 Preventing Herbicide Failures

Dr. Brent Sellers

Dr. Sellers will describe the most common reasons for herbicide failures or reductions in efficacy and how to tailor treatment programs to get the most “bang for your buck” – attaining optimum weed control while minimizing pesticide use and exposure.

1:50-2:40 Equipment Calibration

Dr. Brent Sellers

Dr. Sellers will discuss the importance of equipment calibration and will describe the protocols that should be followed to reduce pesticide use and exposure. This talk will provide valuable information to licensed pesticide applicators of all categories.

Afternoon session CEUs: Aquatic (2), Demo & Research (2), Natural Areas (2), Private (2), Regulatory (2), Right-of-Way (2), Comm. L & O (2), Lmt. L & O (2), LCLM (2), O & T (2)

2:40 turn in survey, receive CEU attendance forms, check-in for CORE

CORE session: 2 CEUs

3:00-4:40 FDACS Vehicle Inspection

Paul Mitola, FDACS Field Training Coordinator

4:40 Turn in survey, receive CEU attendance form, adjourn.

Speaker Bios

Dr. Bill Haller is a Professor of Agronomy at the University of Florida in Gainesville, specializing in Aquatic Weed Science. His research is focused on aquatic weed management; in addition, Dr. Haller is also the Acting Director of the UF IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants.

Dr. Brent Sellers is an Associate Professor of Agronomy at the University of Florida Range Cattle Research and Education Center in Ona, specializing in Weed Science. His focus areas include identifying problematic weeds in pastures and rangeland and implementing economically and environmentally sound control measures, examining weed biology and ecology as related to pasture and rangeland management strategies, and weed control in fence rows and pasture borders.

Dr. Lyn Gettys is an Assistant Professor of Agronomy at the University of Florida Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center in Davie, specializing in Aquatic and Wetland Plant Science. Her focus areas include identification, biology and control of invasive aquatic and wetland species, plant propagation and development of novel techniques to increase the success of aquatic restoration and mitigation projects.

Wanted! - Chinch Bugs

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Morse) — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 12:00:00 +0000

Got chinch bugs??? Dr. Buss needs lots and lots of chinch bugs this year for some lab and greenhouse tests. She is trying to determine some nitty-gritty information on how chinch bugs develop resistance, and ultimately how to manage insecticide resistant populations.

If you see some beefy populations (call before they get treated, please). Dr. Eileen Buss' office number is 352-273-3976, and email is eabuss@ufl.edu. No chinch bug will be turned away (unless it's already dead).

She would love to get a couple populations from Georgia, Alabama, and Texas, if possible, too. Have truck, will travel (or pay for FedEx)... :)

Pumping Summer Iron on Turf?

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Morse) — Sat, 09 Mar 2013 13:30:00 +0000

Have you seen more take-all root rot in St. Augustine grass this year?

Have you been applying iron to turf during the summer N & P fertilizer ban? Do you apply manganese along witht the iron?

There may be a link between applications of iron (Fe) without applications of manganese (Mn) promoting manganese deficiency. The ratio of Fe:Mn should not be less than 2:1. Mn deficiency seems to make the turf more susceptible to take-all root rot.

Please let me know of your experience out in the field. This may change UF recommendations for turf growing on high pH soils, or those irrigated with alkaline water. Post your comment below. Thanks.

Water Restrictions Differ for St. Petersburg

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Morse) — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 16:11:00 +0000

As you may know, the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board issued Water Shortage Emergency Order #2013-006 to tighten water use in Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco counties, starting March 13th.

To best meet the needs of our customers and water supply system, the watering schedule for St. Petersburg’s water customers within City limits differs from the Water Shortage Order. St. Petersburg’s water customers at locations within St. Petersburg city limits that use potable (city) water, water from private wells, or surface water sources (lakes, ponds, etc.) are required to follow this watering schedule:

● property addresses ending in an even number are permitted to water on Saturday only; ● addresses ending with an odd number are permitted to water on Sunday only; ● allowable watering hours are 5 to 9 a.m. and/or 7 to 11 p.m.

Reclaimed water users are asked to follow a voluntary three-days-a-week schedule. Phase 3 restrictions will restrict other water uses, such as aesthetic fountains and car washing events.

National Invasive Species Awareness Week

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Morse) — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 15:56:00 +0000

They're everywhere, they're everywhere. The cuban tree frog, pythons in the everglades, monk parakeets, green mussles and scorpion fish, hydrilla and water hyacinth, rugose spiraling whitefly, red bay ambrosia beetle, citrus greening, Brazilian pepper, melaleuca, air potato and the list goes on.

These invasive pests are devastating our natural environment and threatening the things we value.

The United States Department of Agriculture is asking for everyone's help to stop the unintended introduction and spread of invasive pests. They urge you to visit www.HungryPests.com to learn more about invasive pests.

Here are a few actions people can take today:

1. Buy firewood where you burn it - transporting wood can spread invasive pests.

2. Plant carefully - buy plants from reputable sources and avoid using invasive plant species. Remove invasive species. See the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council list of invasive plants: http://www.fleppc.org/list/list.htm

3. Never release aquarium fish and plants into a waterway. Return them to an aquarium shop if possible.

4. Keep it clean - wash outdoor gear and tires between fishing, hunting or camping trips.

5. Learn to identify - if you see signs of an invasive pest, write down or take a picture of what you see and then report it at www.HungryPests.com

6. Only pack and send agricultrally inspected fruits, veggies or plants across state lines.

It is up to all of us to prevent and reduce the spread of invasive species.

Prune Like a Pro

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Morse) — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 15:29:00 +0000

My latest newspaper article:

Azaleas, magnolias and Indian hawthorn with no spring flowers, shrubs with gaping holes and naked bottoms, trees with multiple trunks or few interior branches are all cause for concern. But before you pull out the pruners, chainsaws and loppers, your plants will be happier if you learn the basics of proper pruning. Here are some things you can do to prune like a professional.

First of all, it’s about timing. Pruning done in the late fall or early winter stimulates new growth, especially if we have a mild winter. This new growth is very tender and is easily damaged, even by a light frost. It is much better to wait until spring bud-break before pruning. This will reduce the risk of cold damage.

Plants that produce their flowers on last year’s growth, such as azaleas, magnolias and Indian hawthorn, must be pruned after they bloom in the spring, and pruning must stop after June when the new buds start to form.

Plants that produce flowers on this year’s growth are usually pruned while still dormant (January/February), or just before the spring growth flush. These plants include hibiscus, allamanda, plumbago, frangipani and rose. To encourage the most plant growth, prune just prior to the first spring growth flush. To slow growth and keep plants smaller, prune just after each growth flush. Most evergreens, such as podocarpus, holly, ligustrum, juniper and wax myrtle, can be pruned anytime.

Secondly, it’s about the cut. There are only two proper cuts. One is called a reduction cut and it removes a larger branch back to a smaller side branch. The second is called a removal cut and it removes a side branch from a larger branch. Flush cuts and topping are harmful and should not be done. When removing branches that are an inch and a half in diameter or larger, use the three-cut method. This keeps the branch from ripping down the side of the trunk. This method starts with a cut on the underside of the branch about 15 inches from the trunk. The second cut is made downward from the top of the branch a few inches out from the first cut. The third cut is the removal of the stub that is left.

Thirdly, it’s about shape. Shrubs should be pruned so that the base is just a wee bit wider than the top. This allows sunlight to reach all the leaves of the plant and will thus produce a plant that has leaves from top to bottom, rather than the shabby looking shrub that has no leaves at its base. Trees should be pruned so there is only one major trunk with evenly spaced side branches. Removing all the interior branches of trees, called lion-tailing, is a harmful practice and should be avoided. Thinning is done from the outside in, not the inside out. Palms should never be pruned above the horizontal line of 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock. Another good rule to follow is to only remove a third of a plant’s entire mass when pruning.

For more information and diagrams, google “Pruning Landscape Trees and Shrubs IFAS”, “Pruning Palms IFAS” or “Disinfection of Horticultural Tools IFAS,”

For free help with your lawn and garden questions, the Pinellas County Extension Service is just a phone call or visit away. We are located at 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo, next to the Florida Botanical Gardens and are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. To speak with a horticulturist, call 727-582-2110 Monday, Tuesday or Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays. You can also visit our website at www.pinellascountyextension.org

Water Restrictions Coming

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Morse) — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 18:17:00 +0000

SWFWMD Governing Board approved Phase III Water Shortage for Tampa Bay Area effective March 13, 2013. Tampa Bay Water’s Regional Reservoir is out of service for renovation and surface water flow (rivers) is such that additional conservation measures are necessary. Regional water will be supplied primarily by groundwater (regional well fields), the desalination facility, and surface water as flows permit.

Phase III means a return to one day a week landscape irrigation with sprinkler systems that use potable or private well water. See link below for more information.

http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/conservation/restrictions/TBphase3.php

Your Chance to Share Your Views

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Morse) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 20:56:00 +0000

Pinellas County citizens survey opens online and on the go

Got two minutes to help shape the future of Pinellas County?

Residents can take a brief online survey to share their vision about what is good and what needs improvement in Pinellas County. How do people’s priorities align with present realities? What do they want the county to be like in five years?

As the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners continues to set a strategic direction for the community, feedback from the survey will help set priorities that align with the vision of the citizens they serve.

Citizens can take the survey from 9 a.m. Monday, Feb. 25, to 5 p.m. Friday, March 1.

The survey has gone mobile this year and is accessible at www.pinellascounty.org/mobile. The survey can also be found on the Pinellas County website at www.pinellascounty.org.

“The online survey is one of the tools we are using during the initial phase of prioritizing for the next year’s budget and as we continue to set long-range strategic direction this feedback will guide us toward a vision the community shares,” said Pinellas County Administrator Bob LaSala. “It is absolutely necessary to gather this feedback in order to learn the goals of the residents as individuals and then ultimately as a community.”

This is the third year that the county commission has collected input from residents with an online survey. It follows a statistically valid phone survey that was taken during the past month which targeted a cross-section of the county’s residents. The results of both surveys will be posted online once the information is compiled.

Another opportunity to offer feedback and interact with the county commissioners is coming up on Wednesday, April 10, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., when the Pinellas County 2014 Budget Community Forum is held at the Seminole campus of St. Petersburg College in the Digitorium. An open house and eTownHall will give officials and residents a chance to talk about budget issues and the future of the community.

For more information on Pinellas County services and programs, visit www.pinellascounty.org, now with LiveChat, or create a shortcut to www.pinellascounty.org/mobileon any mobile device. Pinellas County government is on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Pinellas County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Pesticide CEU Variety Pack

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Morse) — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 16:19:00 +0000

You are invited to attend our CEU Variety Pack on March 27, 2013

You can select 2, 4 or 6 CEUs.

To register go to this link: http://ceu-variety-pack-eorg.eventbrite.com/#

Class AGENDA

9:30-10:00 Check-in

Morning session:

10:00-10:50 Herbicides Modes of Action and Resistance Management

Dr. Bill Haller

Herbicide resistance is a major concern in all herbicide applications. Applicators become comfortable with certain herbicides and herbicide mixes and use them repeatedly year after year. During this presentation, Dr. Haller will give examples of herbicide resistance and how to prevent or best manage to minimize the development of resistant weed populations.

10:50-11:40 Weed Control in Florida’s Waters and Natural Areas

Dr. Lyn Gettys

Dr. Gettys will discuss the common pathways for weed introduction in Florida, present historical accounts of the state’s invasion by hydrilla, waterhyacinth, Brazilian pepper and other weeds and cover management options for controlling the “10 most-wanted list” of Florida’s aquatic, upland and natural areas weeds.

Morning session CEUs requested: Aquatic (2), ROW (2), NA (2), Comm L & O (1), Lmt. L & O (1), LCLM (1), Demo & Research (2), Private (2), Regulatory (2)

11:40-1:00 Turn in survey, receive CEU form and Lunch on own

12:45 – 1:00 Check-in for afternoon session

Afternoon session:

1:00-1:50 Preventing Herbicide Failures

Dr. Brent Sellers

Dr. Sellers will describe the most common reasons for herbicide failures or reductions in efficacy and how to tailor treatment programs to get the most “bang for your buck” – attaining optimum weed control while minimizing pesticide use and exposure.

1:50-2:40 Equipment Calibration

Dr. Brent Sellers

Dr. Sellers will discuss the importance of equipment calibration and will describe the protocols that should be followed to reduce pesticide use and exposure. This talk will provide valuable information to licensed pesticide applicators of all categories.

Afternoon session CEUs requested: Aquatic (2), Demo & Research (2), Forest (2), Natural Areas (2), Private (2), Regulatory (2), Right-of-Way (2), Comm. L & O (2), Lmt. L & O (2), LCLM (2)

2:40 turn in survey, receive CEU attendance forms, check-in for CORE

CORE session:

3:00-4:40 FDACS Vehicle Inspection

Paul Mitola, FDACS Field Training Coordinator

CEUs requested: 2 Core

4:40 Turn in survey, receive CEU attendance form, adjourn.

Speaker Bios

Dr. Bill Haller is a Professor of Agronomy at the University of Florida in Gainesville, specializing in Aquatic Weed Science. His research is focused on aquatic weed management; in addition, Dr. Haller is also the Acting Director of the UF IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants.

Dr. Brent Sellers is an Associate Professor of Agronomy at the University of Florida Range Cattle Research and Education Center in Ona, specializing in Weed Science. His focus areas include identifying problematic weeds in pastures and rangeland and implementing economically and environmentally sound control measures, examining weed biology and ecology as related to pasture and rangeland management strategies, and weed control in fence rows and pasture borders.

Dr. Lyn Gettys is an Assistant Professor of Agronomy at the University of Florida Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center in Davie, specializing in Aquatic and Wetland Plant Science. Her focus areas include identification, biology and control of invasive aquatic and wetland species, plant propagation and development of novel techniques to increase the success of aquatic restoration and mitigation projects.

Several CEUs Offered January 10th

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Morse) — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 21:16:00 +0000

Here are the CEUs for attending the third annual "Roots to Shoots" tree program on Thursday, January 10th:

ISA: 5 Utility Specialist: 5 TW Climber Specialist: 5 BCMA - Science: 2 BCMA - Practice: 3 BCMA- Management

FDACS CEUS 4 : 1 CORE; 3 Right of Way; 3 Ornamental & Turf; 3 Limited Lawn and Ornamental; 3 Limited Landscape Maintenance; 3 Commercial Lawn & Ornamental, 3 NWM. Maximum of 4 CEUs earned.

FNGLA: 4

To register go to this link: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/4783424351/eorg#

"Roots to Shoots" Tree Program

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Morse) — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 18:18:00 +0000

You are invited to attend our third annual “Roots to Shoots” tree program, Thursday, January 10, 2013.

Topics covered include tree identification, mature tree pruning, new tree pests and hands-on demonstration of safety, rigging, and pruning. Cost is $30.

To register go to this link: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/4783424351/eorg#

New Clients? Bed Bugs Now in Libraries

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Morse) — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 14:32:00 +0000

See this article for more information: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/06/garden/bedbugs-hitch-a-ride-on-library-books.html?pagewanted=all&_r=1& A good reason to stick with or start using digital books!

Crazy Ant Control Strategies

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Morse) — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 20:18:00 +0000

See new research to find out which baits work the best: http://news.ifas.ufl.edu/category/lawn-garden/landscaping/

Battle Over Fertilizers Headed to FL Legislature

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Morse) — Mon, 03 Dec 2012 14:53:00 +0000

See this article for more information about the impending battle: http://politics.heraldtribune.com/2012/11/30/counties-brace-for-battle-with-florida-legislature-over-fertilizers/

Cooking a Thanksgiving Turkey?

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Morse) — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 15:37:00 +0000

Did you know that for every 5 pounds of turkey it takes 1 day in the fridge to thaw? A 20 pound turkey needs 4 days to thaw!
See this great little video about preparing your turkey...
http://www.youtube.com/user/SolutionsForYourLife

Wishing you a very happy Thanksgiving!

Ask Your Questions at eTown Hall Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Morse) — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 16:31:00 +0000

Join the discussion about Pinellas County watersheds and how they connect the environment, economic vitality and quality of life

What is a watershed? Why should we care? A watershed is an area of land that drains to an open body of water. In Pinellas County, every square foot of land drains somewhere. The actions we take affect the health of our waterways and the economic vitality of the area, including the health of our tourism industry and the quality of life we enjoy.

Join the conversation about this important issue at the eTownHall: Watershed, where we LiveWorkPlay. The live online event will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 28, from 7 to 8 p.m. and will incorporate questions that are blogged and called in by members of the public.

Panel members will answer questions sent in by the public and discuss the connections between the county’s watersheds and how they directly affect the quality of life that is valued by residents, visitors and the business community.

The eight panelists represent a cross-section of the county, including the citizenry, Tampa Bay Times, Visit St. Petersburg/Clearwater, Pinellas County Economic Development. Tampa Bay Estuary, Pinellas County Extension and the county’s Department of Environment and Infrastructure’s Watershed Division. The eTownHall will be moderated by Len Ciecieznski of the Pinellas County Communications Department.

The panelists will answer as many questions as possible during the hour-long program.

The first of a three-part series of video public service announcements will also be unveiled during the live event as the kickoff to a special effort to educate residents, visitors, business people, community leaders and all those who live, work and play in Pinellas County.

As a watershed management plan is being developed, solutions are being investigated to improve overall water quality and address drainage problems. Increased public awareness is the key to understanding the role of the community as part of the solution to these countywide problems.

There are five ways to participate in the eTownHall:

1. Blog on www.pinellascounty.org/etownhall. The blog opens at 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 26, for early questions and comments and will remain open through the live event on Wednesday, Nov. 28.

2. View the live streaming video event on the eTownHall website on Wednesday, Nov. 28, from 7 to 8 p.m.

3. Tweet with the hashtag #pinellaswatershed to send in questions and comments.

4. Call in during the live event. To ask a question or make a comment, call (727) 464-TOWN (8696).

5. Watch the event live on PCC-TV (Bright House Channel 622, Knology Channel 18 or Verizon Channel 44).

For more information on the event call (727) 464-4600 or go to www.pinellascounty.org/eTownHall, where you can also access resources and watch a video to learn the basics of watersheds and why we should care. You can also set up a convenient event reminder.

The conference room at the Pinellas County Communications Department will be open to the public during the live event as well to provide access to a computer, TV and phone. It is located at 333 Chestnut St. in Clearwater.

Pinellas County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this event, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. At least seven days prior to the event, contact the Office of Human Rights, 400 S. Fort Harrison Ave., Suite 500, Clearwater, FL 33756 (727) 464-4062(V/TDD).

GI-BMP Instructor Training - Last One of the Year

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Morse) — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 14:14:00 +0000

GI-BMP Instructor Training

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
300 Tower Road
Naples, FL 34113

Registration Required. To register, please complete the enclosed Application Form by following the eligibility criteria described on the second page, and submit to Alberto Chavez by no later than Thursday, November 29, 2012. If you have already been accepted in the program please register by replying to this email confirming your attendance.

Becoming a certified GI-BMP instructor is a four step process:

1. Attend a GI-BMP class and pass the test with a minimum score of 90%

2. Apply to become an instructor by meeting the eligibility requirements and completing the attached form

3. Attend the GI-BMP Instructor Training class and pass the test with a minimum score of 75%

4. Co-train with an experienced instructor

If you have questions please contact Alberto Chavez at Alberto.Chavez@dep.state.fl.us or 239-417-6310 [temporary extension 204].

Alberto Chavez
GI-BMP Regional Coordinator [South]
Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
300 Tower Road
Naples, FL 34113

239-417 6310 x [temporary extension 204]
FAX 239-417 6315

UF Builds A Better Fly Trap

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Morse) — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 15:53:00 +0000

See this article and video for more information: http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/story/19969844/2012/10/31/building-a-better-flytrap

Bee Removal - Licensing Required?

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Morse) — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 13:54:00 +0000

New State law may require licensing of those removing bees. For more information see this link: http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2012/sep/16/collier-lee-bee-removal-experts-state-regulations/

It is currently a state recommendation that all bee colonies in and around homes be eradicated by a certified Pest Control Operator (PCO). Recent inspections in South Florida revealed that 70 - 90% of wild bee colonies are now Africanized. Approximately 50% of bee attacks are from a known wild colony that owners thought was "tame."

Learn more about bees at this link: http://entnemdept.ifas.ufl.edu/afbee/bee_removal.shtml

Plumeria (Frangipani) Problems

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Morse) — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 15:30:00 +0000

If you are seeing chewed frangipani leaves you probably have the tetrio sphinx or frangipani hornworm caterpillar feeding on them. This is a black caterpillar with yellow stripes that gets quite large and is usually seen here between July and September. Since leaves will be dropping soon why not let the caterpillar have them, as it helps to fertilize the ground with its frass. Thuricide or Dipel are Bt. products that control small caterpillars and are safe on other beneficial insects. For other caterpillar control measures see this link: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ig012

Recently, we have seen a rash of frangipani or plumeria rust fungus (picture is a microscopic view of the rust spores). This disease produces a mass of tiny pockets of rust colored spores on the undersides of the leaves. Infected leaves become yellow-spotted on top and fall off the tree. This disease is most commonly seen during the mid to late part of summer. Although it may look rather menacing it normally does not cause any serious problem for the plant. Since the leaves are getting ready to drop off for the fall anyway, spraying with a fungicide is usually not warranted. It is best to pick up or rake away any infected fallen leaves and dispose of them in the trash. This will help to reduce the amount of spores available to re-infest the tree at a later date.

Palm Care & CEUs

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Morse) — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 14:15:00 +0000

Do you know what is wrong with this palm? Find out at the "Palm Care, Maintenance and Diseases" class and earn 2 CEUs in the lawn/turf/ornamental categories.

Learn about pesticide safety in a fun way. Lots of games to play. Earn 2 Core CEUs.

To register for this October 30 class please visit this link: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/4019462320/eorg

GHP, Termites, Fumigation & Core

noreply@blogger.com (Jane Morse) — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 14:04:00 +0000

Will your vehicle pass an FDACS inspection? Do you know what to do if there is a pesticide spill? Come to the core class and find out.

Silverfish, Bedbugs and Caribbean Crazy Ants will be discussed in the GHP module. Learn new research information to help with their control.

New termaticides and new tools in termite control discussed in the Termite module.

Fumigation will cover why we use the chemicals we use as fumigants.

Each module will provide 2 CEUs for the specific category.

To register for this October 3 class please visit this link: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/4019297828/eorg
Sign up for each class individually.