Often underrecognized for their contributions to our environment, bats play a pivotal role in keeping insect populations under control while also providing fertilization and pollination services.
Pest Control
Emerging from their roosts at dusk, a single insectivorous bat can consume thousands of insects per night, reducing pest populations around gardens, agricultural lands, wetlands, forests, and…
The European honey bee
A European honey bee collects nectar and pollen from the purple flower of Indigo Spires Salvia. Photo by David Austin
The European honey bee has been in the United States for a long time. Brought here in the early 1600s by, you guessed it, Europeans. The Honey bee may as well be…
The Inevitable Pests
It is inevitable – any gardener can attest. Look closely and you will see a garden and its pest. But what is a pest? Usually when we think of the term “pest,” we may think of insect pests. Pests also include pathogens, microbes, nematodes, or weeds. A reality in every garden and…
All right, let’s talk about UF’s virtual genius elephant in the room: artificial intelligence (or “AI” for short). The University of Florida is currently taking leaps in the field of AI, and it is already impacting how we surf the internet, do business, and the way we look at plants and animals.
What is AI?…
If you are a SWFL farmer selling your products locally or direct to consumer, consider registering your farm on the SWFL Fresh: Choose Local, Choose Fresh website.
Who can create a profile?
Farmers selling SWFL grown produce, meat, eggs, honey, fruit, and other agricultural commodities for the local and direct to consumer market; for example, on…
In Florida, pesticide licensing exams help ensure the state’s approximately 70,000 pesticide applicators are properly certified to follow state regulations and best practices for mitigating the impact of chemicals on the environment.
After the launch of several online pesticide exams earlier this year, all pesticide exams are now available on this platform, including those required…
Summer is the time of year when people are easily lured to yard and estate sales. The finds can be great ranging from antiques to nearly new items. One thing to keep in mind, is when choosing wooden items like furniture and frames, and baskets, always scout for signs of insect infestation such as holes…
New Ask IFAS publications explore the effects of Florida’s popular artificial reefs on habitats, fishing stocks, and economies
Several Ask IFAS publications explore the complex interplay between fish, anglers, divers, and the Florida environment on artificial reefs. These publications are designed to help managers decide where and when to deploy artificial reefs to maximize fishing and diving…
This is the last entry of our series about the latest definition of One Health by the One Health High-Level Expert Panel (OHHLEP). We have had three of our researchers sharing their thoughts on this new definition and what it means for us as One Health Center. We hope you enjoy and we are looking…
When considering your home, pesticides, and pets, have you ever wondered, “Is my cat or dog safe?” Monday, August 8th is International Cat Day. In honor of our furry goblin overlords, this week’s blog is about their safety. For many of us, our pets are a part of the family. We want to keep them safe,…
It has been a few months since we have posted an article on the changing wildlife over the course of a year on our barrier islands. I took the month of June off and just could not schedule a hike in July. But it is now August, and we DID get out this week.
This…
In-person class in Osceola County, FL:
Keeping Backyard Chickens
Thursday, August 18, 2022
6:00pm-8:00pm
Kissimmee, FL (this is an in-person class)
Learn how to keep chickens for fun and egg production.
Topics covered include:
Chicken breeds
Raising chicks
Designing coops and pens
Chicken health and nutrition
This class meets the educational…
