A hurricane is not a matter of if in Tampa Bay, it’s a matter of when. In 2017, the metro area was one of the many targets for Hurricane Irma as it bounced across the Caribbean and up Florida’s western coast. It caused billions of dollars in damage. While it […]
No tree says Florida like the palm tree, especially the state tree, the sabal palm. But lethal bronzing disease threatens dozens of palm tree species across the state, including the sabal palm. And the organism causing it is on the move. Lethal bronzing disease can kill a tree in less than a […]
American white ibis. Evening bat. Nine-banded armadillo. Osceola turkey. These are four examples of the diverse wildlife native to the Tampa Bay-St. Petersburg area. But wildlife in Florida has been fighting a losing battle to human development, and urban growth is pushing out more wild animals. You can help by […]
If the words “head lice” make your skin crawl, you’re not alone. While these nasty little suckers evoke fear or disgust, they’ve been with us for millions of years. Scientists believe they hitchhiked on our scalps when humans first left Africa. And they show little sign of disappearing anytime soon. Yes, […]
Tampa comes in first in a competition no city wants to win — the metro area with the most cockroaches. More than a third of the homes (37.6%) in Tampa Bay and St. Petersburg have cockroaches. The American Housing Survey says that’s more than Miami and Houston! Even worse? We’ve got several […]
Having a pool in Orlando makes sense: With so much warm weather and sunshine, you can enjoy swimming almost year-round. But no pool is complete without a landscaped environment to complement it. The environment around a pool is different from other parts of your yard and requires special considerations. Choosing […]
Keeping backyard bugs at bay is no easy task, especially in Jacksonville’s warm climate. Identifying the pest (or pests) in your yard is the first step in solving the problem and saving your lawn. Here are some of the worst pests you’ll find in your Jacksonville landscape. Armyworm These camo-colored […]
In a sunny place like Jacksonville, planting shade trees in your yard makes a lot of sense. Besides adding beauty to your landscape, they can keep you cool on a hot summer day. Strategically planted trees can cool your home and reduce your electricity bill. The University of Florida’s Institute of Agriculture […]
The very symbol of Florida – the palm tree – is under vicious attack by a disease that threatens to wipe out legions of trees. It’s estimated up to 10,000 have already fallen victim to this mysterious infection. The disease is called lethal bronzing — formerly known as Texas Phoenix palm decline, […]
Tourists may flock to Orlando for its theme parks. But the explosive growth of this Central Florida city has made some longtime residents feel unwelcome. It may be home to the world’s most famous mouse, but urban expansion has taken over the habitat of other creatures, threatening beneficial native wildlife. […]