04 Nov 2022
Pantry containers

Get out of my kitchen! Banishing pests from the pantry

We’ve all seen a bug or two in our dried goods and pantries. It’s a part of life and happens to the cleanest kitchens. These pests often enter our homes via contaminated food from supermarkets, and all food is susceptible. Flour beetles, saw-toothed grain beetles, granary weevils, rice weevils and Indian meal moths are a […]

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28 Oct 2022
Man aerating lawn

Be sure to aerate your lawn and keep it healthy

Everyone knows that good lawn care entails proper mowing, watering and fertilizing. But there’s one more procedure you should consider to ensure your lawn’s peak health: aeration. Here’s why it’s important: The soil in your yard can become seriously compacted over time. Some well-traveled areas may feel like concrete underfoot and become a site for […]

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21 Oct 2022
Silverfish closeup

Silverfish: what they are and how to get rid of them

Silverfish (Lepisma saccharina) are wingless insects commonly found in and around the home. With their tiny fish-like scales and silver color, it is easy to see how these little pests inherited their name. Silverfish are not dangerous to humans or pets, but are considered pests, nonetheless. They damage property, feeding on materials high in starches […]

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14 Oct 2022
Pests

Don’t let your lawn be a smorgasbord for pests

Maybe you’ve done everything right in terms of watering and mowing your lawn, but it still has problems. It could be that you notice patches of dead turf or yellowing. Something isn’t right. Consider that insect pests may be preventing you from enjoying the healthy, green yard you work so hard to achieve. It happens […]

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07 Oct 2022
Pill bug

The humble pill bug is no cause for concern

We all see them in the yard all the time. They go by various names: pill bug, roly poly, potato bug. But are these 14-legged creatures really a problem? Are they pests, friends or just neutral visitors? Terrestrial crustaceans The pill bug’s scientific name is Armadillidium vulgare (Latreille). It’s a crustacean, one of only a […]

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30 Sep 2022
Succulents

No green thumb? No problem. Lawn alternatives for Florida living

Floridians know how tough it can be to maintain a nice, green lawn all year long. The upkeep required during the hot summer months is too much for some homeowners. Because of this, many are opting for these grass alternatives for some parts of their lawns. Succulents Succulents are plants with thick, hearty skins that […]

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23 Sep 2022
Termites infesting wood

The dirt on subterranean termites

The sci-fi genre has given us glimpses of creatures emerging from underground lairs to wreak destruction on humanity. Unfortunately, that scenario isn’t so farfetched. Subterranean termites do just that, inflicting billions of dollars in damage across the United States. Florida is an especially inviting climate for them. The termite family contains subterranean and drywood species, […]

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15 Sep 2022
Thermometer in hot sun

Safeguard your sod from Florida heat stress

It’s been a hot summer in Brevard County. That can take its toll on your lawn. If the grass on your property is showing signs of stress such as bare spots, browning or slow growth, it’s time to treat it with some extra care.  There are a few simple steps you can take to bring […]

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09 Sep 2022
Glass lizard

Legless lizard good for gulping down bugs in the yard

The impulse to rid one’s property of snakes is understandable: Some are venomous and pose a danger to humans. But most aren’t, and they help control genuine pests such as rodents. Consequently, we should welcome these benign reptiles. One animal that Florida residents often mistake for a snake is the harmless glass lizard (genus Ophisaurus […]

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02 Sep 2022
Beautyberry

Beautyberries: brilliant hues to brighten your garden

If you enjoy walking in the woods, you may have encountered those striking plants with clusters of magenta berries. Aptly named beautyberries, these shrubs are available at nurseries to afford your yard an extra splash of color.  The plant (callicarpa americana) is a drought-tolerant Florida native that can grow as tall as five feet. It […]

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