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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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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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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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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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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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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Uncovering an infestation in the home is enough to make anyone’s skin crawl, but nothing quite compares to the living nightmare of a bed bug invasion. That’s right, the parasitic bug that makes a home where you lay your head at night. As unnerving as it may be to even think of them, it is […]
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Is your yard missing that WOW factor? Consider adding a Bismarck palm. Native to Madagascar, the Bismarck palm (Bismarckia nobilis) is arguably the most impressive, as well as the most widely used palm tree in Florida homes landscaping. With a stout trunk, a symmetrical crown, and silver-green leaves, the Bismarck palm is captivating and elegant. […]
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Rats. Most of us hope to never cross paths with them, but odds are you’ll encounter one of these creepy critters sooner or later. Unfortunately, rats and other wild rodents are common in Florida. You can find them hiding out in basements, crawl spaces and attics. They cause extensive property damage as they chew through […]
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The tawny crazy ant is an invasive species that has called Florida home since the 1990s. Dubbed “crazy” because of their erratic movements, these insects cause electrical devices to malfunction by swarming inside. An invasive pest The insect came to the United States from South America. Native to Brazil, it was introduced to Colombia in […]
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