Pests found in Florida gardens
Published: Saturday, October 26, 2013 at 6:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Thursday, October 24, 2013 at 1:36 p.m.
Each year, Florida becomes host to as many as three or four exotic pests, sometimes more. Consider those that have arrived in recent years including the Asian citrus psyllid, vector of citrus greening, a disease that has been very damaging for the citrus industry in Florida; the redbay ambrosia beetle, vector of Laurel Wilt, a fungal disease that stops the flow of water in host trees (redbay, avocado and other trees in the laurel family) causing leaves to wilt and eventually die; and the chili thrips, an insect pest that causes stunted, irregular growth on ligustrum and other species, and many more.
South Florida has its own share of exotic invaders, including the Nasutitermes corniger termite, a Caribbean termite that builds nests above ground in trees; the ficus whitefly, an insect that has defoliated ficus hedges; and even the python, an invader that threatens to upset the ecology of the Everglades.
There are many points of entry for these exotic pests including hurricane winds, shipping activities and international travel. Some of those that begin in South Florida are halted by the cooler weather of Central Florida winters, while others are expected to eventually spread further north. It's hard to imagine rooting for a cold winter, but in reflecting on these pests, it may not be a bad idea.
Some of the problems that plague commercial agriculture also are a problem for Florida gardeners. The same citrus psyllid that attacks orange groves doesn't discriminate against dooryard growers. It feeds on the new flushes of growth that typically occur in late February, late May and mid-September in North Central Florida, and if it is carrying the citrus greening disease, it will infect new trees. Usually several years are required to develop answers that address production problems while ensuring the solutions do not upset the local ecology.
Currently, there are no sure solutions for this pest that was discovered in Florida in August 2005. University of Florida researchers are working on a variety of methods to combat this problem, including development of disease-resistant cultivars, identifying predators that might control the spread of the psyllid, as well as other potential avenues for control.
The same solutions that work for the commercial industry will also likely be available to dooryard producers.
Another pest that has generated calls to the extension office recently is the Cuban tree frog. Although accidently introduced in South Florida in the 1920s, the Cuban tree frog has spread into the North Central portion of the state only in recent years. This frog is a pest in Florida because it eats at least five species of native frogs, and its tadpoles compete with native populations for food and space. The tree frog hangs out under the eaves of houses where it catches insects and is a problem for homeowners because it defecates on walls and windows, leaving ugly stains. Occasionally, the frog finds its way into houses where it hangs out near toilets and may clog sink drains.
Cuban tree frogs are difficult to identify because they come in a variety of colors, including white, gray, green and brown, and they may have dark streaks or splotches on their backs while others are a solid color. Like all tree frogs, they have round pads on the ends of their toes that enable them to climb trees. This is very different from aquatic frogs that have webbing between the toes. In the case of the Cuban tree frog, the toe pads are unusually large, distinguishing them from other tree frogs.
Because this species is harmful to the environment, it is illegal to capture and release them into the wild. Those discovering Cuban tree frogs are encouraged to euthanize them in a humane manner. Capture the frog in a plastic bag to avoid contact with its skin secretion — it can irritate the nose and eyes and may trigger attacks in those who suffer from asthma. Next, apply benzocaine (20 percent) to the back or belly o