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JULY/AUGUST 2019 Staining Pests of Black Olive Trees | New Turf Disease

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syng_4334_2_9_Cockroach_Ads_Advion_Mech_8.375x11.indd 1 6/3/19 3:58 PM VOL. 15, NO. 4 July–August 2019 PESTPRO CONTENTS magazine is a publication of Pest Management Education, Inc., FEATURES and is the official magazine of the Florida Pest Management Association University Innovation and Public Service: From Research to Products 8 Late-Season Defoliators are Munching On a Hardwood Tree Near You Board of Directors 11 Tim Brock, Brock Lawn & Pest Control John Cooksey, McCall Service How to Reduce Insect Staining Allen Fugler, Houston International Insurance Group Under Black Olive Trees Dr. Phil Koehler, University of Florida 13 Marie Knox, Control Solutions, Inc. Student Profile: Jane Medley, Pest Management Education John Paige III, Bayer 18 Tashani Brown Dr. Roberto Pereira, University of Florida Sandee Weston, Pest Management Education Conflicts Between People Tony Weston, Pest Management Education 22 And the Florida Black Bear Managing Director Philip Koehler (352) 392-2484 [email protected] DEPARTMENTS Managing Editor 6 FPMA President’s Message Roberto Pereira (352) 392-2485 [email protected] 7 Editorial: FPMA, One of Our Biggest Supporters! Production Editor Jane Medley (352) 871-1809 15 Past President’s Corner: TBD [email protected] Pinkstriped oakworm larva: Judy Gallagher oakwormPinkstriped larva: Judy and Chrissy McClarren Reago Andy Adult: Advertising Manager 17 Pest Detective: False Blister Beetles Sandra Krempasky (904) 679-5615 [email protected] 21 Market Hardware: Slow Website Load Speed 25 Executive Suite: PESTPRO (ISSN 1553-4693) is published Jan.–Feb., Be Careful What You Ask For March–April, May–June, July–Aug., Sept.–Oct., and Nov.–Dec. by: 27 South Florida Update: Lethal Viral Necrosis of Pest Managment Education, Inc. 5814 Nob Hill Blvd. St. Augustinegrass in South Florida Port Orange, Florida 32127 Phone (352) 392-2326 29 PCO Pointer: FDACS Training Requirements Copyright © 2019 by Pest Management Education, Inc., a nonprofit corporation working to help UF In 2019 Urban Entomology. Technical information provided by the University of Florida and other sources. JULY/AUGUST 2019 Staining Pests of Black Olive Trees | New Turf Disease

UF Urban Lab, POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: From Research PESTPRO ON THE COVER To Products From Pest Management Education, Inc. to Landscape and Pest Managers Pest Management Education, Inc. Late-Season Defoliators On Hardwood Trees Florida black bear encounters are on the rise, 5814 Nob Hill Blvd. Conflicts Between People Port Orange, FL 32127 and the Florida Black Bear thanks to more people and more bears in Florida. FOR ADVERTISING information contact our Learn how to advise your customers to prevent a advertising manager, Sandra Krempasky, at (904) 679- conflict with Ursus americanus floridanus.

5615, or by email at [email protected]. Photo by Ucumari Photography Port Orange, FL 32127-5801 FL Orange, Port

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HOPE EVERYONE enjoyed their year. We will also be putting the final Streamlining SOFTWARE time at the Summer In Paradise touches on the UF Lab Tour coming up We are also in the process of finishing 2019 conference. This year’s venue on August 12, the Region 5 first-time up the conversion of our membership Iat the Boca Raton Resort and Club was Autobahn Networking event, and last software. This was a large undertaking certainly something to be remembered. but not least, the infamous Region 5 by FPMA headquarters staff. Although we were washed out a few days Clay Shoot in December. There are many little details we at the beginning of the conference, the These events are not only full of have to get right in order to make last couple of days cleared up very nicely. value but are also fun to attend and will this changeover. The resulting It is always nice seeing everyone and certainly help you network with other functionalities reflect our vision of how learning through the powerful networks peers in the industry. I really hope to see the website can serve the membership. we have there. many of you there. This means a big change to the website itself and the way that our members Working SMART E HAVE several great companies will be encouraged to interact with it. And just like that, it’s time to clean up W lined up for the Site Visits this Everything from online registration to my email and get everything back on year, and I know it will be a great value- looking up information will be easier track. Our personal business and the added event for anyone who attends. We and streamlined. business of the association certainly don’t have companies from all over the state In the meantime, keep those pedals stop for us to enjoy ourselves during the ready to open their doors and create a to the floor and let’s finish out this summer conference. roundtable conversation for everyone to great busy season with a bang. See you As we get back from the convention benefit. Be on the lookout for the official all soon. PP and start working again in our announcement coming within the next Eric Hoffer businesses, remember to take a moment few weeks. President, FPMA to reflect on what you learned at the meetings and classes you attended. Too often we learn some very valuable info that we feel can make a difference, but then get caught up in the day-to-day headaches that prevent us from working on the business. I encourage you to take just one, maybe two, of those great ideas and make them a goal. Set a timeline and focus on them, and remember to keep them SMART if you want the ability to really get them done.

Attending EVENTS Although I am six months into my term as FPMA president, there are still many events coming up and many other important things that need to be done. We will be focused on the upcoming President Eric Hoffer presents the Pioneer Award to Anne-Marie Tulp. Anne-Marie is a past Site Visits, which are now in their third president and was this year’s Summer Conference Committee Chair.

6 PestPro | July / August 2019 FPMA: One of Our Biggest Supporters! HE FLORIDA Pest Management Steinmetz Hall. We are all indebted to Mr. Association is and always has Steinmetz for his generosity and foresight in been one of the biggest supporters helping both our department and the urban Tof PestPro magazine and urban pest pest management industry. management at the University of Florida. Most pest management professionals do A Mutually Beneficial Partnership not know that FPMA was actually founded The friendship between UF Entomology by professors at the University of Florida and the pest control industry has paid who worked to bring pest control companies off for UF Entomology in more than together. In the mid 1940s, FPMA — money. The UF Entomology Department back then called FPCA — was founded to has been named the No. 1 Entomology encourage professionalism in the industry Department in the entire world. That and provide a standard of ethical business is due to the quality of the faculty, high practices. quality of instruction for students, the high It was common back then for pest control level of research that has been conducted, companies in northeastern United States a 1999: FPMA donated another almost patents issued for urban pest control, and to come to Florida in the winter when $400,000 to endow the FPMA performance of students after graduation. they had little business and sell contracts professorship. You can’t do any better than being the best to unsuspecting residents. When summer a 2004: Industry provided about $250,000 in the world. came around, those companies would leave to expand the Urban Entomology At the same time, the urban pest Florida, and their customers would be left building, which allowed us to house more management industry has also benefited with no pest control provider. As a result of students and visiting faculty. and prospered. The urban pest management this problem, FPMA worked with the Florida a 2007: Dr. Roberto Pereira joined my industry has annual revenues of $10 billion legislature to enact the first requirement in program as an Associate Research in the United States, and I estimate about the country for pest control certification. Scientist. His salary has been funded by $2.5 billion in Florida. In comparison, the industry grants. citrus industry has a value of only $1.06 Generous Donations Helped Build billion, according to 2017 data. Strong Entomology Programs This is unprecedented support for a It is hard to believe that the pest Those early beginnings were the start program at the University of Florida. management industry is probably worth of a long friendship between UF urban Industry funding not only built the Urban more than two times the value of the citrus entomology and the pest control industry. Entomology research laboratory building, industry, but it is true. Nobody seems to That friendship is obvious in the support but also provided the salaries for technicians know this. that has been provided to our program and research scientists who work here. Additionally, there are about 4,500 and our students over the years. Much of But industry support doesn’t stop there — Florida urban pest management companies this generosity is in danger of being lost to FPMA and pest control companies in Florida that protect human health as well as history. provide scholarships for our students. Those after-harvest food from insect and rodent The FPMA and the urban pest scholarships are awarded at the Southeast damage and contamination. The industry management industry have supported Pest Management Conference yearly. should be proud of its accomplishments urban entomology and the UF entomology Also, industry provides internships so and service to the state of Florida. department for many years. Many folks are students get practical experience as part of The urban pest management industry is unaware of what the industry has done for us their education. Students are also supported a vital part of the Florida economy. Over at UF Urban Entomology: in traveling to FPMA summer meetings the years, urban pest management in IFAS a 1982: The Koehler urban entomology and Expo. They get to see firsthand how has thrived, and our students have found program was initiated and housed in important the industry is to Florida. As a great jobs in the industry, in great part due USDA buildings in Gainesville for 13 result of this support, many of our students to industry support and sponsorship. years with Dr. Richard Patterson, former choose to enter urban pest control in some What a great partnership we have with USDA Scientist of the Year. way when they graduate. PestPro magazine, UF Urban Entomology, a 1995: Industry provided about $400,000 Around 2010, Chuck Steinmetz, a and FPMA. We are proud of the long to build the Urban Entomology 1961 graduate of the UF Entomology history of friendship and support. We are Laboratory building and moved the Department, made a $5 million donation and continue to be great partners! PP program from USDA to IFAS facilities. to boost entomology and nematology at UF. a 1999: Margie and Dempsey Sapp donated That donation was recognized by naming — Dr. Philip Koehler, $1 million to endow a professorship. the entomology and nematology building Managing Director, PestPro July / August 2019 | PestPro 7 University Innovation and Public Service: From Research to Products

Roberto Pereira and Philip Koehler

8 PestPro | July / August 2019 ATENT FILING is a long process, but Pit is nothing compared to how long it takes to complete the requirements and finally receive a U.S. patent. Delays are common. During the process there may arise a need for extra data that require additional experiments. There is a lot of strategy in getting all the information together for examination by the U.S. Patent Office. The process takes months to years. Because we may have two or more processes going simultaneously, it is hard to keep track of what is going on with similar

UF/IFAS patent filings in the United States and in other countries. Roberto Pereira and Phil Koehler identify any part of our research that But eventually and fortunately, the process with a fly trap they invented. UF may have some potential commercial may end up with a patent being issued. Of Urban Lab research on flies led to value and disclose it to the office in course, before that happens companies may this product, the Florida Fly Baiter. charge of innovations and commercial have expressed interest in licensing that licenses. invention. Working with companies has its With past UF inventions like own set of challenges. If the invention requires Gatorade and Sentricon, the university any federal government approval (e.g.; EPA learned that it is worth betting on a approval for pest control products) that adds a bunch of technologies in order to get whole new level of complications. a few that really pay off and produce some serious income that can be used UF Urban Lab Products SOMETIMES when you work in to enhance research, education and It is a lot simpler just to produce a few academia it is not enough just to pump Extension at UF. scientific papers and leave things at that level. out research results. Yes, research is So once in a while, we have a chance to But doing so is not what UF expects and does Sa great portion of what we do at the go beyond the more mundane academic not serve the pest management industry as University of Florida and the basis for life and venture into the world of much as we should. So we go the commercial much progress in many different areas of patents, inventions, licenses, and product route with products of our research, and human interest. But in an applied field development. In the last 10 to 12 years, eventually some of them do get to be sold on such as pest management, sometimes a few new products and several patents the market. it is really important to go beyond came out of the Urban Entomology Lab You may have heard about a couple of academic results and venture into at the University of Florida. these products: One was the fly trap that was product development. initially sold as the “Florida Fly Baiter,” which We do that not as an objective of The Nuts and Bolts of Innovation had a short life in the U.S. market a few years our activities in research, education and Here is what we are under obligation to ago. That fly trap is being revived under a Extension, but as a consequence of our do according to UF rules: If we come different licensing contract. interaction with the academic, practical up with an idea or research results with Commercialization of this product will world of pest management. potential for a patent or other form probably be done initially in countries other of intellectual protection, we need to than the United States, for reasons we do report that. not have any control over. But this product Many of the ideas we develop go Of course, at UF that means filling alone has three patents associated with it: straight into our Extension activities out some forms. Fortunately, this is now one covering the United States (U.S. Patent throughout the year. Ideas evolve done online, and we are not wasting a 9,089,121), one covering Australia (Australian into the forms of recommendations, lot of paper on bad ideas. If the folks at Patent 2011232779), and an international suggestions, or even simple conversations the UF Innovate | Tech Licensing office patent (WO/2010/118024) covering several with folks involved in the daily task of decide that the idea is worth investing countries. Continued on Page 20 keeping pests from affecting people, some money to get a patent or other damaging property, and causing type of intellectual property protection, Florida economic damage. they instruct us on what to do. Fly Baiter Usually the next steps involve talking Above and Beyond Academia with a patent attorney and eventually One of the reasons we venture into writing up information about the inventions, patents and product invention, gathering data that support development is simply because we have the invention, and eventually filing for to. First, the university wants faculty to a patent.

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ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL INSTRUCTIONS. Bayer Environmental Science, A Division of Bayer CropScience LP, 5000 CentreGreen Way, Suite 400, Cary, NC 27513. For additional information, call toll-free 1-800-331-2867.July / August www.environmentalscience.bayer.us. 2019 Not all products are registered in all states. Bayer, the Bayer Cross and Temprid are registered trademarks of Bayer. 10 PestPro ©2019| Bayer CropScience LP. Late-Season Defoliators Now Munching on a Hardwood Tree Near You Larry Figart

Have you noticed that there F YOU have a hardwood tree in a yard When the larvae hatch, they immediately is more than the usual you are managing, you have probably go to work eating foliage. They also construct already been affected by a group of webs around the foliage they are feeding on. number of caterpillars Icaterpillars called late-season defoliators. As they get larger and seek out new foliage, enjoying a gourmet salad of The term “late-season defoliator” the nests get larger. comes from the time of year that these Fall webworms feed on the tree for about your clients’ beautiful shade leaf-munching pests become active. The 30 to 60 days, expanding the web as they go. tree leaves this time of year? months of August and September are late When the time comes for them to pupate, in the growing season. Typically, late-season they drop to the ground and form cocoonlike You are not alone. defoliators do not cause tree mortality because structures in the leaf litter. the tree has already had a chance to build up Nature usually does a good job of keeping energy reserves for the winter. these pests in check. Natural predators and parasites such as assassin bugs, viruses, and FALL WEBWORM birds attack all stages of the fall webworm life In normal years, the primary late-season cycle and help to reduce their numbers. defoliator in Florida is the fall webworm, Homeowners can help out the process Hyphantria cunea. We usually start seeing their by breaking open fall webworm nests with a nests in the late summer, but they have been broomstick or a hard stream of water from a observed for a month or so already this year. garden hose. This breaks down the protective The larvae are 1 to 11/4 inch long and barrier and opens up the nest so that birds covered with silky hairs. They are pale green and other enemies can get in. with a black stripe on the back and a yellow We often get calls from folks wanting to stripe on each side. light torches to burn out the nests in the tree. Fall webworm larva Fall webworms hatch from eggs that were This technique is not recommended. Not laid earlier in the year by a female moth. The only does it do more harm to the tree than moths emerge from their pupal cocoons in the caterpillar, it is very dangerous. the spring. The female can lay up to 500 eggs Continued on the undersides of the leaves of host plants.

Fall webworm adult

Fall webworm damage

July / August 2019 | PestPro 11 Late-Season Defoliators, continued

Eastern tent caterpillars

Late-season PINKSTRIPED OAKWORM WALNUT CATERPILLAR YELLOWNECKED vs. early-season Your clients may also notice Every few years there seems to be CATERPILLAR another late-season defoliator an outbreak of walnut caterpillars The yellownecked caterpillar, defoliators called the pinkstriped oakworm, throughout Florida. Do not let Datana ministra, is a late-season Anisota virginiensis. While not as the name fool you. They are not defoliator of oaks as well as other The opposite of a late- common as the fall webworm, just a walnut pest. They can be hardwoods. It tends to be more season defoliator would some years pinkstriped oakworms found munching on pecan and severe in yards than in the forest be an early-season can be seen munching on hickory leaves in great numbers. environment. defoliator. Early-season landscape oak leaves in great The walnut caterpillar is a The larvae are black with numbers. native caterpillar that can be yellow stripes and covered with defoliators are harmful The first thing homeowners found all across the eastern fine hairs. There is a large, yellow to trees because they eat usually notice are small pellets United States. A female walnut segment right behind the head. fresh, new leaves in the all over their cars or on their caterpillar moth will lay 100 to The larvae are about 2 inches pool decks. These pellets are the 800 walnut caterpillar eggs on when fully grown. They arch spring before trees have castings of the caterpillar. the undersides of host plants in their head and tails in a U-shaped a chance to build up any The pinkstriped oakworm the spring. The eggs start out pale position when they are disturbed. energy reserves. can be found all across the green but turn blue-gray as they Because they eat in large eastern United States. Hundreds get ready to hatch. groups, a tree can be completely Harmful caterpillars of pinkstriped oakworm eggs The larvae start out light green defoliated in a matter of weeks are laid on the undersides of but shortly turn red and are during the late summer. When such as gypsy moth and host plants in the spring. The covered in white hairs. The larvae the larvae mature, they drop to eastern tent caterpillars caterpillars are greenish brown turn black as they mature. the ground and spend the winter are both early-season with four pink stripes running One unique feature of walnut as pupae in the soil. In the spring, the length of the body. Their caterpillars that can aid in the moths appear. As with the defoliators. heads are fairly large and green. identification is that before they fall webworm, natural predators These oakworms can grow to molt — shed their skin — they usually keep these pests under about 2 inches long and have gather in a large mass on the control. a pair of long, curved black tree and molt all at the same PHOTO CREDITS “horns.” time. What is left after molting MANAGEMENT OF When the larvae are fully is a collection of caterpillar skins LATE-SEASON DEFOLIATORS Fall webworm adult and larva photos Natural predators are the reason by Lyle Buss, UF/IFAS grown, they fall to the ground stuck to the trunk of the tree. and pupate in the soil, with the Two generations per year can these pests are under control most Fall webworm damage photo by last generation pupating through occur in Florida with the first of the time. Any use of chemical Kimberly Steinmann the winter. u generation lasting from May control should be targeted toward through July and the second the caterpillars. Eastern tent caterpillar photo by J.R. generation occurring from The problem with chemical Carmichael August through September. control is that many products Pinkstriped oakworm damage photo by Typically, the second generation will kill the natural predators Daniel Culbert, UF/IFAS Okeechobee is the worst. along with the pests. Therefore, Extension Service, Bugwood.org When the larvae are fully chemical insecticides should grown, they fall to the ground be a last resort, and the label Walnut caterpillar photo by James and pupate in the soil, with the directions should be followed.PP Solomon, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org last generation pupating through the winter. u Larry Figart is Urban Forestry Yellownecked caterpillar photo by Extension Agent, Duval County UF Gerald J. Lenhard, Louisiana State IFAS Extension Office University, Bugwood.org Judy Gallagher Judy UF/IFAS

12 PestPro | July / August 2019 Pests of Black Olive Trees And How to Manage The Stains They Cause Doug Caldwell and A.D. Ali

The caterpillar

The oxhorn bucida, or black olive tree, is a common shade tree in neighborhoods and is used along city streets in South Florida. However, one negative aspect associated with this tree is a dark, rusty staining on objects within its drip line. This severe staining is caused by plant chemicals, presumably tannins, concentrated in the frass of the bucida caterpillar, Garella (Characoma) nilotica. The caterpillars also create a nuisance as they habitually swing down from the canopy on silken strands in great numbers and annoy pedestrians, thus the local nickname of “bungee” caterpillar. A second pest — a tiny mite called Eriophyes buceras — causes a slender, 4- to 8-inch-long fruit gall that resembles a green bean (at right). Older galls, when wet, exude a rusty, oily staining substance. The galls may be straight or curled. The curled galls are the inspiration for the trees’ preferred common name, Black olive tree, oxhorn bucida. Bucida buceras. Bucida caterpillars frequently tunnel This species into the galls in the Naples area, but this behavior is infrequently observed The is not a true in Coral Gables. The staining caused gall mite member of the by these arthropods can be so severe olive family. that homeowners cut down the trees to avoid the unattractive, staining mess on driveways and vehicles. Continued Berry Stock July / August 2019 | PestPro 13 The mess made by

the caterpillar U. Conn. Wagner, D.L. and the gall mite

Pests on the black olive tree caused the stains on this driveway Photos by Doug Caldwell except as noted except Caldwell Doug by Photos DON’T ENCASE THEM...

KILL THEM Bucida caterpillar, top, and beanlike galls caused by a tiny gall mite, bottom. Both of these pests live on black olive trees, and both cause stains on the surfaces below the tree’s dripline.

Research Reveals Best Management Practices Two field studies were conducted to compare the effects of various systemic insecticide treatments on bucida caterpillar feeding and eriophyid gall formation on bucida trees. Studies were conducted over a four- year period at two locations to evaluate systemic insecticide treatments against these pests. In Naples during 2013 and 2014, trees receiving dinotefuran soil–root drench or acephate trunk injections showed slightly reduced staining, possibly due to caterpillar suppression. During 2015 and 2016 in Coral Gables, abamectin trunk injections resulted in excellent reduction in gall formation and staining. Abamectin trunk injections were most reliable in reducing property owner complaints • Starts working within 10 minutes and preserving the benefits of mature • Provides Prevention & Control for 2 years oxhorn bucida trees in the urban forest. This treatment represents an • Easy to Install environmentally rational approach with none of the drawbacks associated with foliar applications or soil drenching. Continued on Page 16 www.allergytechnologies.com • (866) 978-6288

14 PestPro | July / August 2019 RICK GRIMES, BRYAN PEST CONTROL, FPMA PRESIDENT 2004–2005

Hometown: Fort Walton Beach, Florida. foundations and pulling hoses from the truck as What you would tell Where you live now: Although I moved away my dad would crawl under off-grade structures. I someone new to briefly during my college years and have a second also learned to perform interior pest control, and the pest business? home in Tallahassee, I returned to my roots and once I reached legal driving age, I began to help Stay true to yourself, continue to live in Fort Walton Beach, very close to out on a GHP route. The pay was minimal since always upholding your the same old neighborhood where I grew up. Dad was trying to get the business up and running. integrity. That will be About your company: We are a local/regional But he was always fair, and the responsibility and portrayed through your family-owned business that my father founded work ethic that I learned definitely outweighed the relationships with your in 1977. He started the company as a one-man monetary compensation. employees, as well as operation, based on godly principles with the First break in the pest business: There was your customers. utmost integrity. We have been blessed to have a time at the beginning of my college days when I Where can we find grown to four locations and over 60 employees. All was searching for a career choice that was unique you when you are my immediate family have worked in the company to me, different from the pest control company not at the office? at one time or another. I am very proud to have my father had begun. But as time went on, and I try to spend to spend as much time as possible my oldest son working for us, giving us three I started taking more and more business and with my two-year-old granddaughter, Hadlee. generations to serve five counties along the Emerald accounting courses, I realized I could contribute Having had two sons, I never realized how Coast of Northwest Florida. to the family business and work toward carrying enjoyable a little girl can be. She and her “Papi” First paying job and what you learned on the legacy that had been established. I’m very have a great time together, and I am so fortunate to from it: I was a young teen when my dad, Bryan, grateful to my dad for giving me that opportunity. have her close by all the time. I also enjoy playing started the family Best business book: Over 30 years ago I piano as often as I can, and boating. business. At the took a local Dale Carnegie course to help me What is the most important trait you look age of 14, it was communicate better with customers and others. for when hiring? Having quality employees and inevitable that I During that course I read Carnegie’s book How to team members with a high standard of honesty would spend my Win Friends and Influence People. A close runner-up and loyalty are so important to achieving a time after school is the book Good to Great, by Jim Collins. successful organization. I believe that finding folks and summers Best piece of business advice you who are similar in character and personality as helping out any received: Don’t be afraid of change and the you will help you run your business in a positive way I could. opportunity to try new things, whether it be new manner. We have always tried to keep a family- I remember products or equipment, or marketing strategies, type atmosphere here at Bryan Pest Control, and working on termite or even the ever-changing world of technology. the overall longevity of so many of our team has jobs, digging However, never lose focus on providing the best proven their dedication and close connection to around building quality service to your customers. our mission. PP Rick Grimes

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Reduce Staining, continued from Page 14

Exact treatment rates and test site information may be found in the articles by Ali and Caldwell referenced on page 17. Readers DING may email either author for more information. Gall abundance and degree of staining fluctuate from year to DONG year and from tree to tree. Some trees bloom regularly at the same time each year, while others seem to bloom at different times. As a consequence of those variables, THE ITCH staining incidence will also vary from year to year. Another consideration is the inherent varying degree in individual . homeowners’ aesthetic tolerance of CONTROL FLEAS CONFIDENTLY BY PREVENTING FUTURE IS DEA® D POPULATIONS WITH THE IGR IN PRECOR PRODUCTS. staining. Some may accept low levels while others have zero tolerance for staining. Abamectin appears to be a promising product for reducing gall

(S)-METHOPRENE formation and staining administered ® COMPARISON CHART (PRECOR ) PYRIPROXYFEN either on an annual or biennial • The original/first insect growth regulator (IGR) basis. Even though the label lists • Heavier-than-air molecule penetrates deep into carpets and upholstery where flea larvae develop some caterpillars, we did not • IGR utilized in leading vet dispensed topically applied flea control treatments for dogs and cats collect specific data on caterpillar

• Protects stored grain products from insect infestations abundance. In addition, in 2015 and

• Market leading government agency IGR for mosquito control larvicides* 2016, we did not observe caterpillars • Prevents ﬂea emergence for up to seven months hanging from silken threads. • Low odor and non-repellent Trunk injections, in general, are a more efficient delivery method than soil drenching and foliar application. One of the drenching advantages is ease of application. However, disadvantages include uncertain root interception, potential binding of the A LEGACY OF CONTROL. active ingredient to soil particles, and Go to ZOECON.com for the full story possible leaching into groundwater.

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16 PestPro | July / August 2019 Foliar application disadvantages pest detective include potential drift and effects on non-target organisms. The latter is especially true when applying neonicotinoids during bee foraging periods. However, during these field trials, very few bees were observed visiting oxhorn bucida flowers. Dinotefuran slightly reduced staining in 2013 and 2014, while imidacloprid reduced gall formation Oxcopis falli in 2016. However, neither of these neonicotinoids is especially effective on caterpillars. Acephate trunk injection reduced staining in 2014. The reductions resulting from these products were minor and do not justify their use to eliminate staining. Heliocis Paroxacis A false blister beetle, Oxycopis suteralis. Conclusion repanda interrita All photos are highly magnified We conclude that abamectin trunk injections were most reliable in addressing property owner Photos by Lyle J. Buss complaints and preserving the benefits of mature oxhorn bucida trees to the urban forest. This False Blister Beetles method provides an environmentally Lyle J. Buss rational approach to managing staining and can be implemented ALSE BLISTER BEETLES are a group of insects that you won’t find with ease and efficiency. PP Fin many pest management books. They usually aren’t pests, but their strong attraction to lights sometimes leads to run-ins with people. Doug Caldwell is Commercial Landscape During the day, false blister beetles can be found outdoors on plants, Horticulture Educator, Collier County usually on flowers. They mainly feed on pollen, so they aren’t harmful to Extension, University of Florida, IFAS, the plants. But at night they are strongly attracted to lights. Bright lights Naples, Florida, [email protected] around tennis courts, swimming pools, and outdoor restaurants may draw in large numbers of the beetles. Sometimes they even invade homes. A.D. Ali is Manager of Technical Services with the Davey Institute, The Davey Tree False blister beetles are most common along oceanic coasts. In South Expert Company, Ft. Myers, Florida, Florida, especially in the Florida Keys, they can build up very high [email protected] numbers. They are relatively small, mostly around 1/4 to 3/8 inch long. Their shape is slender and elongate with parallel sides. Color ranges from pale yellow to black, with many variations in between. Their larvae usually See research articles on different develop in moist, decaying wood such as logs, stumps and driftwood. management approaches for stain reduction online: As their name implies, they do have a toxic secretion that can cause blisters if smashed on the skin. Some people don’t seem to be susceptible 4https://tinyurl.com/Caldwell- to the toxin, while others are more sensitive to it. The chemical is called Ali-2016 cantharidin, and is also found in the true blister beetles of the family Meloidae. 4Https://tinyurl.com/Ali- Caldwell-2017 Of the four false blister beetle species pictured above, Oxycopis suturalis and Oxycopis falli are the species that I see most often. PP 4Also, see our Youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/ Lyle J. Buss, Scientific Photographer, manages the Insect Identification Lab at watch?v=otBBJjkOXQ0 the UF/IFAS Entomology and Nematology Department.

July / August 2019 | PestPro 17 Talking Termites and other insects WITH TASHANI TASHANI BROWN will How did you first get into graduate on May 1, 2020, entomology? I first got into entomology when I got an with a master’s of science internship with the Tallahassee Community in entomology from Florida College – Florida A&M University Agricultural and Mechanical (FAMU) Bridges to the Baccalaureate in the biomedical science program. University. We asked Tashani I was placed in the FAMU Center for about how she got into Biological Control (CBC) lab, where I entomology after migrating worked with Dr. Muhammad Haseeb. It was my first time being exposed to from Jamaica, as well as her entomology. In fact, I didn’t even know experiences as a graduate what entomology was until the summer of student of Dr. Benjamin 2015, when I started the internship. Tashani Brown Hottel and her research on How was your transition from Why did you go to FAMU? subterranean termites. Jamaica to the United States? As I mentioned earlier, I got an internship My transition from my home country, in the summer of 2015 in the CBC lab Jamaica, to the United States was at FAMU, and that sparked my interest challenging at times because I get homesick in entomology. Initially, I was a pre- a lot and it is hard being away from family medicine major, but I changed my major and friends. However, I never allowed that to entomology after my internship. I to affect my college career because I am transferred to FAMU in the spring of 2016 always working to expand my knowledge to complete my bachelor of science in and for a better future as a whole. entomology.

What research projects have you worked on so far? In my CBC internship, I worked on Asian tiger mosquitoes, Aedes albopictus, where we were testing the resistance of adult mosquitoes to various insecticides. I also was a part of the United States Department of Agriculture Integrated Pest Information Platform for Extension and

Above: Tashani studied tomato pests in the iPiPe program. Immediate left: Tashani won an award for her scientific poster at the iPiPe conference.

18 PestPro | July / August 2019 Tashani monitors Formosan subterranean termites in a tree.

Formosan termites in soil

Education (iPiPe) program, where I worked What is it like working with on pests that affect tomatoes. Dr. Hottel? Currently, I am working on monitoring I enjoy working with Dr. Hottel because he subterranean termites by doing both visual is very knowledgeable on not only termites, and pine-stake inspections in trees. but a lot of other areas that I often have questions about. I took a couple classes with What was it like first working with him when I was an undergraduate, and termites? I enjoyed his classes, so I was very happy At first, I was not a fan! I didn’t know what when he became my major professor. to expect when I found out that I was going to be doing my thesis on subterranean Is it hard coming up with termites, but I have grown to love my research ideas? Dr. Ben Hottel is research. My professor and I come up with a Tashani’s major Over time, I have found out how lot of ideas by just simply monitoring professor at Florida important termites are and how much and observing subterranean termites. It A&M University. damage they cause to buildings and trees. gets challenging sometimes to come up This research means a lot to me because I with a concrete idea, but we are always know it has the ability to help and inform brainstorming, trying to come up with people of this serious pest that costs over innovative ways as to how we would like to $5 billion each year in damage. conduct our research. Continued on page 31 July / August 2019 | PestPro 19 University Innovation, continued from Page 9 00-ZZZero Mosquito Ovitrap

NOTHER Urban Lab invention is A really a combination of two products: 1) an ovitrap designed to attract and kill female mosquitoes that like to oviposit in small containers. This trap kills Aedes aegyptii and Aedes albopictus, the mosquitoes that transmit Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever; and 2) Mosquitocidal chips or stickers that are designed to be added to existing potential oviposition sites for these same mosquitoes. The chips or stickers slowly release a larvicide into the water in order to prevent development of the mosquito larvae into the biting adults. So far, there have been six patents associated with these products (U.S. patents 9,192,151- B2; 9,554,567-B2; 9,572,338-B2; 9,775,335- B2; 9,737,065; and 9,992,989-B2). These technologies were featured in UF display at the 2019 University Innovation and Entrepreneurship Showcase at the U.S. the 2019 University Innovation and Capitol in Washington D.C., highlighting fly- and mosquito-control technologies. From left: Entrepreneurship Showcase at the U.S. Roberto Pereira, UF; Elias Carayannis and Enrico Levi, Florida Insect Control Group. Capitol in Washington D.C., representing the University of Florida and the entrepreneurs that acquired the technology from UF. Some patents are never picked up by companies for commercial development, so they never see the light of the day and eventually will be forgotten. This represents money that the University invested and never got any return. However, it does not take too many inventions with a good return to pay for all the expenses on the patents with no return and still have some funds back at the university to be reinvested into other research and development of new products. But the best consequence of this whole process are innovative, efficient products that can benefit the general public. PP

Roberto Pereira is Research Scientist and Philip Koehler is Endowed Professor at UF/IFAS Entomology and Nematology Department.

20 PestPro | July / August 2019 Market Hardware Slow Website Load Speed: Your Biggest Problem in 2019 Alain Parcan

HEN BUILDING than 10 seconds to fully load. photo is sized correctly and 3. Make Sure Your Web Wyour website, it’s They actually prefer that your compressed, but is still visually Hosting Plan Still Meets important to accurately and website loads in under three appealing and clear. Your Standards personally represent your pest seconds to be considered This is where optimization Perhaps you’ve tried some of control company’s identity. quick. comes in! Use your favorite these strategies before, yet they Your website is your No. 1 It may feel like Google photo editing software, or a haven’t worked. This may be a marketing resource, after all. is just making up their free online service, to resize or result of your web hosting plan While branding and credibility own rules, but using page scale down the file size of your — typically a yearly payment are important, don’t forget the load speed as a factor to website’s images. Optimizing made to keep your site and its primary goal of your website: determine ranking is meant photos is an excellent way to files on the internet. to turn people searching for a to mirror user preferences. start speeding up your page People starting their pest service into customers. User If a user wouldn’t wait to load speed. control business tend to reach experience is the key to a view your site, it makes sense for more affordable hosting successful website, which is Google wouldn’t rank your 2. Keep Your Layout plans when they first create their why it needs to be revisited on pest control website high on Simple website. A lot has changed since a consistent basis. Page One. Some business owners have you first started your company, Online users tend to have To find out how your long lists of website features so it’s important to make sure short attention spans, and if website measures up, Google they’ve seen on other pest your hosting plan matches up they feel like your website is PageSpeed Insights is a free control sites that they would with where you are now as a taking too long to load, they tool that can provide you with like included on their own. business. It’s possible you’ve may decide to call it quits metrics as well as suggestions We’re big fans of creativity, added numerous pages, galleries, before your information ever for how to lower your page but we have to remind and other content that may appears. Quick page loads load time. Speaking of… businesses often that it’s best be too much for your initial are the new normal for a to keep things simple when it hosting plan. successful website — a trend How Can You Lower Your comes to website design. It’s no secret that people, that’s becoming increasingly Page Load Speed? Every time you feature especially online, tend to have noticeable within search Even though some strategies to something like an interactive shorter attention spans these engines. lower load speed may require map, a rotating slideshow, days. Having a website that Back in 2010, Google made help from a professional web or a video, you require an loads quickly is a great way to it official that page load speed developer, that doesn’t mean additional “request,” which meet consumer needs while also is a ranking factor for their there aren’t ways you can go the internet must make to setting your site up for success algorithm. In other words, about doing it yourself! Below display the site. The result is for Google rankings. In 2019, they admitted websites that are three simple strategies you a dent in your website’s load all it takes is a little effort to load quickly are more likely can employ to speed your time. make sure your website doesn’t to make it on the top of Page website up a bit: One or two features won’t slow down your business! PP One of Google than websites hurt you too much, but too that load slower. Not even a 1. Optimize Your Photos many can be a big risk. When Alain Parcan, Director of year ago, they also made it High-quality images can really putting together your home Marketing for Market Hardware, known that mobile searches help a Website stand out, page, identify the primary Inc., contributed this article. would be held to the same especially when they show off information you want your Alain brings nearly 10 years of standard. What does this your company’s work in great visitors to receive, and experience in educating businesses mean? In 2019, your website detail. There is such a thing as make sure you only feature so they can market themselves more needs to load quickly! too much quality and detail, what you feel to be entirely effectively. Market Hardware helps though. The larger and clearer necessary. This will prevent small businesses compete on the What is “Slow” for Page the image is, the larger the your page from becoming web and offers special discounts for Load Speeds? file, which takes more time to too busy, and it’ll decrease professional association members. According to Google, a page download. The key is to find the time a user has to wait for You can reach Alain’s team at 888- that is “very slow” takes longer the middle ground where the your website to load. 381-6925.

July / August 2019 | PestPro 21 The NEED to EAT: Elizabeth F. Pienaar JLS Photography Map of Fish and Wildlife Conservation offices in Florida. A FED BEAR is a DEAD BEAR. Bears that become reliant on human food sources or lose their fear of humans are likely to be euthanized to prevent them from injuring a person. Learn to prevent conflicts with bears.

Even though black bears have bear-related issues has risen. Region No. of % of Because of their daily a natural fear of humans, their Between 2009 and 2012 the Reports Reports calorie requirements, need to survive will keep them FWC logged 17,769 bear- Northeast 9,872 55.6 black bears are in close proximity to readily related calls from the public, Northwest 5,924 33.3 constantly searching available food. Conflicts between or approximately 4,400 calls South 1,148 6.5 for food. An adult black people and black bears arise when a year. Southwest 421 2.4 people fail to remove or secure Based on these calls, bear may eat up to potential food sources. human–bear conflicts tend to North Central 404 2.3 20,000 calories a day, In their search for food, black be geographically concentrated Total 17,769 100 which is about the bears may damage people’s with 10 counties accounting property. They may also threaten, for 81 percent, or 14,326, of all Table 1. Reports of bear-related calorie content of 38 injure, or kill pets and livestock reported human–bear conflicts. issues from 2009 to 2012. Big Mac sandwiches. in order to gain access to pet and Over half of reported conflicts livestock feed. were logged in the northeastern LACK BEARS ARE counties of Florida (see map) opportunistic feeders with Reports of Human–Bear with Lake, Volusia, Marion, an excellent sense of smell. Conflicts in Florida and Seminole counties totaling BA black bear can smell food one Both the black bear population 8,134 calls, or 46 percent of to two miles away. and the population of people all reported bear-related issues. Their sense of smell combined in Florida are growing, which One-third of reported bear- with their need for large is contributing to increased related issues occurred in the quantities of calories attracts conflicts between people and northwestern counties. Far black bears to human settlements. bears. Between 2010 and 2018, fewer conflicts were reported for Garbage is the main attractant, the human population in Florida the southern, southwestern, and but bears are also attracted by increased by 13.3 percent. As of north-central regions of Florida bee hives, pet food, barbeque 2018, about 21.3 million people (Table 1). grills, fruit trees, and bird or lived in Florida.1 wildlife feeders. This means that Unsurprisingly, the number of Types of Conflicts residential areas provide bears calls by the public to the Florida Reported: 2009–2012 with an easy source of high- Fish and Wildlife Conservation Bear-related calls to the FWC calorie foods. Commission (FWC) to report are categorized based on the

1 https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/fl/PST045218 22 PestPro | July / August 2019 Conflicts Between People And the Florida Black Bear

Report Description Number Percent In garbage Bear has been raiding the garbage 6,281 35.3 In area Bear sighted in the area, including a neighbor’s yard, but bear 3,581 20.2 did not engage in activity considered human-bear conflict In yard Bear entered the caller’s yard 2,211 12.4 Property Bear damaged caller’s property including but not limited to 1,869 10.5 damage a cooler, freezer, grill or fence The Florida Black Bear The Florida black bear, Ursus In tree Bear was sighted in a tree 730 4.1 americanus floridanus, is a unique Dead bear Dead bear found by the caller 693 3.9 subspecies of the American black bear. It is the only species of Sick/injured Sick or injured bear was reported to the FWC 658 3.7 bear found in Florida. In 2017, bear biologists in the Florida Fish and Killed animal Bear killed a domestic animal (pet or livestock) 395 2.2 Wildlife Conservation Commission estimated that there were more In feeder Bear damaged or has been eating from bird and wildife feeders 252 1.4 including deer feeders than 4,000 black bears in Florida. Adult males typically weigh In feed Bear has been eating domestic animals’ food, 247 1.4 250 to 350 lbs. Adult females e.g., dog food, catfish chow, or horse feed are smaller, and usually weigh Other Usually an incident during which a bear is caught in a hog trap 177 1.0 between 130 and 180 lbs. Bear home ranges are large. In building Bear entered a dwelling in which people live, 160 0.9 excluding a garage, shed or screened porch The range for an adult female is approximately 15 square miles, or Attacked Bear attacked an animal: either pet or livestock 136 0.8 9,600 acres. The range for an adult animal male is approximately 60 square Threatened Bear threatened a domestic animal: either pet or livestock 124 0.7 miles, or 38,400 acres. animal Bear ranges overlap, which Threatened Bear threatened a person 117 0.7 means that multiple bears may human be found in any geographic area. Although more submissive bears Apiary Bear in the bee yard or among bee hives 57 0.3 will avoid dominant males, black In crops Bear damaged crops, e.g., corn, peanuts or trees 35 0.2 bears congregate at abundant food sources because their need for food Not specified 46 0.3 overrides their natural fear of one Total 17,769 100 another. Table 2. Most egregious reported human–bear conflicts, 2009–2012. Black bears are omnivorous. About 80 percent of their diet most serious human–bear conflict Based on reports to the FWC comes from plants like acorns, reported, i.e., the conflict that is of human-bear conflicts, the most nuts, berries and other vegetation. most likely to result in a public common conflict is bears accessing Another 15 percent of their diet safety risk (Table 2). For example, garbage, or 35 percent of all reports is made up of insects such as based on the FWC classification for 2009–2012. In total, 6,872 termites and ants. The rest of their system, if a person reports that calls (39 percent) were reports of diet (5 percent) is made up of meat a bear entered his or her yard, a bear accessing human sources accessed their garbage, and of food (see Table 2). These data such as opossums, armadillos and threatened pets, then the report is underscore the fact that bears come carrion, most of which bears find recorded as the bear “threatened into conflict with people because of by scavenging. an animal.” food attractants. Continued

This article was adapted from EDIS document WEC344, Conflicts Between People and the Florida Black Bear, Elizabeth F. Pienaar July / August 2019 | PestPro 23 Ways to Prevent Yes, a bear does this in the Human-Bear Conflicts woods. This Florida black There are multiple ways to prevent conflicts bear scat reveals a diet that with bears: includes saw palmetto berries, Secure trash: Bear-resistant garbage a healthy, natural food for containers are one of the best methods to Ursus americanus floridanus. prevent bears from eating garbage. Trash Photographed in Orange should be kept inside a closed garage, a County, Florida. sturdy shed, a secure structure, or a bear- resistant container until the morning of pickup, rather than placing the trashcan curbside the night before pickup. If trash pickup is too early for this to

Mary Keim be feasible, then residents can ask waste service providers to change their routes for later pickup. The FWC also provides instructions on how to modify garbage cans to make them more secure from bears.2 Residents can contact their waste service company to request the provision of bear- resistant trashcans. Alternatively, residents can contact their local elected officials about requiring companies who bid on waste service contracts to make bear- resistant trashcans available to residents. Clean and secure grills/smokers: Grills and smokers should be cleaned after each use with a degreasing agent and should be stored in a secure area. Secure bird feeders: If a bear is feeding from bird feeders, then there are ways to hang bird feeders to prevent bears from accessing them. Feeders should be a minimum of 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet from any attachment points. Shelled seed should be put in the feeder and a catch pan should be used to capture waste seed. Only sufficient seed for a single day should be put out at one time, and the feeder should be brought inside at night. Secure wildlife feeders: There are two possible methods of preventing bear damage to wildlife feeders. Food plots may be used rather than wildlife feeders.3 Alternatively, automatic feeders may be used to provide wildlife with grains. Information on the placement and design of automatic wildlife feeders is provided by the FWC.4 Continued on Page 32

2 http://myfwc.com/media/2384072/ Combined-Retrofit-kit-directions.pdf 3 http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw262 4 http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/managed/ bear/wildlife-feeders/

24 PestPro | July / August 2019 EXECUTIVE SUITE Be Careful What You Ask For RAND HOLLON

“What’s the Asking Price?” If a seller’s asking price is too low, using earnings multiples that may vary It’s one of the very first then, to the detriment of the seller, the based on things like geography and offered questions a buyer may ask when marketplace’s strength isn’t realized and customer service packages, and researching money is left on the table. past transactions for comparable inquiring about a business. Most sellers have an initial idea of businesses. The answer is important. what they want for their business. Additionally, because pest control is a The question seems innocuous Sometimes a seller’s idea of an asking “people business,” it is also important to enough. However, if not properly price is based on industry scuttlebutt include a thoughtful analysis of intangible prepared, the answer can have about a certain rule of thumb that leads value factors such as market reputation, to a “magic number.” Or it may be what employees, and company history. a lasting effect throughout the they’ve heard on the street about sales contemplated transaction. of similar businesses. Sometimes it’s a ELLING A BUSINESS is a tragically arbitrary number based on Schallenging, complicated process. It’s N THE PAST, I’ve provided articles “blue sky” or “what-someone-could-do- no secret that the process of both selling outlining many important pieces and with-this-business.” and buying a business is complex and not topics surrounding the mergers and I get the “blue-sky” thing, because at particularly suited for do-it-yourselfers. Iacquisitions of pest control businesses. the end of the day, a buyer doesn’t buy a Valuation, qualifying leads, confidentiality In those articles, I’ve discussed valuation, business for what it’s doing, a buyer buys management, tax issues, due diligence, confidentiality management, transition a business for what they’ll do with it. That purchase agreement, transition of acquired business, and acquisition risk said, it’s important to understand that management, employee transition, and mangement, to name a few. sellers sometimes over-value the future liabilities are all endeavors that can easily Here I’ll briefly touch on the importance without taking into account that it’s the distract business owners from running of an asking price, which is often included buyer’s time, energy, and money that their business and are best left to the in the initial conversations with prospective work to create an acquisition’s future. selling team. buyers. And sometimes a seller arrives at a Keeping the value of developing an number much lower than what the real, effective asking price in mind is also Arriving at the Asking Price live market will actually bear. critical as it communicates to buyers an Developed early on, after internal sell-side Business owners and their idea of an actionable level of preparedness on the valuation work-ups, the asking price often asking price is often influenced by more part of the seller for the selling process as sets the tone for the whole marketplace than just the financial stake they have in a whole. of prospective buyers. When I refer to the the business. The business often is their So be careful what you ask for! PP marketplace of prospective buyers, I’m biggest asset. They have put years and referring to qualified competitor businesses, sometimes generations worth of blood, investment groups, and individuals sweat and tears into the building of the Rand Hollon, a graduate of Florida currently operating within a seller’s service business. Southern College, is a second-generation area as well as those qualified businesses, Sellers naturally have a personal and pest industry veteran. Preferred Business investment groups and individuals not emotional stake in the business and Brokers has exclusively served the pest currently operating within the seller’s sometimes mistakenly allow personal industry for 30 years. Working exclusively service area but looking to enter. issues and motivations to enter into in the pest industry, Hollon has led Sometimes the answer to that early their asking price equation. This is why transaction processes and brokered pest question can become part of the keystone successful sellers rely on the expertise industry deals throughout the United in the future relationship between the seller of pest-industry advisors, brokers and States and the Caribbean. Over the and that ultimate best buyer post-close. intermediaries. years, Hollon has also authored M&A- If a seller’s asking price is too high, many Arriving at an effective and actionable related articles for several pest industry buyers will assume the seller is unrealistic asking price is the blended result of publications and has served as an M&A and choose not to give the business an several activities. These activities include participant/speaker for numerous local, initial look. asset and financial-statement assessment, tate and national events.

July / August 2019 | PestPro 25 Landscaping Fails are Great for Pollinators! F YOU’RE feeling bad that you don’t have floral resources is probably the No. 1 thing that The bugs you haven’t a putting-green-quality lawn or it’s just too people can do, whether that’s just providing gotten around to killing hot out to mow this weekend, University a few plants on your balcony, having a whole Going easy on insecticides around your Iof Florida scientists have some good news: The pollinator garden or just letting flowering home and yard can reduce unintended harm things you’ve been lamenting are great for bees weeds be.” to beneficial species like bees, Mallinger and other pollinators. says. And when you use pesticides, choose Beyond supporting healthy ecosystems for Bare or sandy patches options that are least toxic to pollinators other species (including us), pollinators are key Unlike honey bees, many species of native bees and follow the instructions on the label, to bringing food to our tables, not to mention don’t live in hives or colonies but by themselves Ellis suggests. For more information, visit coffee, chocolate and tequila. Cutting yourself in small holes the ground. When you’ve got a the Honey Bee Research & Extension Lab’s some slack in the yard can provide pollinators thin spot in your lawn or part of your garden website at entnemdept.ufl.edu/honey-bee. with food, shelter and protection from that’s not covered in thick mulch or weed pesticides, three things they need to survive. barrier, you’re providing habitat to native bees. Oops, I didn’t mow this week We’re not saying you should let it all go and And you don’t have to worry about having Mowing less often can make your yard risk one of those sanctimonious letters from wild bees in your yard, as they don’t defend their more pollinator-friendly. “Our landscapes your homeowner’s association, just that a lighter nests the way social bees and wasps sometimes do, don’t all have to be really short green grass,” touch can make life easier for native pollinators says Jamie Ellis, professor of honey bee husbandry, Mallinger says. “We can have yards and — and you. Here’s how. ecology and conservation with UF/IFAS. habitats that look more wild, but that means “In general, it’s the social bees and wasps changing people’s way of viewing habitats Clover and dandelions in your lawn that are the stinging problems, not the solitary and not seeing that as messy or weedy, but Flowering weeds are an important food ones,” Ellis says. “Solitary bees are quite gentle.” seeing that as actually beneficial.” source for native bees, so you can feel good If the neighbors complain when you skip about leaving them in your lawn, says Rachel That stump you haven’t gotten around a week of mowing, you can say you’re doing Mallinger, an assistant professor of pollinator to removing it for the bees. PP ecology and conservation with UF’s Institute It’s also a great habitat for solitary native bees, — Alison Clark, University of Florida News of Food and Agricultural Sciences. “Providing Mallinger says. June 2019

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26 PestPro | July / August 2019 Lethal viral necrosis is deadly on St. Augustinegrass ‘Floratam’ UF/IFAS Lethal Viral Necrosis Of St. Augustinegrass in South Florida Henry Mayer

NEW disease associated with UF/IFAS streaks running between the veins on an sugarcane mosaic virus appears to be otherwise green blade. spreading through lawns in South The only way to be sure Floratam St. Florida.A In Miami-Dade County, several turf Augustinegrass has lethal viral necrosis samples have been diagnosed positive for is through laboratory testing. Infected lethal viral necrosis. The affected turf was cultivars other than Floratam show the St. Augustinegrass cultivar ‘Floratam.’ yellow, streaky patterns but do not die from The following are answers to the most the virus. frequent questions that people ask about the Send in a sample of live turf for disease. When does the grass show accurate lab test results. See symptoms? sample submission details at the Which is the most affected plant? Floratam St. Augustinegrass is a tropical end of this article on page 28. Unfortunately, the popular St. Augustinegrass grass and grows much more vigorously ‘Floratam’ cultivar is the principal host of the during the warmer, wetter months. disease. Some estimates are that 95 percent of is not a lethal viral necrosis host. Other Also, when the temperature drops to Florida St. Augustinegrass lawns are planted monocots including crabgrass, sorghum, corn approximately 65 degrees F the grass will with Floratam. and sugarcane can host the virus. start to show more severe symptoms, Other cultivars of St. Augustinegrass only including plant death. The symptoms and show mosaic symptoms when infected with Why is lethal viral necrosis a dieback typically start in the fall/winter and lethal viral necrosis. problem? continue through the spring. Because lethal viral necrosis usually kills Are other lawn grasses susceptible to Floratam in three years or less. Can asymptomatic grass be a lethal viral necrosis? source of the virus? Yes, but it does not kill them. Grasses that What are the symptoms? Yes, if the grass is a known host of the are known hosts of lethal viral necrosis Early symptoms include a mosaic pattern virus. Lawns may not be showing obvious include other St. Augustinegrass cultivars like on the leaf that turns brown and dies symptoms, but may contain the virus. ‘Palmetto’and ‘Bitterblue,’ bermudagrass, prematurely. The symptoms present as Symptoms may be especially difficult to see paspalum, bahiagrass, and ornamental blotchy, streaky patterns of yellow and green. during the warmer, wetter months. fountain grass, Pennisetum spp. Zoysiagrass In fact, turfgrass tends to have broken yellow Continued July / August 2019 | PestPro 27 Can disinfectant materials be applied to lethal viral necrosis affected lawns for control? No, the materials are surface disinfectants and would not destroy the virus inside the living plant tissue. In addition, they are not legally labeled for disease management on lawns, and many are toxic to lawn grasses.

Are there other management options? Replace dying Floratam St. Augustinegrass with ‘Bitterblue’ or ‘Palmetto.’ Both are currently shown to be resistant to the virus. Palmetto is somewhat finer textured than UF/IFAS Floratam. Both require slightly different Lethal viral necrosis can kill Floratam lawns in less than three years. management, especially regarding fungal problems. Bitterblue is an older variety that has been used since the 1930s. How does the lethal viral necrosis So, if no chemical control is an Lawn areas can be completely resodded spread? option how do we manage the with recommended cultivars, or they can The virus is spread in the moist plant sap from disease? be plugged with smaller pieces into existing infected grasses. Exposed plant sap occurs Grass clippings and plant sap should affected Floratam lawns. Plugging allows the mostly when lawns are freshly cut. Lawn be blown off of mowing equipment on resistant cultivars to fill in as the Floratam mowers, trimmers, equipment wheels, and affected sites. Equipment should then declines and dies. Neither Bitter Blue nor other similar equipment pick it up. be sprayed until wet with recommended Palmetto can be planted from seed. Once the sap and clippings dry out, they sanitizers and allowed to dry to destroy Do not replant Floratam on the same no longer transmit the virus to new grass. any virus that may remain on the site. Overseeding the affected Floratam with The virus does not survive for long outside equipment. a cool-season grass like ryegrass can be a plant tissue. Mowing when lawns are wet can A good management technique for temporary aesthetic measure for the winter extend the viability of the virus on equipment commercial lawn maintenance companies snowbird season. because it keeps the plant sap hydrated longer. is to mow lethal viral necrosis affected It is also believed that aphids and plant lawns as the last lawns of the day, and How do I collect, send and pay for lab hoppers could spread the virus. then sanitize. Theoretically, newly planted testing? lethal viral necrosis infected sod could be a Dig a sod plug at least 4 or 5 inches across Can wheels from vehicles or lawn source, but none of the sod farms tested so and a couple of inches deep into the roots of equipment spread the disease? far by the University of Florida Extension yellow-mottled, but not dead, Floratam St. Yes, if wet plant sap from affected freshly cut Plant Pathology Lab have been positive for Augustinegrass. Gently shake the soil off the lawns is carried to unaffected but susceptible the virus. sample, and place in a Ziploc-type plastic bag. lawns. Box and ship overnight to: What are currently recommended Does the virus survive in soil? mower and trimmer sanitizing Plant Clinic No, once the virus is out of the plant tissue materials? Tropical Research and Education Center and the sap dries, the virus is destroyed. In areas where the disease is known to Attn. Dr. Romina Gazis occur, potentially contaminated equipment 18905 SW 280th Street Do clippings need to be removed parts should be cleaned, dried and sprayed Homestead, FL 33031 from freshly mowed lawns? down using one of the following: No, clippings dry out very quickly and then a One part PineSol-type disinfectant Send samples early in the work week so are not a source of the virus. Additionally, with three parts water they do not sit over the weekend waiting for clippings recycle some of the nutrients back a Potassium peroxymonosulfate and analysis by the lab. into the lawn. sodium chloride (Virkon S) mixed at a A link to the specimen submittal form 2-percent solution with payment information is available at Are there any chemicals, fungicides a Quaternary ammonia products https://tinyurl.com/TREC-clinic. PP or pesticides that can be applied a Physan 20 to lawns to cure the lethal viral a Lysol Henry Mayer is Commercial Urban Horticulture necrosis? a One part household bleach with nine Extension Agent III, Miami-Dade County No, unfortunately there is no cure for the virus. parts water. Caution: bleach rusts steel. Extension Office.

28 PestPro | July / August 2019 PCO Pointer FDACS Training Requirements in 2019 HIS IS ONE AREA that there is still (a) Completion of FDACS form 13665 Rev “Pesticide safety” deals with any aspect Tsome confusion on, mainly about the 10/15, Verification Record of Initial Employee of pesticide formulation, handling and use. documentation of training provided. Here Training, Rev 05/08, which is hereby adopted and Example topics would include: pesticide types are some of the requirements: incorporated by reference and available on the and formulations, human poisoning symptoms, Department’s website at www.freshfromflorida. routes of exposure and protective equipment, Florida Statute Chapter 482.091 com/onestop/aes/pestcont.html; pesticide storage, transport and use, spray drift (3 ) A licensee or certified operator may or and groundwater runoff. not assign or use an employee to perform (b) A written record of 40 hours of attendance “Integrated pest management” deals with any category of pest control without in a training course with a written course syllabus any aspect of pest management. Example providing trained supervision unless the and copies of all training materials used in the topics would include: inspection (locating employee is trained and qualified in that course available for Department inspection. and monitoring pests), establishing treatment category of pest control. An employee (2) The Department will accept either of the thresholds, sanitation/habitat modification, may not perform, solicit, inspect, or apply following as documentation of verifiable training trapping, biological and use of pesticides, and pest control without first having been as required under Section 482.091(10), F.S.: pesticide application equipment. provided at least five days of field training (a) Written record of attendance on a form “Applicable federal and state laws and rules” in the appropriate category of pest control prescribed by the Department and furnished deal with any aspect of government regulation of under the direct supervision, direction, and by the licensee or trainer, FDACS-13662 Rev the pest control industry. Example topics would control of a certified operator. 10/15, which is incorporated by reference, with include: reviewing federal FIFRA requirements, (10) In addition to the training required a complete copy of all training materials used reviewing or discussing modifications to Chapter by subsection (3), each identification during the training session that covers the training 482, F.S., and/or Chapter 5E-14, F.A.C., and cardholder must receive four hours of topics required by Section 482.091(10), F.S.; or reviewing other regulatory agencies or legislative classroom training in pesticide safety, (b) Written record of attendance at a bodies regulations dealing with pesticide integrated pest management, and Department-approved certified operator use, hazardous waste storage/disposal and/or applicable federal and state laws and rules continuing education course on the form transportation. within six months after issuance of the card prescribed by the Department and furnished by or must have received such training within the trainer, FDACS-13325, Rev 10/15, which is Protect Yourself and Your Customers two years before issuance of the card. incorporated by reference, provided the course Why does the Department have these Each cardholder must receive at content covers the training topics as required by requirements? To insure your employees are least two hours of continuing training Section 482.091(10), F.S. being trained prior to making applications in in pesticide safety, integrated pest (3) For the purposes of complying with the field, which protects consumers and your management, and applicable federal and Section 482.091(10), F.S., each classroom liabilities. You are only as good as your worst state laws and rules by the renewal date of training session shall be at least 50 minutes in technician! PP the card. length or one contact hour. Partial contact hours will not be accepted. Report by Paul Mitola, Environmental Consultant Florida Administrative Code 5E-14.1421 Identification Card — Training Verification (1) The licensee shall maintain written training records for both the initial five-day (40-hour) training required in Section 482.091(3), F.S. and the continuing training required in Section 482.091(10), F.S., on all identification cardholders within their employ, and make those records available during routine inspection or upon request of the Department. Licensees must maintain the training Direct from record for at least a two-year period. The training required for Section 482.091(3), Need CEUs? UF EXPERTS F.S., must be conducted by a certified operator or a person under the supervision of the certified operator in charge who has STUDY ONLINE at YOUR CONVENIENCE been designated in writing as responsible for training. The 40-hour initial training https://ifas-urbanpestmgt.catalog.instructure.com shall be verified by:

1 1 July1 / August2 2019 1 R.W. Baldwin , Assistant Professor, S.K. Hill , Graduate Assistant, Philip Koehler , Endowed Professor, W. Walker , Senior Pest Control Technician, and J.C. Medley , Communications Pest Specialist Pro 1 2 | UF/IFAS Entomology and Nematology Department, UF Department of Housing and Residence Education 29 An Equal Opportunity Institution. Extension Service, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Millie Ferrer-Chancy, Interim Director. Single copies of extension publications (excluding 4-H and youth publications) are available free to Florida residents from county extension offices. Information about alternate formats is available from IFAS Information and Communication Services, University of Florida, PO Box 110810, Gainesville, FL 32611-0810. Published January 2012 as ENY-916, Florida Cooperative Extension Service.

To view the videos for this poster, scan the codes or visit http://www.youtube.com/user/UFEntomology and select Playlists > Pesticide Emergencies. “Precision Targeted”

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PT Fendona-PestPro_FP_ad-2019-special CTA-Diedra.indd 1 4/24/19 9:34 AM termites, even though there has been major evidence of Formosan termite swarms. Also, I have found out that termites definitely don’t hold back; they’ll eat you out of your house and land.

Why do you think there has been no evidence of Formosan Termite damage can cause a tree to fall during high winds termites even though wings from Formosan termite swarms Michael Rivera Michael were found? We have found a lot of ant activity How can your research be applied My project will show how important is at the field site in Jacksonville, so my in the real world? it to inspect trees and not only buildings, professor and I think the ants might This is the first time termites have been because trees can also be infested with be bullying the termites and killing monitored in trees in Tallahassee, Florida. termites as well. Also, historic trees and them. My research can help save historic trees, also trees that could be infested with no homes or any infrastructure. visible evidence of termite damage can What are your plans after Over $5 billion is spent by homeowners fall on buildings during a natural disaster, graduation? all over the United States for damage caused which can be detrimental. After graduation I would love to by subterranean termites. Most times continue my studies to earn a PhD. I am homes are inspected for termites, but in fact Have you found any cool research not quite sure in what field, but most the trees around a home could be also be findings so far? likely it will be something in the medical infested. Termites can travel though galleries I think my findings in my field site in field, because I also have a passion for that they make underground and infest Jacksonville are very interesting because health care and medicine. PP buildings. we have yet to find activity of Formosan

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July / August 2019 | PestPro 31 Black Bear, continued from Page 24 Florida bear paw prints on a Secure pet feed and domestic animals: If sandy trail. The front paw is a bear is raiding pet or livestock feed, then smaller than the back paw. people should only put out enough feed for a single day. Feed containers should be brought inside at night, if possible. Bulk feed should be stored in a secure building. To prevent food aggression, secure animals away from their feed. Bring pets in at night, or keep pets and livestock in an enclosure with an electric fence at night if animals are being threatened by bears. People should also flash outside lights and make loud Bowen Photography Bowen noises to scare away bears before going outside or letting pets out after dark. If a bear attacks or kills an animal, the FWC will typically schedule a visit by a field biologist or contractor to investigate the situation to determine if further action is needed. Electric fencing and other deterrents: Electric fencing is the best means to secure outdoor attractants, including bee hives. The FWC also provides advice on how to construct “unwelcome mats” 5 for keeping bears away from specific outdoor areas such as freezers on porches. People can purchase various infra-red motion activated devices that emit sound or start a water sprinkler when a bear enters a particular space. Stay away from bears: If a bear is in the area, enters the yard, or is in a tree, then the bear is likely passing through the neighborhood and is not necessarily a cause for concern. However, if the bear is lingering in the neighborhood, then the behavior of the bear is important. When a bear is in the yard people should get a safe distance away from the bear or go to a safe location, inside a home or vehicle. They should also scare the bear off with loud noises such as an air horn or car horn in order to reinforce the bear’s natural fear of humans. Most conflicts with bears arise because people do not secure food sources, most importantly garbage. Although it may seem like a nuisance to remove or secure food attractants, people’s willingness to do so will help with bear conservation efforts. PP DEPENDABLE, JUST LIKE YOU. Elizabeth F. Pienaar is Assistant Professor Tampa Jacksonville (800) 932-6225 (800) 347-6225 at Human Dimesions of Wildlife, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Miami Fort Myers Conservation, UF/IFAS (800) 964-6225 (800) 741-6225 5 nextranusa.com http://myfwc.com/media/2394983/ Unwelcome-Mat-Instructions.pdf

32 PestPro | July / August 2019 THE BITHOR SC SPECIAL IS BACK purchase of 20 quarts of bithor sc Get a FREE ACCUTHOR SPRAYER (9” or 18”) BITHOR SC Imidacloprid + Bifenthrin The combination of Imidacloprid and Bifenthrin provides a one-two punch to take down pyrethroid resistant insects like mosquitoes, bed bugs, and fleas. Excellent on other tough to control pests like ants and earwigs. Systemic action on honeydew producing ornamental insects. Take care of household, turf and ornamental pests, all in one visit, with one product. In fact, BITHOR controls over 100 different pests.

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Do You Have a Mosquito Bite Allergy? The Most Common Reactions, Explained

HE SYMPTOMS can range from It also could mean you’ve developed Tcommon, minor bumps to rare medical an immunity to mosquito bites. “When a emergencies. person has had repeated exposure to the There’s nothing worse than coming mosquito allergen, her immune system home from a hike, camping trip, or can stop recognizing the allergen as a barbecue and discovering a ton of itchy, problem, and there is no reaction,” Dr. painful mosquito bites speckling your skin. Murphy says. Even worse: Your friend or sibling who was However, many of us do have some with you the entire time has no bites at all. type of allergy to these pesky bug bites— So, what gives? ranging from common, minor bumps Well, it helps to know how and why a to rare, severe reactions. Here are the mosquito bites you in the first place. Only symptoms to keep an eye out for and females are out for blood, explains Joseph what you can do to find relief. M. Conlon, an expert with The American Mosquito Control Association who worked as It’s these proteins, not the bite itself, that Minor mosquito bite allergy: an entomologist for 25 years. cause the swelling, redness and itching that Small red bump “Female mosquitoes imbibe blood as a some—but not all—of us experience. This is a What it looks like: round, whitish bump, protein source for egg development,” Conlon histamine response: when a chemical produced often with a small visible dot at the center; says. by your immune system causes allergic becomes red and firm after one or two days When the female mosquito “bites” you, she reactions, as shown in the photo. inserts the tip of her mouth into one of your Seeing no reaction after a bite could mean What it means: This is the most common blood vessels, injecting her saliva into your you’re one of the lucky few who isn’t allergic mosquito bite allergy and the reaction is bloodstream. The saliva contains a protein to mosquito saliva, says Andrew Murphy, MD, more annoying than anything, says Jorge that prevents your blood from clotting as she a fellow at the American Academy of Allergy, Parada, MD, medical director of the Infection eats. (What a pleasant thought, right?) Asthma & Immunology. Control Program at Loyola University Chicago July / August 2019 | PestPro 33 CLASSIFIED ADS SELLING YOUR BUSINESS? PestPro reaches more Professional Business than 12,000 pest professionals per issue. Consultants To advertise, contact Sandra at can obtain purchase offers from qualified buyers without [email protected] disclosing your identity. There is no cost as Consultant’s fee is paid by the buyer. This is a FREE APPRAISAL!! 708-744-6715 PestPro fapbcbroker.comx 508-252-4447 magazine is ONLINE at e-mail: [email protected] pestpromagazine.com

and medical advisor for the National Pest While anyone can develop skeeter Day, PhD, a mosquito researcher and Management Association. “This minor syndrome — even those with no prior professor of medical entomology at the allergic reaction is in response to proteins in extreme reaction to mosquito bites — Dr. University of Florida. the mosquito’s saliva.” Murphy says young children, patients with Dabbing your skin with ice, calamine immune system disorders, and travelers lotion, or 1 percent hydrocortisone cream Moderate mosquito bite allergy: exposed to new types of mosquitoes are at can also help tame inflammation, relieve Welts a higher risk. itching, and overall soothe the skin. If that’s not doing the trick, popping an oral What it looks like: slightly raised, smooth, Severe mosquito bite allergy: antihistamine like Benadryl can also turn flat-topped bumps that are usually more Anaphylaxis off your body’s histamine response to reddish than the surrounding skin reduce swelling and itching. What it looks like: hives, lip/tongue What it means: Some people are more More importantly, preventing mosquito swelling, trouble breathing, wheezing, sensitive to the mosquito’s proteins, explains bites in the first place should be your first coughing Dr. Parada. This sensitivity causes them priority. That way, you don’t have to worry to react with larger welts instead of the What it means: While anaphylaxis from about mosquito-borne diseases like Zika traditional small bump. mosquito bites is rare, it can be fatal. or West Nile viruses, or even chikungunya, “However, some studies have found “Patients with anaphylaxis to mosquitoes malaria, and dengue fever if you’re that the reaction is also a function of the will have the typical symptoms of a severe traveling outside of the United States. mosquito’s feeding time,” he adds. “The allergic reaction,” Dr. Murphy says. He Avoiding peak mosquito hours — dusk longer the mosquito feeds, the more mentions hives, lip or tongue swelling, and dawn — investing in an outdoor fan mosquito proteins are released, thereby trouble breathing, wheezing, coughing, to prevent them from flying near you, and increasing the chance of a visible reaction.” and—in severe cases—passing out or applying insect repellent that contains death. “Treatment is the use of injectable ingredients like DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535, and picaridin can go a Serious mosquito bite allergy: epinephrine and seeking immediate medical attention,” he adds. long way in keeping the bug bites at bay. Hives and fever, aka ‘skeeter If you suspect a mosquito bite is causing syndrome’ How to treat and prevent serious symptoms like fever, excessive swelling, hives, and swollen lymph nodes, What it looks like: welts accompanied by mosquito bites seek emergency help. PP skin swelling, heat, redness, and itching or If you fall on the minor-to-moderate end pain, along with a fever of the spectrum, there are a few things you — Kate Bayless, Prevention What it means: You may have a reaction can do at home to help get rid of mosquito May 2019 known as skeeter syndrome, a more extreme bites faster. mosquito bite allergy. It can lead to excessive First, swabbing the bite area with This article was medically reviewed by Shonda swelling of the bite area, as well as feeling rubbing alcohol can help reduce your body’s Hawkins, MSN, a nurse practitioner and member of hot and hard to the touch. Sometimes the histamine response by clearing away the the Prevention Medical Review Board, on June 11, bite area can even blister and ooze. mosquito’s saliva, according to Jonathan 2019. Additional reporting by Markham Heid.

34 PestPro | July / August 2019 SAVE THE D A T E !

July / August 2019 | PestPro 35 FumigationFacts.com

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Customers ask questions because they need your help to make a decision. Use FumigationFacts.com to help them learn more. It contains all the details about fumigation to eliminate drywood termites — and much of it applies to bedbug fumigations too. The site also features the Fumigation Planning Guide and simple videos that show, not just tell, how it works.

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®Trademark of Douglas Products. Vikane is a Restricted Use Pesticide. Always read and follow label directions. These materials have been created specifically for Vikane and no other fumigant. These materials may not be copied, whole or in part, or reproduced without the permission of Douglas Products. ©2018 Douglas Products.

36 PestPro | July / August 2019