UF/IFAS Extension, Columbia County
Commercial Horticulture Newsletter
Columbia Green
Newsletter for the Green Industry
October 2015
News
UF/IFAS Extension
Columbia County
971 W. Duval St., #170
Lake City, FL 32055
(386) 752-5384
Commercial
Encountering Snakes on the Job Site
Give them space, recognize venomous species
Nichelle Demorest
[email protected]
Inside this issue:
Snakes - Continued
2
What are Online
CEUs?
2
Black Twig Borer
3
Landscape Activities
For Nov. and Dec.
3
Florida Guide to
Perennials Book
3
LCLM Workshop
Thursday, Oct. 5th
4
Remain calm if you come across a
snake—whether venomous or nonvenomous. Snakes are not aggressive
and would rather avoid human interaction, but they can strike if they are afraid.
They may not even give warning by coiling first. Although most snake encounters involve harmless species, knowing
the look and behavior of venomous
snakes is essential when dealing with
these creatures. If you want to identify a
snake that you come across, make sure
to maintain a safe distance.
There are 46 species of snakes that
are native to Florida, but only six are
venomous; the Eastern Diamondback
Rattlesnake, Timber Rattlesnake, Pygmy Rattlesnake, Copperhead, Cottonmouth and Coral Snake.
The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is found throughout the state and
is the state’s largest venomous snake—
with sizes typically ranging from 3 to 6
feet. This species can be identified by its
large head that has a dark band from its
eye to its jaw and the large black diamond pattern (with beige boarders) on
its back. These snakes also have rattles
on their tails that may make a buzzing
noise if they feel threatened.
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes
are often found in wooded areas, but
they occasionally drift into suburban
neighborhoods. If you happen to come
across an Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, it is best to leave it alone. This
snake can strike up to two-thirds of its
length and has a large amount of toxic
venom, so examine this one from afar.
Timber Rattlesnakes can grow to 5
feet or longer and are typically pinkish
gray to tan, although they can be darker.
They also have prominent dark marks
and bands. These snakes can be found
in moist pinelands, river bottomlands
and hammocks in northern Florida and
sometimes in the Panhandle.
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Columbia Green
The Pygmy Rattlesnake is the smallest venomous snake in
Florida and averages 1 foot long. This small snake is also the most
commonly encountered venomous snake in the state. They are often found in a variety of urban settings and residential neighborhoods. To protect yourself against these defensive snakes, you
should wear leather gloves while gardening, as they are often found
in gardens and flower beds
Pygmy Rattlesnakes can be spotted by a dark banding on their
faces that runs from each eye to the corner of their jaws, as well as
their gray bodies with dark blotches. As the name suggests, these snakes have a rattle on their tail, but they
are so small the rattle can’t be heard even when it shakes vigorously. Although small, Pygmy Rattlesnakes
bob their heads and strike if they feel threatened.
Coral Snakes can be found throughout Florida, but they spend much of their lives
underground avoiding human contact. These small snakes (rarely longer than 30
inches) can be identified by the alternating bands of yellow, black, and red along their
bodies. Coral Snakes look similar to two species of non-venomous snakes, but don’t
be fooled—if you see a red band touching a yellow band, it’s definitely a Coral Snake.
Cottonmouths or Water Moccasins
are aquatic snakes and can be found in
lakes, rivers and wetlands throughout
the state. Adults average about 3 feet in
length, although they could be longer,
and are dark colored. Young cottonmouths, on the other hand, are brightly
colored and resemble Copperhead
snakes. True to its name, when a Cottonmouth is threatened, it may open its mouth wide to reveal a cotton-white interior. Although many water
snakes are harmless, they may look similar to the Cottonmouth and are quick to bite, so it is best to stay
away from all water snakes.
Copperheads only occur in the Panhandle—primarily along the Apalachicola
River in wet areas. Copperheads are typically less than three feet long and are
light brown to gray with dark brown hourglass shaped bands along their backs.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw229
Recognizing Florida's Venomous Snakes
By Steve A. Johnson and Martin B. Main
Photo Credits: Steve Johnson, UF; John Jensen, GDNR
What are Online CEUs?
Learn more about CEUs and program requirements through the
UF/IFAS Pesticide Information
Office: http://pested.ifas.ufl.edu/
Pesticide applicators may be able to recertify their licenses by earning
the required Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Our CEUs online
courses can be accessed at any time. However, in order to receive
credit for taking the course, the CEU must be purchased. $20.00 ea.
The Pesticide Information Office confirms that the CEU module has
been completed and sends you an attendance certificate.
Page 3
Professionals
Black Twig Borer
The eggs hatch and the larvae feed on the plant’s
tissue and fungus that the adult beetle brought in to
Xylosandrus compactus
grow on the chamber walls. AfThis is one of the few
ter pupation, the new brood
Ambrosia beetles that
adults emerge through entrance
infests healthy plants.
holes of the parent beetles.
Ornamental shrubs and trees seldom die from infesIn Florida, host plants include
tations, but the loss of growth and vigor can be
maples, beautyberry bush, pecan, redbud, hickory,
substantial. The photo above shows an adult female sugarberry, white dogwood, sweetgum, southern
black twig borer in a southern magnolia twig.
magnolia, ironwood, redbay, sycamore, water oak,
The female is 1.5 to 2 mm long, stout, cylindrical
swamp laurel oak, elder, willow and Leyland cypress.
and brownish black. The adult male is about half the
Leaf curl and wilting of twigs and branches usually
size, flightless, and rarely found outside the brood
become evident within weeks after beetle infestation.
chamber. The mature larvae are about 2 mm long
Entrance holes are small and are located on the unwith a pale brown head capsule and a creamy white, derside of branches. The frass around the hole indilegless body.
cates a new infestation.
Only the females initiate infestation of host plants.
Pruning and destruction of beetle-infested plant
She bores an entrance tunnel into the twig’s pith or
material is highly recommended. Simultaneously,
wood and forms a small cavity where she deposits a apply good tree care practices to promote tree vigor
cluster of eggs. A
and health to aid in recovery from beetle damage. If
small twig usually has an insecticide is warranted, check for phytotoxicity
only one female, but
prior to application by spraying one or two branches
larger diameter
and follow label directions carefully.
branches may have
up to 20 females in a Taken from UF/IFAS Publication #EENY311
By W. N. Dixon, R. E. Woodruff and J. L. Foltz
large chamber.
Landscaping and Gardening Activities for November and December
*Perk up the landscape with color from cool season plants including
pansies, violas, petunias, snapdragons, mums, alyssum and more.
*Many herbs can be planted now from seeds or as plants. Some that like cool, dry
weather are cilantro, dill, fennel, parsley, sage and thyme.
*Continue planting cool season crops in the vegetable garden or in the edible
landscape; beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, kale, English peas.
*Good time for soil tests and controlling scale with dormant oil spray.
*But it is Not Time to prune or fertilize shrubs and trees.
*Check out the gardening calendar at http://solutionsforyourlife.com/
Your Florida Guide to Perennials:
Selection, Establishment, and Maintenance
SP 301 $18.95
by Brown and Schoellhorn
Perennials provide extended seasons of color that enhance any landscape. Covers selection,
use, and care of over 250 perennials in a user friendly format. Nearly 200 full-color photos aid in
easy identification. This is a great resource for landscapers and designers.
The UF/IFAS Bookstore offers a great selection of many must-have Resource Materials.
To Order:
[email protected] or Call Toll Free 800-226-1764
Page 4
UNIVERSITY OF
FLORIDA/IFAS
UF/IFAS Extension
971 W. Duval St., #170
Lake City, FL 32055
Phone: 386-752-5384
[email protected]
Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance Workshop
Location: UF/IFAS Extension, Columbia County
971 W. Duval St. #170, Lake City, FL 32055
When: Thursday, November 5th, 2015 8:15 am - 3:15 pm
Certification to apply herbicides, insecticides and fungicides to ornamental plant
beds, plants, driveways, sidewalks and path areas (Also know as roundup license)
6 total CEUs. 3 Core, and 3 L&O, LL&O, or LCLM
LCLM Certification— obtain the 6 approved CEUs needed
LICENSE RENEWAL - Attend partial day for renewal CEUs
Solutionsforyourlife.com
8:15 Registration and Pretest
Session Topics:
Pesticides and Environmental Concerns, Herbicides and IPM,
Pesticide Label and the Law, Common Weed ID,
Major Insect Groups, LCLM Laws and Regulations
3:00—3:15 Application Info, CEU Distribution, Posttest
Let us help you
avoid costly fines...
Obtain your
LCLM
Certification
or
Get CEUs to
renew a
Certification
3:30 Test Option
You may elect to take exam after training ONLY if you bring completed paperwork.
Paperwork includes completed application, completed proof of insurance form, a 2” x
2” headshot photo, a $150 check to FDACS, and a picture ID. Credit card if online test.
Download forms for Limited Commercial Landscape Certification at:
www.freshfromflorida.com/Business-Services/Search-by-Business/Pest-Control/Forms-and-Publications
Pre-study recommended. FDACS charges you $150 for each retake!
Purchase books at UF/IFAS bookstore www.ifasbooks.com. 1-800-226-1764
$30 Registration payable to : University of Florida.
Lunch is included.
Pre-registration is required
Call Linda at 386-752-5384
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution