Invasive Species Programs

FAST FACT: Six invasive termite species are established in Florida, and among these, the Formosan subterranean termite, the Asian subterranean termite and the West Indian drywood termite pose particular concern for residents and the pest-control industry because they cause most of the structural damage. Asian and Formosan termites have the ability to mate and potentially create a new, hybrid spe

Invasive Invertebrates

This section includes programs and research related to invasive insects, arachnids, mollusks and crustaceans.

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Biosecurity Research and Extension Lab

Focuses on investigating invasive, arthropod species of potential concern to Florida's landscape, natural areas, and agriculture. The BRE lab creates a variety of extension pest diagnostic guides, fact sheets, and e-learning modules. Additionally, BRE research is translated into extension workshops and publications for Florida clientele.

Entomology and Nematology Department

Florida is home to a unique, diverse set of both natural and threatened ecosystems that occurs nowhere else on the planet. Understanding the biodiversity of insects and nematodes offers unparalleled opportunities to measure the impact of human activities on these fragile ecosystems. Our state is also a gateway to invasive species. The ever-increasing movement of goods and people to our state from around the world makes Florida an important point of entry for invasive pests requiring constant vigilance and novel methods of detection and mitigation once they arrive. Invasive Species Programs: Pest Management, Biological Control, Integrated Pest Management Florida.

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Florida First Detector

A multiagency educational effort focused on enhancing the early detection of invasive pests that threaten agriculture, nursery industries, and natural areas. Our website provides scripted presentations for educators of Master Gardeners, small farm producers, nursery growers, public garden staff, and state park personnel. Our website also directly links interested members of the public and past workshop attendees to Florida-focused e-Learning modules which are offered through the UF/IFAS Plant Biosecurity University canvas catalog.

UF/IFAS Mosquito Beacons Program

Mosquito BEACONS

The Mosquito Biodiversity Enhancement and Control of Non-native Species (BEACONS) working group has members from Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, and North and South Carolina, and consists of academic researchers, mosquito control personnel and senior management, private pest control, state public health and agriculture entities, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Pest Management University

A cooperative effort between the industry, University of Florida IFAS, and Department of Agriculture Consumer Services whose mission is to be a world leader in training the pest control industry by delivering quality instruction using science-based information on current technologies, with concern for the environment, and human health and well-being.