Recap of September 2025 First Friday with Florida First Detector
This September, we continued our tradition of kicking off another year of First Fridays webinars with a refresher on the fundamentals of invasive species. Whether you’re brand new to the topic or a returning participant in our First Friday webinar series, this session was all about building a strong foundation. We focused on the key characteristics of invasive species and the role each of us plays in detecting and managing them here in Florida.
So, what makes a species “invasive”? Simply put, an invasive species is non-native to an area and causes some type of harm. That harm may come in the form of agricultural losses, environmental damage, or risks to human and animal health. A species can also check multiple boxes causing harm to different aspects of our state.
Take the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), for example. While not yet established in Florida, this invasive pest has been spreading in other parts of the U.S. and poses a serious threat to crops and landscapes. Monitoring for it now is part of Florida’s proactive approach to invasive species management.
Florida is especially vulnerable to new invasions due to its mild climate, diverse habitats, and high volume of international travel and trade. With numerous ports, airports, and year-round tourism, our state sees a constant flow of goods and people, which unfortunately increases the chances of unwanted hitchhikers arriving.
But invasive species management isn’t just up to scientists and government agencies. Everyone has a role to play. If you’re a gardener, farmer, landscaper, land manager, or just someone who enjoys the outdoors, you can help by:
Avoiding movement of uninspected plants and produce, especially when traveling.
Keeping an eye out for unusual pests or damage in your landscape or on the job.
Reporting suspicious finds to your local Extension office or submitting samples for ID.
Participating in community events, like invasive species clean-ups or educational workshops.
These efforts may seem small, but early detection is key to stopping the spread of invasive pests before they become widespread.
Our First Fridays with Florida First Detector series is here to help you stay informed! Each month, we explore different invasive pests relevant to Florida and provide tools to help you recognize potential threats to our state. Whether you’re a professional or a concerned citizen, we meet monthly to train you all to become skilled “first detectors!”
Resources for Diagnostics
UF/IFAS Diagnostic Services (Plant Disease, Insects, Nematodes, Soil/Water, Plant/Weed, etc.)
Distance Diagnostic and Identification System
Your Local County Extension Office
FDACS Sample Submission
Resources on Invasive Species
Florida Invasive Species Council
Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas
Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey
National Plant Diagnostic Network
National Invasive Species Information Center
Protect U.S.
UF IFAS Assessment of Non-native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas
Want to watch the recording?
What is the upcoming schedule?
We are meeting online via Zoom from 12:00PM-1:00PM on the First Friday of every month from Sept 2022-Aug 2026. Maybe longer too! Please visit this blog for registration information and the upcoming schedule for Sept. 2025-2026.
Questions?
Contact Dr. Morgan Pinkerton, morgan0402@ufl.edu
Or
Visit the Florida First Detector Website
The post September 2025 First Friday with Florida First Detector appeared first on UF/IFAS Pest Alert.
Recap of September 2025 First Friday with Florida First Detector This September, we continued our tradition of kicking off another year of First Fridays webinars with a refresher on the fundamentals of invasive species. Whether you’re brand new to the topic or a returning participant in our First Friday webinar series, this session was all about
The post September 2025 First Friday with Florida First Detector appeared first on UF/IFAS Pest Alert.
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Source: UF/IFAS Pest Alert
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