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That is right! Fertilizer is regulated in Florida and in Orange County and beyond! You are required to learn about it and follow the rules. We want to keep things interesting and beneficial for you, the landscape professionals. This year, UF/IFAS Extension Orange County is partnering with the Sun Spot Safety program to offer a [&#8230;]

That is right! Fertilizer is regulated in Florida and in Orange County and beyond! You are required to learn about it and follow the rules. We want to keep things interesting and beneficial for you, the landscape professionals. This year, UF/IFAS Extension Orange County is partnering with the Sun Spot Safety program to offer a short lunch and learn lesson with sun safety swag for attendees of the GI-BMP classes in Orange County.
Every person who applies fertilizer for hire is required by law to have a Limited Certification for Urban Landscape Fertilizer application. 
That means we need more GI-BMP trainers, too! Email me: hwooten@ufl.edu 
Work with me to attend a training, become a GI-BMP certified instructor (see below), or schedule an in-house training event. 
In Orange County, Florida, there are additional training requirements and/or application restrictions for ALL types of fertilizer applicators. Fertilizer is regulated because we know that fertilizer drives algae growth in lakes and contributes to other water quality issues. Proper application of fertilizer keeps lawns green and waters blue! There are 3 steps to satisfy the legal requirements of Florida Law and the Orange County Fertilizer Ordinance.
<ol>
<li>State of Florida training requirements: GI-BMP (Green Industries Best Management Practices) is a 6-hour training about best landscaping practices. Every prospective fertilizer applicator is required to attend the 6-hour class and pass an exam with a 75% or higher score. Once you pass, you have your GI-BMP Certificate forever. You must complete STEP 2 in order to be a certified applicator. <a href="https://gibmp.ifas.ufl.edu/">The class is available in a variety of formats and languages, English, Spanish, and Creole, on the GI-BMP website.</a><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/files/2023/08/GIBMP-blog-flyer-2024.png"><img decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" class=" wp-image-13619 alignright" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/files/2023/08/GIBMP-blog-flyer-2024-231x300.png" alt="" width="442" height="574" /></a>
<ul>
<li>WHAT: Green Industries Best Management Practices (GI-BMP)</li>
<li>CEUs: 4 total FDACS CEUs in the following categories &#8211; 2 Core 482, 2 Core 487, 2 Private Ag, 2 Ornamental Turf, 2 Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance (LCLM), 2 Limited Lawn &amp; Ornamental, 2 Limited Urban Fertilizer, 2 Commercial Lawn &amp; Ornamental</li>
<li>WHEN:
<ul>
<li>In person, English: Thursday, September 19th, from 8:15 am &#8211; 3:30 pm</li>
<li>In person, Spanish: Thursday, December 12th, from 8:15 am &#8211; 3:30 pm</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>WHERE: UF/IFAS Extension Orange County /  6021 S. Conway Rd. / Orlando, FL 32812</li>
<li>COST: $30</li>
<li>PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED: <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/o/ufifas-extension-orange-county-31268897759">ocextension.eventbrite.com</a></li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>State of Florida licensing requirements: Limited Urban Fertilizer Certification is the license required to be obtained through FDACS upon successful completion of the GI-BMP Class and Exam in STEP 1. This is the license that CERTIFIES YOU AS A FERTILIZER APPLICATOR. You are required to recertify every 4 years with 4 CEUs (2 Core 482 and 2 Limited Urban Fertilizer). A live GI-BMP class will satisfy the CEU requirement for license renewal for any individuals that have already taken the GI-BMP and passed the exam. Whether a new trainee or recertifying, you will upload your GI-BMP certificates or your CEU forms here: <a href="https://aesecomm.freshfromflorida.com/Default.aspx?type=EPC">https://aesecomm.freshfromflorida.com/Default.aspx?type=EPC.</a></li>
<li>Orange County Fertilizer Ordinance Requirements: <a href="https://www.orangecountyfl.net/Environment/FertilizeResponsibly.aspx#:~:text=All%20areas%20of%20property%20covered,subject%20to%20the%20fertilizer%20ordinance.&amp;text=Fertilizers%20containing%20nitrogen%20applied%20in,(expected%20by%20July%202020).">Orange County has a fertilizer ordinance.</a> You MUST do STEP 1 and 2 and then work with Orange County to complete STEP 3. There are local regulations linked. Fertilizers applied in Orange County must have limited Nitrogen (65% slow release), 0 Phosphorus (unless soil test shows deficiency), no grass clippings in streets, 25 foot setbacks near water, and use of deflector shields. You are required to show proof of licensure and GET A DECAL FOR YOUR VEHICLES used during application.<img decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-3970 alignright lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/files/2020/10/applicator-decal-1-300x300.png"></li>
</ol>
<h3>Want to become a GI-BMP Certified Instructor?</h3>
Do you feel like you are good at teaching others on your team? Elevate your skills and certifications by becoming a GI-BMP Certified Instructor!
<a href="https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/media/fflifasufledu/docs/gi-bmp/Becoming_a_GI-BMP_Certified_Instructor.pdf">https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/media/fflifasufledu/docs/gi-bmp/Becoming_a_GI-BMP_Certified_Instructor.pdf</a>
You can teach in-house classes or help teach public trainings. Most importantly, you get to share your passion, skills, and experience with others.
There are some basic requirements, including passing your GI-BMP exam with at least a 90%, then taking an instructor class, and then teaching 2 in-person classes (one module) while attending the entire training day so you can learn the ropes. If you are interested in becoming an instructor, scout out the training days for 2023 so you know when you would need to be available to teach. It typically takes about 1 year to get all the classes you need.
<a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/files/2022/08/BLOG-22.10-OC-Fert-Ord-Flyer-Copy.png"><img decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-8683 aligncenter lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="643" height="834" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/orangeco/files/2022/08/BLOG-22.10-OC-Fert-Ord-Flyer-Copy.png"></a>

That is right! Fertilizer is regulated in Florida and in Orange County and beyond! You are required to learn about it and follow the rules. We want to keep things interesting and beneficial for you, the landscape professionals. This year, UF/IFAS Extension Orange County is partnering with the Sun Spot Safety program to offer a short lunch and learn lesson with sun safety swag for attendees of the GI-BMP classes in Orange County.
Every person who applies fertilizer for hire is required by law to have a Limited Certification for Urban Landscape Fertilizer application. 
That means we need more GI-BMP trainers, too! Email me: hwooten@ufl.edu 
Work with me to attend a training, become a GI-BMP certified instructor (see below), or schedule an in-house training event. 
In Orange County, Florida, there are additional training requirements and/or application restrictions for ALL types of fertilizer applicators. Fertilizer is regulated because we know that fertilizer drives algae growth in lakes and contributes to other water quality issues. Proper application of fertilizer keeps lawns green and waters blue! There are 3 steps to satisfy the legal requirements of Florida Law and the Orange County Fertilizer Ordinance.
State of Florida training requirements: GI-BMP (Green Industries Best Management Practices) is a 6-hour training about best landscaping practices. Every prospective fertilizer applicator is required to attend the 6-hour class and pass an exam with a 75% or higher score. Once you pass, you have your GI-BMP Certificate forever. You must complete STEP 2 in order to be a certified applicator. The class is available in a variety of formats and languages, English, Spanish, and Creole, on the GI-BMP website.

WHAT: Green Industries Best Management Practices (GI-BMP)
CEUs: 4 total FDACS CEUs in the following categories – 2 Core 482, 2 Core 487, 2 Private Ag, 2 Ornamental Turf, 2 Limited Commercial Landscape Maintenance (LCLM), 2 Limited Lawn & Ornamental, 2 Limited Urban Fertilizer, 2 Commercial Lawn & Ornamental
WHEN:

In person, English: Thursday, September 19th, from 8:15 am – 3:30 pm
In person, Spanish: Thursday, December 12th, from 8:15 am – 3:30 pm
WHERE: UF/IFAS Extension Orange County /  6021 S. Conway Rd. / Orlando, FL 32812
COST: $30
PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED: ocextension.eventbrite.com
State of Florida licensing requirements: Limited Urban Fertilizer Certification is the license required to be obtained through FDACS upon successful completion of the GI-BMP Class and Exam in STEP 1. This is the license that CERTIFIES YOU AS A FERTILIZER APPLICATOR. You are required to recertify every 4 years with 4 CEUs (2 Core 482 and 2 Limited Urban Fertilizer). A live GI-BMP class will satisfy the CEU requirement for license renewal for any individuals that have already taken the GI-BMP and passed the exam. Whether a new trainee or recertifying, you will upload your GI-BMP certificates or your CEU forms here: https://aesecomm.freshfromflorida.com/Default.aspx?type=EPC.
Orange County Fertilizer Ordinance Requirements: Orange County has a fertilizer ordinance. You MUST do STEP 1 and 2 and then work with Orange County to complete STEP 3. There are local regulations linked. Fertilizers applied in Orange County must have limited Nitrogen (65% slow release), 0 Phosphorus (unless soil test shows deficiency), no grass clippings in streets, 25 foot setbacks near water, and use of deflector shields. You are required to show proof of licensure and GET A DECAL FOR YOUR VEHICLES used during application.
Want to become a GI-BMP Certified Instructor?
Do you feel like you are good at teaching others on your team? Elevate your skills and certifications by becoming a GI-BMP Certified Instructor!
https://ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/media/fflifasufledu/docs/gi-bmp/Becoming_a_GI-BMP_Certified_Instructor.pdf
You can teach in-house classes or help teach public trainings. Most importantly, you get to share your passion, skills, and experience with others.
There are some basic requirements, including passing your GI-BMP exam with at least a 90%, then taking an instructor class, and then teaching 2 in-person classes (one module) while attending the entire training day so you can learn the ropes. If you are interested in becoming an instructor, scout out the training days for 2023 so you know when you would need to be available to teach. It typically takes about 1 year to get all the classes you need.

That is right! Fertilizer is regulated in Florida and in Orange County and beyond! You are required to learn about it and follow the rules. We want to keep things interesting and beneficial for you, the landscape professionals. This year, UF/IFAS Extension Orange County is partnering with the Sun Spot Safety program to offer a […]

9/19/24 GI-BMP in Orange County + Sun Spot Safety Lunch with Swag!

As we enter the period when our Florida hurricane season gets more active, the National Weather Service (NWS) has offered a series of webinars, sharing guidance and tools to help keep ourselves and our communities safe. I&#8217;m highlighting a few key takeaways in this article and providing resources to explore further. Think more &#8220;How do [&#8230;]

As we enter the period when our Florida hurricane season gets more active, the National Weather Service (NWS) has offered a series of webinars, sharing guidance and tools to help keep ourselves and our communities safe. I&#8217;m highlighting a few key takeaways in this article and providing resources to explore further.
<h1>Think more &#8220;How do I prepare?&#8221;, less &#8220;What can I expect?&#8221;</h1>
Often with hurricanes, we focus on watching to see what we can expect, holding off on preparations until we know more about what the storm will do. I know I tend to do this, too, and it makes sense to a certain extent. However, knowing the devastation that hurricanes can cause and our level of risk as a peninsular state, it may be a good idea to approach storm preparation a little differently.
<h1>Know your risk and plan accordingly</h1>
Focusing on &#8220;what can I expect from the storm?&#8221; puts us in a place of waiting until a later date to get ready. While we have to weigh our risk against the effort spent preparing, there are ways we can be appropriately prepared and take early precautions without too much effort. By knowing more about our specific risks, we can prepare now, regardless of what each individual storm will bring. For example:
<figure id="attachment_2445" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2445" style="width: 500px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-2445" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/martinco/files/2024/08/Cat-5-storm-surge-risk-MC_cropped-300x133.jpg" alt="Map showing storm surge risk in Martin County." width="500" height="222" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2445" class="wp-caption-text">Storm surge risk map of Martin County as of August 1, 2024. Blue: less than 3 feet above ground; Yellow: greater than 3 feet; Orange: greater than 6 feet; Red: greater than 9 feet. Source: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/nationalsurge/</figcaption></figure>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/nationalsurge/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/nationalsurge/">Know your storm surge flood risk</a>: Are you in an area where there is a risk of storm surge flooding? If not, then you know when those surge warnings come out, you don&#8217;t have to worry about taking more precautions. Storm surge flooding can extend further inland than you may expect, so don&#8217;t rule it out without checking! I was surprised to find how close the 1-foot and 3-foot storm surge areas are to where I live. And remember that storm surge may affect your evacuation route as well, even if it doesn&#8217;t affect your home or business. For example, portions of US Highway 1 near the north fork of the St. Lucie River are at risk of 3 feet or more of storm surge.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.floridadisaster.org/knowyourzone/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.floridadisaster.org/knowyourzone/">Know your evacuation zone</a>: You may already know your zone, but if you don&#8217;t, it&#8217;s quick and easy to find out and make a note of it.
<figure id="attachment_2443" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2443" style="width: 456px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-2443" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/martinco/files/2024/08/MC-Evacuation-zones-pinkE-redA-yellowC-300x146.jpg" alt="Map of evacuation zones in Martin County, FL." width="456" height="222" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2443" class="wp-caption-text">Evacuation Zone Map for Martin County, FL as of August 1, 2024. Source: https://www.floridadisaster.org/knowyourzone</figcaption></figure></li>
<li><a href="https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/hurricane-supply-checklist" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/hurricane-supply-checklist">Gather disaster supplies</a>: Tornadoes and thunderstorms extend out well beyond the hurricane force winds, and they can bring power outages, winds, and flooding rains. Having flashlights, batteries, and the like on hand will prepare us for any storm. Many of these items we already have stored at home. We just need to make sure they&#8217;re accessible and purchase any missing pieces. The disaster supply kit we prepare now will be with us through the rest of the season and beyond, only requiring periodic re-stocking of specific items needed.</li>
</ul>
<h1>Connect with your family, friends, and neighbors</h1>
<ul>
<li>Could you offer a place of refuge for family or friends who live in areas affected by storm surge or evacuations? If you&#8217;re in an evacuation or surge risk zone, do you have friends or family nearby who could be a refuge for you and your family?</li>
<li>The experience of storms and the emotional toll of another uncertain hurricane season can be draining. Talking with friends, family, and neighbors about shared experiences helps us all feel connected and supported.</li>
</ul>
The above are highlights and key pieces of the abundant resources available to us in preparing for storms. I hope they help you and your family and community to stay safe this hurricane season and into the future.
<h1>Resources for more information</h1>
<a href="https://www.weather.gov/jax/FloridaTropicalTrainingWeek2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.weather.gov/jax/FloridaTropicalTrainingWeek2024">NWS Florida Tropical Training week</a> &#8211; recorded presentations and resources 
<a href="https://www.weather.gov/safety/hurricane-ww" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.weather.gov/safety/hurricane-ww">NWS Hurricane Tracking Tools</a> &#8211; hurricane and tropical storm watches, warnings, advisories and more 
<a href="https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-cke-saved-href="https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes">Ready.gov Hurricanes</a> &#8211; hurricane preparation and recovery guidance 
<a href="https://disaster.ifas.ufl.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-cke-saved-href="https://disaster.ifas.ufl.edu/">UF Disaster Preparation and Recovery</a> &#8211; includes USDA guides for agricultural producers

As we enter the period when our Florida hurricane season gets more active, the National Weather Service (NWS) has offered a series of webinars, sharing guidance and tools to help keep ourselves and our communities safe. I’m highlighting a few key takeaways in this article and providing resources to explore further.
Think more “How do I prepare?”, less “What can I expect?”
Often with hurricanes, we focus on watching to see what we can expect, holding off on preparations until we know more about what the storm will do. I know I tend to do this, too, and it makes sense to a certain extent. However, knowing the devastation that hurricanes can cause and our level of risk as a peninsular state, it may be a good idea to approach storm preparation a little differently.
Know your risk and plan accordingly
Focusing on “what can I expect from the storm?” puts us in a place of waiting until a later date to get ready. While we have to weigh our risk against the effort spent preparing, there are ways we can be appropriately prepared and take early precautions without too much effort. By knowing more about our specific risks, we can prepare now, regardless of what each individual storm will bring. For example:
Storm surge risk map of Martin County as of August 1, 2024. Blue: less than 3 feet above ground; Yellow: greater than 3 feet; Orange: greater than 6 feet; Red: greater than 9 feet. Source: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/nationalsurge/

Know your storm surge flood risk: Are you in an area where there is a risk of storm surge flooding? If not, then you know when those surge warnings come out, you don’t have to worry about taking more precautions. Storm surge flooding can extend further inland than you may expect, so don’t rule it out without checking! I was surprised to find how close the 1-foot and 3-foot storm surge areas are to where I live. And remember that storm surge may affect your evacuation route as well, even if it doesn’t affect your home or business. For example, portions of US Highway 1 near the north fork of the St. Lucie River are at risk of 3 feet or more of storm surge.
Know your evacuation zone: You may already know your zone, but if you don’t, it’s quick and easy to find out and make a note of it.
Evacuation Zone Map for Martin County, FL as of August 1, 2024. Source: https://www.floridadisaster.org/knowyourzone
Gather disaster supplies: Tornadoes and thunderstorms extend out well beyond the hurricane force winds, and they can bring power outages, winds, and flooding rains. Having flashlights, batteries, and the like on hand will prepare us for any storm. Many of these items we already have stored at home. We just need to make sure they’re accessible and purchase any missing pieces. The disaster supply kit we prepare now will be with us through the rest of the season and beyond, only requiring periodic re-stocking of specific items needed.
Connect with your family, friends, and neighbors
Could you offer a place of refuge for family or friends who live in areas affected by storm surge or evacuations? If you’re in an evacuation or surge risk zone, do you have friends or family nearby who could be a refuge for you and your family?
The experience of storms and the emotional toll of another uncertain hurricane season can be draining. Talking with friends, family, and neighbors about shared experiences helps us all feel connected and supported.
The above are highlights and key pieces of the abundant resources available to us in preparing for storms. I hope they help you and your family and community to stay safe this hurricane season and into the future.
Resources for more information
NWS Florida Tropical Training week – recorded presentations and resources
NWS Hurricane Tracking Tools – hurricane and tropical storm watches, warnings, advisories and more
Ready.gov Hurricanes – hurricane preparation and recovery guidance
UF Disaster Preparation and Recovery – includes USDA guides for agricultural producers

As we enter the period when our Florida hurricane season gets more active, the National Weather Service (NWS) has offered a series of webinars, sharing guidance and tools to help keep ourselves and our communities safe. I’m highlighting a few key takeaways in this article and providing resources to explore further. Think more “How do […]

Hurricane Season: Know your risk and prepare early

The ding of my phone recently alerted me to a message from one of our vegetable growers in Martin County. He noticed a proliferation of snails climbing his papaya trees and wanted to know what they were. He shared a photo (at right) showing the snails covering a papaya trunk and leaves, splotches of snail [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_2417" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2417" style="width: 298px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-2417" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/martinco/files/2024/07/IMG_1226-225x300.jpg" alt="Papaya tree infested with ghost snails and their snail poop." width="298" height="398" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2417" class="wp-caption-text">An aggregation of ghost snails colonizing a papaya tree. Photo credit: Carl Frost, Kai-Kai Farm.</figcaption></figure>
The ding of my phone recently alerted me to a message from one of our vegetable growers in Martin County. He noticed a proliferation of snails climbing his papaya trees and wanted to know what they were. He shared a photo (at right) showing the snails covering a papaya trunk and leaves, splotches of snail poop dotting their paths as they crawled along. I reached out to a few of our UF specialists through the <a href="https://ddis.ifas.ufl.edu/">UF/IFAS Distance Diagnostic and Identification System</a> (DDIS), and received a response back from Lyle Buss, Sr. Biological Scientist and Insect ID Lab Manager. Lyle reported these mollusks were a species of Bulimulus, which were first found in Florida in 2009. The snail is still spreading into new areas, and during a subsequent site visit to a Martin County nursery, I tentatively identified it among ornamental plants along a field border. UF researcher Dr. Lauren Diepenbrock of the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred has been studying the Bulimulus snail as an emerging pest of citrus, and she shared current research updates with me for this blog. The information that I&#8217;m sharing here is summarized from her presentation &#8220;<a href="https://crec.ifas.ufl.edu/media/crecifasufledu/citrus-research/docs/seminars/Diepenbrock3_1_23_2023.pdf">Bulimulus Snails: An Emerging Citrus Pest</a>.&#8221;
<h1>Be on the lookout</h1>
The Bulimulus snails we have here are either B. sporadicus or B. bonariensis, sometimes referred to as &#8220;peanut snails&#8221; or &#8220;ghost snails.&#8221; Not to add to any fear they may already be causing, right?! They are about 1/2- to 1-inch in length, conical in shape, with a light brown or tan coloration. As illustrated in the photo above, they tend to aggregate, moving together in large groups. The ghost snail shares similarities with the amber snail and the giant African land snail. All three are conical and of similar color. However, the ghost snail shell has multiple whorls, while the giant African land snail has fewer whorls and the amber snail has only one large body whorl. As its name would suggest, the giant African land snail grows to a much larger size than the other snails, though juveniles may be of the same size as the ghost snail.
<figure id="attachment_2413" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-2413" style="width: 538px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class=" wp-image-2413" src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/martinco/files/2024/07/Comparison-with-amber-and-GALS-300x103.jpg" alt="Side-by-side comparison of shells from the amber snail, ghost snail, and giant African land snail." width="538" height="185" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-2413" class="wp-caption-text">Pictured left to right, the amber snail, ghost snail, and giant African land snail. Photo credits: Jon Bremer.</figcaption></figure>
<h1>Use care to avoid spread</h1>
Native to Central and South America and the Caribbean, Bulimulus likely arrived here on more than one occasion and from multiple source locations. Bulimulus are &#8220;tree-dwelling&#8221; snails. They also climb other things, like microjets, barns, homes, even playground equipment. They were first reported in 2009 in Duval County, where members of a shell club brought them to attention. The ghost snail has since been reported in almost half of Florida&#8217;s counties, from the western reaches of the panhandle through the southern tip of the state. With such a wide distribution, Dr. Diepenbrock suspects the snails are likely present in more counties than have been reported so far, including now Martin County. They have been found on cargo, farm equipment, and people, all of which likely assist in their spread to new areas. Scientific studies have documented their spread in fields of peanut, soybean, corn, and cotton, moving distances of 20 feet in the first week after infestation.
<h1>Know about its life cycle and growth</h1>
Bulimulus hatch from eggs buried under the soil surface. Their shells gradually grow and harden. Calcium is a key element of their diet to develop strong shells. Like many other mollusks, adult ghost snails are hermaphrodites, which means they can produce both male and female gametes. Ghost snails reproduce via sexual reproduction. They live several years, grazing on preferably dead or decaying plant material. In recent years, they have been observed feeding on living plant tissue as well.
<h1>Take steps to prevent/manage an infestation</h1>
Researchers at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and UF, like Dr. Diepenbrock, are looking for ways growers and others can reduce ghost snail populations and prevent further spread. It&#8217;s not easy, in part because the snails&#8217; shell and mucus help them survive inhospitable conditions, including our attempts to kill them. For example, they can seal up their shell opening, preventing moisture loss during periods of drought. Additionally, snail mucus is known to detoxify a wide range of pesticides. With their built-in protections, topical insecticide treatments often do not kill the snails. Though they may appear to be affected, they return to normal within 1-2 days after treatment. Since most pesticides cannot penetrate their shell and slime effectively, researchers are testing different baits. Snails have been found to ingest the baits in container-based lab studies, resulting in mortality. They are now working to determine the best timing for bait applications and testing baits in open field conditions. Researchers are also looking for natural predators that can be used to manage the snails.
No matter the treatment, it&#8217;s always easier to manage a pest if it can be detected early, before it builds up a large population. Scout early and often for the ghost snail and other pests. If you need help or if you would like to participate in research studies to evaluate control methods, reach out to your <a href="https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/">local UF/IFAS Extension</a> office. County Extension Agents collaborate with one another and with UF specialists to help growers, landscapers, homeowners, municipalities and others identify and manage pests affecting crops and landscapes across the state.

An aggregation of ghost snails colonizing a papaya tree. Photo credit: Carl Frost, Kai-Kai Farm.
The ding of my phone recently alerted me to a message from one of our vegetable growers in Martin County. He noticed a proliferation of snails climbing his papaya trees and wanted to know what they were. He shared a photo (at right) showing the snails covering a papaya trunk and leaves, splotches of snail poop dotting their paths as they crawled along. I reached out to a few of our UF specialists through the UF/IFAS Distance Diagnostic and Identification System (DDIS), and received a response back from Lyle Buss, Sr. Biological Scientist and Insect ID Lab Manager. Lyle reported these mollusks were a species of Bulimulus, which were first found in Florida in 2009. The snail is still spreading into new areas, and during a subsequent site visit to a Martin County nursery, I tentatively identified it among ornamental plants along a field border. UF researcher Dr. Lauren Diepenbrock of the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred has been studying the Bulimulus snail as an emerging pest of citrus, and she shared current research updates with me for this blog. The information that I’m sharing here is summarized from her presentation “Bulimulus Snails: An Emerging Citrus Pest.”
Be on the lookout
The Bulimulus snails we have here are either B. sporadicus or B. bonariensis, sometimes referred to as “peanut snails” or “ghost snails.” Not to add to any fear they may already be causing, right?! They are about 1/2- to 1-inch in length, conical in shape, with a light brown or tan coloration. As illustrated in the photo above, they tend to aggregate, moving together in large groups. The ghost snail shares similarities with the amber snail and the giant African land snail. All three are conical and of similar color. However, the ghost snail shell has multiple whorls, while the giant African land snail has fewer whorls and the amber snail has only one large body whorl. As its name would suggest, the giant African land snail grows to a much larger size than the other snails, though juveniles may be of the same size as the ghost snail.
Pictured left to right, the amber snail, ghost snail, and giant African land snail. Photo credits: Jon Bremer.
Use care to avoid spread
Native to Central and South America and the Caribbean, Bulimulus likely arrived here on more than one occasion and from multiple source locations. Bulimulus are “tree-dwelling” snails. They also climb other things, like microjets, barns, homes, even playground equipment. They were first reported in 2009 in Duval County, where members of a shell club brought them to attention. The ghost snail has since been reported in almost half of Florida’s counties, from the western reaches of the panhandle through the southern tip of the state. With such a wide distribution, Dr. Diepenbrock suspects the snails are likely present in more counties than have been reported so far, including now Martin County. They have been found on cargo, farm equipment, and people, all of which likely assist in their spread to new areas. Scientific studies have documented their spread in fields of peanut, soybean, corn, and cotton, moving distances of 20 feet in the first week after infestation.
Know about its life cycle and growth
Bulimulus hatch from eggs buried under the soil surface. Their shells gradually grow and harden. Calcium is a key element of their diet to develop strong shells. Like many other mollusks, adult ghost snails are hermaphrodites, which means they can produce both male and female gametes. Ghost snails reproduce via sexual reproduction. They live several years, grazing on preferably dead or decaying plant material. In recent years, they have been observed feeding on living plant tissue as well.
Take steps to prevent/manage an infestation
Researchers at the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and UF, like Dr. Diepenbrock, are looking for ways growers and others can reduce ghost snail populations and prevent further spread. It’s not easy, in part because the snails’ shell and mucus help them survive inhospitable conditions, including our attempts to kill them. For example, they can seal up their shell opening, preventing moisture loss during periods of drought. Additionally, snail mucus is known to detoxify a wide range of pesticides. With their built-in protections, topical insecticide treatments often do not kill the snails. Though they may appear to be affected, they return to normal within 1-2 days after treatment. Since most pesticides cannot penetrate their shell and slime effectively, researchers are testing different baits. Snails have been found to ingest the baits in container-based lab studies, resulting in mortality. They are now working to determine the best timing for bait applications and testing baits in open field conditions. Researchers are also looking for natural predators that can be used to manage the snails.
No matter the treatment, it’s always easier to manage a pest if it can be detected early, before it builds up a large population. Scout early and often for the ghost snail and other pests. If you need help or if you would like to participate in research studies to evaluate control methods, reach out to your local UF/IFAS Extension office. County Extension Agents collaborate with one another and with UF specialists to help growers, landscapers, homeowners, municipalities and others identify and manage pests affecting crops and landscapes across the state.

The ding of my phone recently alerted me to a message from one of our vegetable growers in Martin County. He noticed a proliferation of snails climbing his papaya trees and wanted to know what they were. He shared a photo (at right) showing the snails covering a papaya trunk and leaves, splotches of snail […]

Bulimulus Snails: Ghoulish New Florida Residents

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