INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (IPM) RESOURCE LIBRARY

• IPM Florida – UF/IFAS Main IPM Hub: The central UF/IFAS portal for all things IPM in Florida. Covers agricultural, community, environmental, and invasive species IPM, with links to publications, photo galleries, videos, planning guides, and educational resources across dozens of crop and pest categories. (UF/IFAS)
• Ask IFAS: Integrated Pest Management Topic Index: A searchable index of all UF/IFAS EDIS publications tagged under Integrated Pest Management, covering research from ornamentals and turf to vegetables, fruits, and public health pests. (UF/IFAS)
• Biological Controls & IPM – Solutions for Your Life: A homeowner-oriented UF/IFAS resource explaining biological control strategies and IPM principles, including beneficial organisms, solarization, and natural pest management products. (UF/IFAS)
• IPM for Home Gardeners – UF/IFAS Leon County Extension: Practical IPM guidance for Florida home gardeners, including scouting techniques, tolerance thresholds, trap crops, beneficial insect encouragement, and responsible pesticide use as a last resort. (UF/IFAS)

• Landscape Integrated Pest Management (ENY-298/IN109): A comprehensive UF/IFAS fact sheet for landscape managers, Extension agents, and Master Gardeners on developing sustainable IPM programs using pest identification, monitoring, action thresholds, biological control, and judicious pesticide use. (EDIS)
• Introduction to the Growers IPM Guide for Florida Tomato & Pepper Production: Outlines the IPM framework for Florida's tomato and pepper industries, describing how biological control and cultural methods reduce pesticide use while increasing crop sustainability. (EDIS)
• Chapter 4: IPM – Vegetable Production Handbook of Florida: Research-based guidance on managing insects, mites, diseases, weeds, and nematodes in Florida vegetable production, with emphasis on proper pest identification before any treatment decision. (EDIS)
• Florida Pesticide Law – Handbook of Florida Water Regulation (FE590): Explains Florida's pesticide regulatory framework under Chapter 487 of the Florida Statutes, including registration, labeling requirements, restricted-use pesticide classifications, and FDACS enforcement roles. (EDIS)
• Biological Control Publications – EDIS Topic Index: Full collection of EDIS publications on biological control, including purchasing commercial natural enemies, classical biocontrol of invasive plants, and profiles of Florida lady beetles and other beneficials. (EDIS)

• Vegetable Crops IPM – IPM Florida: Research-based IPM resources for Florida's major vegetable crops, including tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, and other commodities, with scouting guides and pest management strategies. (UF/IFAS)
• Fruit Crops IPM – IPM Florida: IPM resources for Florida fruit crops including citrus, strawberries, and tropical fruits, covering insect, disease, and weed management from a research-based perspective. (UF/IFAS)
• Commercial Vegetable Production – UF/IFAS: Consolidated access point for Florida commercial vegetable growers providing the latest research, IPM strategies, and regular pest and disease monitoring updates. (UF/IFAS)
• Ornamentals IPM – IPM Florida: IPM resources for Florida's ornamental plant industry, including greenhouse crops, foliage plants, and nursery production, with guidance on biological and chemical management tools. (UF/IFAS)
• Pastures, Turf & Sod IPM – IPM Florida: Research-based IPM guidance for turfgrass, pastures, and sod operations, including mole cricket management, weed control, and reducing pesticide loads in Florida's sensitive water environments. (UF/IFAS)

• Florida School IPM – UF/IFAS: Dedicated UF/IFAS program helping Florida schools implement IPM to protect students from pests and unnecessary pesticide exposure. Includes Best Management Practices tailored for Florida school conditions, welcome packets, and bed bug guidance. (UF/IFAS)
• Landscape IPM – IPM Florida: Resources for homeowners, landscapers, and Extension professionals managing pests in Florida residential and commercial landscapes in an environmentally responsible way. (UF/IFAS)
• Public Health IPM – IPM Florida: Addresses IPM for mosquitoes, ticks, and other public health pests in Florida, including integrated mosquito management (IMM) methods targeting multiple life stages while minimizing environmental impact. (UF/IFAS)
• Household & Structural Pest Control – Solutions for Your Life: Consumer-facing UF/IFAS guidance on managing indoor and structural pests including termites, ants, bed bugs, and wood-destroying insects using IPM principles. (UF/IFAS)

• Invasive Plants IPM – IPM Florida: Research-based resources on managing Florida's invasive plant species through biological, chemical, and cultural methods, including classical biocontrol programs for melaleuca, Brazilian pepper, and climbing ferns. (UF/IFAS)
• Invasive Arthropods – IPM Florida: IPM resources for managing invasive arthropods in Florida, covering species like the Asian citrus psyllid, short-spined thrips, and other non-native insects with significant agricultural and ecological impacts. (UF/IFAS)
• Biological Control Methods – IPM Florida: Covers classical, augmentative, and conservation biological control strategies used in Florida, including guides for purchasing and using commercial natural enemies and importing biocontrol agents. (UF/IFAS)

• IPM Education & Training – IPM Florida: Resources for Extension agents, educators, and practitioners including IPM training materials, PowerPoint presentations on biological control, and selected links to national IPM information sources. (UF/IFAS)
• UF/IFAS Pesticide Information Office: Statewide UF/IFAS office providing training, testing, and recertification for Florida pesticide applicator licenses, including the Core Exam and category-specific exams required by FDACS. (UF/IFAS)
• IPM Teaching Resources – IPM Florida: Educational materials for classroom and Extension use, including the "Intruders in Paradise" guide for middle schoolers covering Florida invasive species. (UF/IFAS)
• IPM Guides, Handbooks & the IPM Academy – IPM Florida: Includes the IPM Academy for structured learning, IPM planning guides, scouting protocols, pest identification and diagnosis resources, and a full library of management method handbooks. (UF/IFAS)

• FDACS Pest Control Licensing & Regulation: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services portal for pest control business licensing, applicator certification, fumigation compliance, and pesticide regulatory information under Chapter 482, Florida Statutes. (FDACS)
• FDACS AES Pesticide Licensing Portal: Online portal to apply for, renew, and manage Florida pesticide applicator licenses; manage CEU courses and continuing education credits; and handle fumigation notices of record. (FDACS)
• Understanding FDACS Pesticide Inspections (PI298): A 2024 UF/IFAS EDIS publication explaining the FDACS pesticide inspection process, guiding pest management professionals through compliance requirements and inspection form content. (EDIS)
• Florida Pesticide Regulations – UF/IFAS Florida Land Steward: Overview of federal (FIFRA/EPA) and state (FDACS/Chapter 487) pesticide laws governing registration, labeling, applicator certification, and enforcement in Florida. (UF/IFAS)

• IPM Florida Diagnostic Support Hub: The IPM Florida overview of all UF/IFAS diagnostic services, with guidance on working through your local county Extension office as a first step, and links to the insect, plant disease, and nematode labs. (UF/IFAS)
• UF/IFAS Insect Identification Lab: The primary statewide service for species-level identification of insects, mites, ticks, spiders, and millipedes. Samples examined by lab manager Lyle Buss; management recommendations provided on request. Fee: $15/sample. Tentative photo-based IDs also accepted via email. (UF/IFAS)
• Insect ID Submission Form (SR022): The required fillable PDF that must accompany all physical samples sent to the UF/IFAS Insect Identification Lab, with instructions for packaging and payment ($15/sample by check, money order, credit card, or Google Pay). (EDIS)
• IFAS Diagnostics – Florida Plant Diagnostic Network (FPDN): UF/IFAS's statewide network for plant pest detection and reporting, with satellite diagnostic clinics in Quincy, Immokalee, Homestead, and Wimauma. Supports first detectors in submitting plant samples and images for diagnosis. (UF/IFAS)
• UF/IFAS Plant Diagnostic Center (PDC): The hub laboratory of the Florida Plant Diagnostic Network, accredited by the National Plant Diagnostic Network. Offers traditional, PCR, and qPCR-based diagnosis for fungal, bacterial, and viral pathogens. Fee-based service open to all Florida residents. (UF/IFAS)
• Sample Submission Guide for Plant Diagnostic Clinics (SR007): Step-by-step instructions for collecting, packaging, and shipping plant samples to Florida's Extension Plant Diagnostic Clinics. Essential reading before sending any sample. (EDIS)
• UF/IFAS Nematode Assay Lab: Provides accurate identification and population counts of plant-parasitic and soilborne nematodes, along with management recommendations. Laboratory assay of soil and roots is usually necessary since nematode symptoms closely mimic drought stress and nutrient deficiencies. (UF/IFAS)
• Rapid Turf Diagnostic Service (RTDS): A specialized fee-based service for turfgrass managers requiring fast turnaround. Preliminary diagnoses delivered within 1–3 business days with direct involvement of the UF Extension Turfgrass Pathologist. Fee: $75 for domestic samples. (UF/IFAS)
• Distance Diagnostic & Identification System (DDIS): A digital platform allowing UF/IFAS Extension agents and clients to submit photos and field data to specialists for rapid remote diagnosis of plant diseases, insects, weeds, invasive species, and nutrient problems. (UF/IFAS)
• UF/IFAS Identification Resources Guide – Solutions for Your Life: A consumer-facing overview of all UF/IFAS identification services — insects, plants, plant diseases, and soils. Note: The insect ID fee listed on this page ($8) is outdated; the current fee is $15/sample per EDIS SR022 (August 2024). Always confirm current fees directly with the lab. (UF/IFAS)

• UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County: Main portal for Sarasota County's Extension office at Twin Lakes Park. Programs cover pest management, landscaping, natural resources, horticulture, and sustainability. Features a dedicated Chemicals in the Environment agent specializing in insect identification, IPM, and green industry licensing. Phone: 941-861-9900. (UF/IFAS Sarasota)
• IPM: A Reasonable and Responsible Approach to Pest Control – Sarasota Extension Blog: A locally authored Extension blog series introducing IPM tailored to Sarasota County residents, covering prevention, monitoring, action thresholds, and why broad-spectrum preventive pesticide applications harm beneficial insects and create pesticide resistance. (UF/IFAS Sarasota)
• Beneficial Insects of Sarasota County – UF/IFAS Extension: A locally maintained guide to the beneficial predator and parasitoid insects found in Sarasota County landscapes — lady beetles, assassin bugs, syrphid flies, tachinid flies, and more — with IPM scouting tips specific to local conditions. (UF/IFAS Sarasota)
• Mosquito FAQs – UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County: Research-based answers to common Sarasota County mosquito questions, covering public-health mosquito species, biological control tools (Bti, mosquitofish), and coordination with Sarasota County Mosquito Management Services. (UF/IFAS Sarasota)
• Sarasota County Mosquito Management Services – IPM Facility Tour: A 2025 UF/IFAS article documenting the county's integrated mosquito management program, including sentinel chicken surveillance, resistance testing, and mosquitofish breeding. Note: MMS relocated to a new facility in November 2025. See scgov.net/mosquito for current details. (UF/IFAS Sarasota)
• Sarasota County Mosquito Management Services: The county agency responsible for mosquito surveillance and IPM-based population reduction. Residents can request services and learn about larvicide and adulticide treatments, including the county's free mosquitofish distribution program. MMS relocated to a new facility in Nokomis in late 2025. (Local Government)
• IPM – Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County: The Sarasota DOH Environmental Health office promotes IPM to control pests in the least harmful way possible. Includes a PDF consumer guide for Sarasota County residents, with an emphasis on non-chemical methods and public health outcomes. (Local Government)
• Sarasota County Plant & Pest Help Desk / Master Gardener Plant Clinic: Local diagnostic assistance via the UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County Master Gardener Plant Clinic. Trained Master Gardeners assist with plant and pest identification, and can escalate samples to statewide UF/IFAS diagnostic labs when needed. (UF/IFAS Sarasota)
• UF/IFAS Southwest Florida Research & Education Center (SWFREC) – Immokalee: The regional UF/IFAS research hub for Southwest Florida, with active programs in pest management, plant and citrus pathology, weed science, and vegetable/citrus horticulture. Houses a satellite Florida Plant Diagnostic Network clinic and serves growers across the region. Phone: 239-658-3400. (UF/IFAS)
• UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County: Serving Charlotte County (Port Charlotte) with research-based IPM guidance, horticulture programs, and Master Gardener support. Phone: 941-764-4340. (UF/IFAS)
• UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County: Serving Manatee County (Palmetto) with Florida-Friendly Landscaping guidance, plant diagnostic clinics, Master Gardener services, and research-based IPM education for homeowners, landscapers, and growers. Phone: 941-722-4524. (UF/IFAS)
• UF/IFAS Extension Collier County: Serving Collier County (Naples) with an environmental horticulture/pest management specialist on staff, providing IPM resources for residential and commercial clients across Southwest Florida. Phone: 239-252-4800. (UF/IFAS)
• UF/IFAS Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory (FMEL): One of the world's largest research institutions devoted to the biology and control of medically important insects. FMEL's extension programs train mosquito control and public health professionals statewide and serve as a key research resource for Southwest Florida's mosquito management districts. (UF/IFAS)

• Southern IPM Center: USDA-funded regional center supporting IPM research, extension, and education across the southern United States, including Florida. Maintains pest management strategic plans and crop profiles relevant to Florida growers. (Southern IPM Center)
• National Pesticide Information Center: Cooperative agreement between Oregon State University and U.S. EPA providing objective, science-based information about pesticides and pesticide-related topics to enable people to make informed decisions. (National Pesticide Information Center)
• EPA Integrated Pest Management in Schools: Federal guidance and resources for implementing IPM in K-12 school environments, complementing Florida's School IPM Best Management Practices developed by the UF/IFAS Florida School IPM program. (U.S. EPA)
• EPA IPM Principles: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's foundational explanation of IPM principles, complementing Florida's science-based extension programs and providing the federal regulatory context for IPM adoption. (U.S. EPA)

Contact UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County or your local/county Extension office:

• https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasota/
• https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/