October 1, 2025
The smartest landscapes prepare now for what winter and spring will bring. October in Alachua County might look peaceful - lawns slow, humidity drops, and mornings finally cool - but beneath that calm, landscapes are far from asleep.
As growth slows above ground, insects begin to move below it. They burrow into mulch, nest beneath bark, and feed quietly on weakened trees and shrubs preparing for dormancy. By the time damage appears in spring, the problem has already been growing for months.
That's why Allegiance Landscaping treats fall as prevention season - a time to strengthen the landscape before pests and disease take advantage of its transition.
Unlike northern states, Florida rarely experiences cold enough weather to pause pest activity entirely. UF/IFAS studies confirm that species such as spider mites, scale insects, and borers remain active deep into winter.
As plants redirect nutrients toward their roots, tender tissue and sap-rich stems become easy feeding targets. Early intervention during this window is the key to protecting the property's canopy health through spring.
Identify signs of stress before they turn into infestations. Pay close attention to shaded corners, low-lying areas, and sections near irrigation heads where water lingers - these zones create ideal hiding places for overwintering insects.
Use UF/IFAS- and FDACS-approved horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps to smother active pests like scale or aphids. These selective treatments protect beneficial insects and preserve bark integrity.
All treatments follow Alachua County fertilizer and buffer regulations - no nitrogen applications from July through February, no phosphorus without verified deficiency, and 10- foot protection zones from waterways.
You'll find it near sidewalks, parking strips, and high-traffic play areas — anywhere the soil is compacted. The fix? Break the compaction before spring. Fall core aeration allows air and moisture back into the root zone, helping turf reclaim those bare patches before Goosegrass does. Because it germinates as soil warms past 70°F, acting now prevents a major spring outbreak later.Reinspect later in the season to confirm control, fine-tune irrigation schedules, and prune selectively for airflow. A balanced, well-managed landscape discourages pest return through winter.
As humidity drops, mites thrive on azaleas, gardenias, and other ornamentals. They feed on leaf undersides, leaving behind yellow stippling and fine webbing. Early detection allows gentle oil applications before populations build.
These immobile pests attach to stems and drain sap, leaving sticky residue that encourages black sooty mold. Dormant oil treatments in October and November interrupt their overwintering cycle safely and effectively.
Borers create unseen damage inside trunks and branches. Tiny holes and sawdust-like debris (frass) are early warning signs. Prevention focuses on health: avoid trunk injury, remove weak limbs, and keep soil evenly moist.
Cooler weather doesn't stop aphids from feeding on new shoots. Their honeydew attracts ants and mildew, quickly spreading across shrubs. Insecticidal soaps remove them without harming pollinators.
A few simple cultural practices reduce nearly every pest risk:
The work done this fall decides how your property looks next spring — and whether you're managing problems or preventing them.
Destination: Excellence.