Plants, critters to avoid on base

  • Published
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  The South Florida area is ripe with vegetation and the climate for exciting outdoor activities. Whether out a hiking or working on outdoor projects, it's important to be aware of critters and plant species that can inflict harm.

Below is an overview of some of these harmful plants and critters at Homestead Air Reserve Base. The information was provided by members from the Environmental Flight here at the 482nd Mission Support Group.

Poison Wood is a native plant that is common throughout the undeveloped areas on base. It can be encountered growing as small barely noticeable new short plants or as decent sized trees. Its sap is far more caustic than Poison Ivy causing severe skin reactions, often requiring heavy use of steroids for treatment. Telltale signs to identify the tree include compound shiny leaves, often with black spots.

Brazilian Pepper is an invasive, non-native plant in South Florida that is causing a nuisance. It's in the same plant family as Poison Ivy and Poison Wood. Although not anywhere near as caustic as Poison Wood, its sap can cause rashes on the skin or eye discomfort. The red berries on this tree are helpful in identifying this poisonous plant.

Scorpions: There are a number of native and non-natives species that have been encountered on base. The most common is the Florida Bark Scorpion and they're often found within pallets or other training materials left lying around in the quieter areas of base. Although not as deadly as the Arizona species, they can cause problems depending on an individual's sensitivity to the venom.

Velvet Ants have been encountered in a number of places in the more remote portions of the base. Because of their bright colors and relatively large size, people tend to pick them up thinking they're hairy ants, but they belong to a wingless group of wasps with very painful stings.

Snakes: All four species of venomous snakes native to South Florida can be found on base. These are the Florida Diamondback, Water Moccasin (also known as the Cottonmouth), Pygmy Rattler and Coral Snake. Areas of the base to watch out for Diamondbacks include the pump house and along the canal levees. Water Moccasins have been encountered at various locations within the airfield infield and along the canal banks. The Pygmies can be found usually in the drier, quieter open areas on base. They have very cryptic coloration, and because of their small size, the rattle is hard to hear. Coral snakes have been found on a number of occasions by U.S. Department of Agriculture experts in open areas along the flight line.

Others: Fire ants, Brown Recluse Spiders, and Black Widow Spiders.

In addition to poisonous plants and critters to avoid, South Florida is home to mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are known vectors of West Nile virus, which sickened 2,374 people and killed 114 in the U.S. in 2013, reported the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While West Nile virus primarily is a bird disease, mosquitoes bite infected birds and then bite humans, transmitting the virus. Using mosquito repellant can help minimize the number of mosquito-bite related irritations and infections.

Be sure to stay on guard and watch out for these plants and critters to stay safe from the various dangers they pose.