- Author: Mackenzie Faith Patton
The invasive pest spotlight focuses on emerging or potential invasive pests in California. In this issue we are covering West Nile virus.
West Nile Virus Facts
West Nile virus disease was first reported in California in 2003 and has become the most common and serious vector-borne disease in California. With the exceptionally wet weather in 2023, reported cases of this mosquito-borne virus doubled compared to the previous year.
West Nile virus is spread by mosquitoes in the genus Culex. Usually, the virus passes between mosquitoes and birds, but mosquitoes can also transmit the virus to humans, horses, and other domestic animals.
Because mosquitoes can get the virus...
/h2>- Author: Lauren Fordyce
Lately you may have seen some large, leggy insects bumbling around on your home, bouncing off walls and ceilings. What are these?
While many people call them “mosquito eaters” or “mosquito hawks,” they are actually crane flies. And unfortunately, they do not eat mosquitoes. Many reports claim that they bite or sting, and this is also false. The adults are harmless and many species don't even have mouthparts to feed at all! However, their larvae can be pests of lawns and turfgrass.
Larvae are to 1-1/2 inches long, brown, and wormlike with very tough skin. They may resemble white grubs, but crane fly larvae do not have legs. The majority of lawn damage from crane flies is...
Mosquito Awareness Week, observed April 16 - 22, 2023, educates California residents about mosquitoes and how to help prevent the spread of mosquito-transmitted diseases.
One of the wettest years in history has left standing water across the state, creating perfect conditions for mosquitoes to develop. Stagnant water creates havens for disease-spreading mosquitoes, and mosquito experts are concerned this could be a long and intense mosquito season.
“After record amounts of rainfall this year, it is really important for all Californians to dump and drain standing water that has accumulated in their yards, porches,...
- Author: Elaine Lander
- Editor: Karey Windbiel-Rojas
While many of you are preparing for the 4th of July holiday, we at UC IPM are also thinking about stars and stripes but in a slightly different way: yellow starthistle and striped skunks.
We usually have pests on the brain, so we wanted to remind you of the resources we have to help you with pest management. Whether you have a pest in your home, or outdoors on lawns,
As summer quickly approaches and we find ourselves getting outside a bit more, remember to take care to protect yourself from mosquitoes.
According to Gary Goodman, District Manager of Sacramento Yolo Mosquito and Vector control, many residents are anxious and excited to get outside and enjoy the warm weather so it's important to protect yourself from mosquito bites by wearing a good mosquito repellent.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend using an insect repellent that contains the active ingredients DEET, Picaridin, IR3535 or the plant-based oil of lemon eucalyptus. Aside from personal protection against mosquito bites, it's important to ensure mosquitoes are not breeding at home. Drain...