Pests in the Urban Landscape

Praying mantids are well-known predators we often see lurking around gardens, landscapes, and sometimes near porch lights, waiting for a tasty meal to arrive. Praying mantid adults are 2 to 4 inches (5-10 cm) long and are usually yellowish, green, or brown.

You may see leafhoppers in your garden or landscape this time of year as they hop about feeding on a variety of plants. You can distinguish these small, wedge-shaped insects from other pests by their tendency to quickly jump or crawl rapidly sideways when disturbed.

[Modified from the original article in the Summer 2018 issue of the Retail Nursery and Garden Center IPM News] We all have our favorite products, whether it's laundry detergent, shampoo, or a pesticide you know works against the pests in your home or garden.

Yellowjackets have a well-deserved reputation for being aggressive since they often sting when defending their nests or when they encounter people while out scavenging for food. This time of year, yellowjacket colony populations are increasing, and people may encounter them more frequently.

[From the Summer issue of the UC IPM Retail Nursery & Garden Center News] When you use firewood in the great outdoors, be aware that moving firewood can transport tree-killing insects and diseases.