Pests in the Urban Landscape

Originally posted August 26, 2016; edited July 10, 2018 Have you seen big green beetles in your California yard or garden? Or beetles feeding on your roses or other plants? There are many kinds of beetles commonly found in our landscapes, but the Japanese beetle is not one of them.

When you see spiders in your garden, you may wonder if they can hurt you or your pets. The good news is, most spiders are not likely to bite or cause lasting harm if they do.

[Article modified on April 13, 2019 to correct inaccuracies.] New label changes will alter how fipronil is applied by pest management professionals (PMPs) in urban environments, particularly between November and February, during California's typical rainy season.

Rodenticides continue to come under scrutiny in California due to issues surrounding the potential for nontarget injury to wildlife and pets.

[From the Spring issue of the UC IPM Retail Nursery & Garden Center News] I hate crabgrass! is a common lament I've heard from residents during my 35 years as a UCCE Weed Science Farm Advisor.