Pests in the Urban Landscape

San Luis Obispo County has seen more than 20 detections of Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) since January 2018, according to Citrus Insider. The majority of these invasive insects have been found in the backyards of residential properties in the city of Nipomo.

Stone fruit trees like apricot, cherry, nectarine, peach, plum, and prune are a staple of many backyard gardens and landscapes. Unfortunately, there are a variety of pests that can weaken trees and spoil fruit.

May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month, giving us an opportunity to shine a spotlight on a serious illness transmitted by certain ticks. Lyme disease is often associated with the northeastern and upper Midwestern areas of the United States.

Last Saturday, UC IPM staff greeted a swarm of visitors at their Picnic Day booth. Picnic Day, UC Davis' annual Open House event, invites people to visit the campus and interact with fun and educational exhibits.

Snails and slugs can be destructive pests in gardens and landscapes when they devour entire seedlings or chew holes in leaves, flowers, fruit, and even the bark of plants. Manage these pests by getting rid of their hiding places, setting up traps, or planting resistant plants.