- Author: Karey Windbiel-Rojas
It's cold out right now in Sacramento so we don't typically see many ants roaming around outdoors much. Indoors where it's warmer, can be a different story however.
About a year ago, I started seeing a few random large ants wandering around my house. Because it wasn't a trail of ants that I could see going to any particular food source, I wasn't too concerned. Random ant? No big deal. Then they were gone with the cold weather.
As the weather warmed up, I noticed in one bedroom closet, some droppings that looked like a mixture of chewed stucco, various insect body parts, and some black bits of something. I wasn't seeing ants at this time, just this debris. What was causing it? Could it be carpenter ants?
Two...
- Author: Karey Windbiel-Rojas
As I sit in my hotel tonight and work from atop my bed, I thought it would be useful to share the practice I always use each and every time I stay in a hotel: checking for bed bugs.
Bed bugs can occur in any hotel whether it's a 5-star or 1-star hotel. I tend to stay in hotels rated somewhere in between these, but I always check for bed bugs before even putting my things away or sitting down.
It doesn't take long and you will be glad you did it. Please watch this short video and keep yourself safe from bringing home these very troublesome pests.
- Author: Karey Windbiel-Rojas
I enjoy sharing backyard citrus and produce as much as anyone. Unfortunately, as backyard citrus trees start to overflow with their bounty and we are of course in the giving and sharing spirit, I have to remind everyone who lives in certain parts of Sacramento County that the Oriental fruit fly quarantine is still in place.
I called the California Department of Food and Agriculture today to check on this, and they responded that no, the quarantine has not yet been lifted and may not be for several more months.
The Oriental fruit fly is an invasive insect pest that can cause...
- Author: Karey Windbiel-Rojas
My blog called "Urban Pest News" sounded too boring so I decided yesterday to change the name to "Community Pest News". Maybe still not very exciting, but there you have it!
I'll still be updating you with news and information about pests and issues around Sacramento, Yolo, and Solano counties as well as announcements about new or updated resources from the University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program (UC IPM).
Thank you for reading my blog and please share with your friends, neighbors, and colleagues.
- Author: Karey Windbiel-Rojas
Are you interested in urban entomology? Do you wonder what that bug is you found in your carpet? Or maybe you love ladybird beetles and want to find out more about them.
Come learn about and see indoor and outdoor insects this Sunday, November 18 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Bohart Museum of Entomology, during their next open house. And I will be there so come down and visit with me!
The Bohart Museum is located in Room 1124 of the Academic Surge Building on Crocker Lane, UC Davis campus. The event is free and family friendly, with arts and crafts planned for adults and kids alike.
Read more about this event and other upcoming Bohart Museum activities in the