- Author: Karey Windbiel-Rojas
The redhumped caterpillar is a familiar pest of fruit and nut trees such as plum, almond, cherry, and apple, as well as ornamental trees like liquidambar and birch. These caterpillars can reach high populations in our area, sometimes defoliating entire branches or entire trees.
The newly revised Pest Notes: Redhumped Caterpillar, authored by Area IPM Advisor Emily Symmes and Steve Dreistadt, UC Statewide IPM Program, describes the pest, its life cycle, and how the insect damages plants. The peer-reviewed publication also describes management techniques, including use of insectary plants, cultural controls, and biological control.
- Author: Karey Windbiel-Rojas
I've had a few calls about raccoons recently; reports ranging from them getting into trash cans at night, to even a report of one coming through a friend's open kitchen window and licking the butter dish!!
Raccoon sightings are not new to residential areas. While they normally live in natural habitats, they can easily adapt and survive in urban settings where they may damage garden plants, knock over garbage cans or compost piles, and eat backyard fruits, nuts and vegetables.
Problems in and around the home can also occur when female raccoons look for nesting sites. They can cause damage by ripping off shingles and other structural features when trying to get into the attic or underneath decks. Odors and other issues may...