UC IPM recently hosted a webinar on rat management presented by Dr. Niamh Quinn. During this webinar attendees were able to ask the expert their burning questions about rats and their management. Below are responses to common questions from the webinar.
To view the recording of this webinar, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuKU6izZozo. Or visit the Pest Notes: Rats fact sheet that was recently revised by Dr. Quinn.
Rat Identification
Q: How do I know whether I have a roof rat or a Norway rat?
- Author: Karey Windbiel
![Flower of yellow nutsedge. [Credit: Jack Kelly Clark]](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/UCIPMurbanpests/blogfiles/110412small.jpg)
As the end of 2024 approaches, I'd like to reflect on the UC IPM Urban and Community program's accomplishments and share what's to come from us in 2025.
Some highlights:
- Published an updated version of the Pesticide Active Ingredient Database which provides information about common active ingredients found in pesticide products including how the ingredient works, application tips, example products, and impacts to aquatic organisms, pollinators, human health, and natural enemies.
- Revised and redesigned our web pages on
In a recent TikTok video, a woman's holiday baking spree came to a halt when she discovered bugs in her flour. While initially alarmed, the woman was also intrigued. What are they? Where did they come from? How did they get into the container?
There are many kinds of bugs, or pantry pests, that could infest your baking ingredients like flour, oats, and even dried fruit. And they are quite common–even in the cleanest kitchens! These pests can be brought into your home with infested packages of food. Since these insects and their eggs are very small, they are easily overlooked. You might not notice you have a pantry pest infestation until you see...
Read Spotted Lanternfly: The Need to Remain Vigilant (part 1) here.
The spotted lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive insect pest first detected in Pennsylvania in 2014, with confirmed sightings and/or infestations of SLF now reported in 20 eastern states. SLF is not currently found in California; however, accidental introductions threaten future establishment. From 2022 to the present, there have been 48 interceptions of SLF entering California, with 38 of these found on aircraft during airport inspections. Spotted lanternfly eggs have been intercepted on firewood, metal plates for construction, military equipment, and incoming nursery...
Take the following steps to keep your plants healthy and pest-free this winter. Refer to the UC IPM Seasonal Landscape IPM Checklist for more monthly pest management to-dos for your region so you can prevent pests and their damage in the garden and landscape.
Here are some general pest tips for the month of December:
- Clean up fallen fruit and leaves to avoid harboring pests.
- Protect sensitive plants from frost or cold injury when freezing temperatures are predicted.
- Hose aphids off of sturdy plants or apply insecticidal oils and soaps....
