The black fig fly is a new invasive species recently found in Southern California. It has been found in fig orchards in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Santa Barbara, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura counties. This small insect attacks only figs and prefers unripe or unpollinated fruit. The adult female lays eggs inside the fig (Figure 1). The larvae that hatch inside the fig damage the fruit by feeding on it (Figure 2). The larvae will make their way out of the fruit, drop to the soil and pupate. Some may pupate inside the fig.
What can you do?
To prevent the spread of this pest, don't move figs out of the counties known to have the black fig...
Now is the time for planting cool-season vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and spinach. We are pleased to share new pest management resources for other cool season vegetables including beets, chard, radishes or turnips. If you're planting herbs, we've also added basil,
- Author: Amy Murillo
- Posted by: Elaine Lander
Backyard chickens are increasingly being raised as pets, for egg production, and for youth development and science projects. While raising chickens can be an interesting and economically beneficial activity, chickens and other fowl may also have pest problems. Chickens are natural hosts to a variety of arthropod pests (called ectoparasites), including mites, lice, and fleas which feed on chickens and use chicken coops as habitats. These pests may cause discomfort to birds and decrease their egg production. This article aims to help people who keep chickens understand and learn treatment options for the common ectoparasites that can affect their animals.
Lice
The most common pests found on backyard chickens include...
With the Super Bowl coming up this weekend, you may be planning delicious snacks to enjoy while watching the game. We, on the other hand, are thinking about how IPM can help home gardeners with some of the fruits and vegetables they grow that might be enjoyed on Super Bowl Sunday.
Having tortilla chips with salsa, guacamole, or 7-layer bean dip? Be sure to check out resources for growing corn, tomato, avocado,
- Author: Elaine Lander
We are fortunate in California that not only can we grow vegetables in summer, but winter gardening is also an opportunity to grow vegetables and spend some time outdoors. Cool-season vegetables include broccoli, brussels sprouts, carrots, cabbage, cauliflower,
