- Author: Belinda J. Messenger-Sikes
(Credit: Jack Kelly Clark)
All mistletoes infest and grow as parasites on trees and large shrubs. In some cases, the host plant can be severely damaged. But recent studies have shown that broadleaf mistletoes can shelter and feed wildlife, including birds and small mammals. So, mistletoes are both parasitic plants and bird food!
Because mistletoes can damage trees, you may decide to do something about mistletoes infesting your trees. The first step is to find out whether you're dealing with broadleaf or dwarf mistletoe. Mistletoes differ in their life cycles, the damage they cause and management methods. UC Cooperative Extension Advisors Igor Lacan (San Mateo and San Francisco Counties), Steven Swain (Marin County) and Ed Perry (Stanislaus County,...
UC IPM is excited to continue with our monthly urban and community IPM webinars. Webinars cover pest identification, management, and pesticide use around homes and gardens for California residents.
Spring webinar registration is now open to the public. All webinars are one hour, held on the third Thursday of the month at 12:00pm noon. The webinars are free, but advance registration is required. Please see below for a list of upcoming webinars and check out the webinar website for more information.
Upcoming Webinars
- February 17, 2022: Bed Bug Prevention.
- Author: Elaine Lander
- Author: Karey Windbiel-Rojas
Recent wet weather in many parts of the state has spurred emergence of winter weeds. How these weeds are managed varies by the type of weed and where it's growing. In IPM, identification is always the first step toward effective pest management. A few common weeds you may be seeing in your garden or landscape now are profiled below.
Oxalis
Also known as Bermuda buttercup, buttercup oxalis, or sourgrass, this weed grows throughout California's coastal and inland landscapes. It can be a weed in lawns, flowerbeds, groundcovers, and shruby areas around the home. It has an upright growth with 3 heart-shaped leaflets and produces bright yellow flowers in late winter or early spring. See
- Author: Elaine Lander
(Credit: Jack Kelly Clark)
Fungal spores spend the winter on twigs and buds before germinating in the spring....
We all encounter pests in our homes, gardens, and landscapes, but which ones are most popular in California? While we can't say for certain, website traffic to UC IPM's Pest Notes gives us a glimpse of popular pests. Here are the top ten most frequently viewed publications in 2021.
1. Aphids
These insects may be small, but they can quickly build up large populations. With many different species in California that feed on vegetables, flowers, fruit trees, and woody ornamentals, aphids are a common sight in landscapes and gardens. Year after year, aphids continue to hold the top spot. Learn more about aphids and their management in
