Two identical looking species of wood-boring beetles, collectively known as invasive shothole borers (ISHB), have killed thousands of trees in Southern California and pose an ongoing threat to California's urban and wildland forests. These beetles, which are not native to the United States, were first identified in Los Angeles County in 2012 and have since spread to six other counties: Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Ventura.

Beetles, Fungus, and Impact

The polyphagous shothole borer (Euwallacea fornicatus) (Figure 1) and the Kuroshio shothole borer (Euwallacea kuroshio) are small ambrosia beetles that have a symbiotic relationship with several species...

As many school students resume in-person classes, some school districts are requesting students bring disinfectant wipes into school from home. Disposable, disinfectant wipes may seem a simple and convenient solution to in-class cleaning and disinfection needs, but there are several factors school communities must consider.

Disinfectant wipes are pesticides

Disinfectant wipes are registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as antimicrobial pesticides designed to kill or inactivate microbes (germs). Many have “KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN” clearly stated on containers. Disinfection products should not be used by children or near children.

Most K-12 students are...

STOP USE NOTICE: Organic Pesticide Products WHACK OUT WEEDS! and ECOMIGHT-PRO

The California Department of Food and Agriculture's (CDFA) State Organic Program (SOP) is issuing this Stop Use Notice regarding the use of W.O.W. (WHACK OUT WEEDS!) and ECOMIGHT-PRO products manufactured by EcoMight LLC. These products are herbicides that are marketed and labeled as organic. 

W.O.W (WHACK OUT WEEDS!) and ECOMIGHT-PRO products contain organic claims such as...