- Author: Siavash Taravati
Licensing for perimeter spraying under California's pest control laws is dependent on the situation and site (Table 1). Structural Pest Control Board (SPCB) licensees, Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) Qualified Applicator License (QAL) holders, and DPR Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) holders are all legally allowed to make perimeter spray applications to control ants and other pests immediately around structures. However, the intent of these applications determines the specific license needed.
SPCB licenses
If the perimeter spraying is performed to prevent the entry of ants or other insects into the structure, then a structural license is required. If the pests are coming from the lawn, then the...
/h2>- Author: Siavash Taravati
- Posted by: Elaine Lander
Human lice (singular “louse”) are parasitic insects found on people. Adult lice are small (about 1/8 inch (3 mm) long or less) wingless insects that move by crawling. There are three species of lice that exclusively feed on humans: the head louse, the body louse, and the crab or pubic louse.
The head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis) and the body louse (Pediculus humanus humanus) are members of the same species, but the crab (pubic) louse (Pthirus pubis) is from a different insect family. All are pests of public health importance. Treatment is usually prescribed by medical professionals and should be focused on the infested person and their belongings. Use the following descriptions to...
- Author: Siavash Taravati
- Posted by: Elaine Lander
Western drywood termites (Incisitermes minor, Figure 1) are an important pest of structural wood in California, causing millions of dollars in damage annually. These termites are very cryptic, hidden in their galleries within wood members (pieces of wood), and only emerge during swarming. As a result, wood damage usually goes unnoticed for a long time.
Control options are generally categorized as either whole-structure treatment (heat treatment and fumigation) or local treatments (insecticide injection into the wood, high-power microwaves, electrocution, and other techniques).
Despite...
- Author: Siavash Taravati
[From the Fall 2018 issue of UC IPM's Green Bulletin newsletter]
The dark rover ant (Brachymyrmex patagonicus) is an invasive species which is increasingly being noticed in Southern California. It is a nuisance species that invades structures as both workers and winged (alate) individuals.
This article aims to introduce structural and landscape pest management professionals (PMPs) to the dark rover ant and includes several important references for readers to learn what is currently known about its biology, behavior, and control.
Identification
Dark...
/span>- Author: Siavash Taravati
Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys, is an invasive pest native to East Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan) which was first sighted in the United States in 1996 in Allentown, PA, and reached California in 2006 (Pasadena and San Marino). It is currently established in several regions in California including Los Angeles, Santa Clara, Stanislaus, San Joaquin, Sacramento, Yolo, Sutter, Butte, and Siskiyou counties.
Since its introduction, BMSB has spread to 38 states on the East and West Coasts, where it has caused damage to fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants. BMSB is also a significant nuisance pest for residents and businesses, since it may invade structures in large numbers for overwintering during...