Every summer, a handful of insect pests can become a real nuisance when they invade your space, bite, or sting you. Whether you take a staycation or a vacation, you'll want to watch our videos for tips on how to deal with these pests when you encounter them.
1 Ants: What to do if you have an ant emergency
2 Bed bugs: Don't bring bed bugs home when you travel!
3 Mosquitoes:...
/h2>/h2>/h2>- Author: Lauren Snowden
- Editor: Melissa G. Womack
From the UC Master Gardener Statewide Blog
The tomato is one of the most versatile and rewarding plants to grow in a summer edible garden. According to a 2014 study by the National Gardening Association, 86 percent of homes with vegetable gardens grow tomatoes. It's understandable that the tomato plant is a popular home vegetable garden staple, tomatoes offer thousands of different varieties options and flavors. Plus, nothing beats the flavor of a ripe tomato straight from the garden!
When properly cared for, a single tomato plant can produce 10 to 15 pounds (4.5 to 6.8 kg) or more of fruit. If tomato yields aren't what was...
This week is National Mosquito Control Awareness Week (June 26-July 2nd). The goal of the campaign is to remind people to protect themselves against mosquitoes especially in the summer months.
In the past, information about mosquitoes instructed people to avoid being outside at dusk. However, some of the mosquitoes species that carry the Zika virus are considered “day” biters, so it is important to protect yourself at all times while outdoors. Keep this in mind if you plan to camp, attend a barbecue, or sit by a pool.
Certain mosquitoes can breed in very small amounts of water. Make sure your yard or landscape is not a habitat for mosquitoes by covering or cleaning up an items that can hold...
If you've noticed some odd-looking bugs in your garden or landscape recently, you might have leaffooted bugs. These medium to large sized insects feed on certain fruits, fruiting vegetables, nuts and ornamental plants.
Life Cycle
Adult females can lay over 200 eggs during a two-month period during spring. The eggs hatch and the nymphs emerge and can be found together with the adults. During spring and summer, there can be two to three generations of leaffooted bugs in your landscape!
In spring, leaffooted plant bugs often feed on thistles and other weeds. When fruits start to ripen, adults migrate into gardens and landscapes and can be found feeding on tomatoes, pomegranates, and citrus as well as ornamental...
/h2>- Author: Jeannette E. Warnert
From the UCANR Green Blog
UC entomologist Anton Cornel, based at the UC Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center, is working with the Consolidated Mosquito Abatement District in Fresno County to battle Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the species that can spread zika, chikungunya, dengue and yellow fever viruses, reported Barbara Anderson in the Fresno Bee.
(While populations of aedes aegypti