- Author: Dong Hwan Choe
- Author: Chow-Yang Lee
- Author: Michael K Rust
Ants are one of the major seasonal pests around structures in California's urban environments. Pest management companies throughout the state report that ants are responsible for a significant proportion of their pest control services. In urban residential areas of California, the Argentine ant, Linepithema humile, is the most common nuisance ant species treated by pest management professionals (PMPs) as well as the public themselves (Figure 1).
While contact insecticides are frequently used to control Argentine ants, they also contribute to environmental contamination via drift and runoff. However, insecticide applications following California's recent regulatory changes and label updates may fail to control...
- Author: Niamh M Quinn
- Author: Roger A Baldwin
- Author: Carolyn Whitesell
Pocket gophers can cause significant damage to valuable turf, girdle trees, and chew irrigation lines. Their mounds can create tripping hazards and lead to erosion concerns when found on slopes. Luckily there are multiple successful management options to choose from when it comes to managing pocket gophers.
Do I have a pocket gopher?
Pocket gophers are small burrowing rodents that are often identified from the damage they cause rather than a sighting of the animal itself. Pocket gophers spend most of their time below the surface and while it is possible to see them above the ground, or peeping out of a burrow (Figure 1), the easiest way to determine the presence of pocket gophers is by the...
/h2>- Author: Lauren Fordyce
Follow these general tips for the month of March to prevent pests in the garden and landscape. To view more tips specific to your region, visit the Seasonal Landscape IPM Checklist on the UC IPM website.
- Look for aphids and their natural enemies such as predaceous bugs, lacewings, lady beetles, and syrphid flies. On small plants, spray a strong stream of water or apply insecticidal oils or insecticidal soaps to kill them.
- Author: Lauren Fordyce
If you've used disinfecting wipes to clean surfaces in your home, an herbicide to control weeds in your garden, or insect repellents while on a hike, then you have used a pesticide. A pesticide is any material (natural, organic, synthetic, or even homemade remedies) that is used to control, prevent, kill, or repel a pest. Pesticides are designed to be toxic against certain pests like weeds, insects, or bacteria. But when they are not used properly, pesticides can also be toxic to people and pets, and harm the environment including water quality, pollinators, and natural enemies.
February is National Pesticide Safety Education Month, a time to raise awareness about...
- Author: Lauren Fordyce
In February we recognize Valentine's Day, President's Day, and Black History Month, but did you know it is also IPM month?! Join us in celebrating by learning more about integrated pest management (IPM), how you can use it in your everyday life, and the pest management resources and information offered by UC IPM.
What is IPM?
Integrated pest management (IPM) is a more sustainable, environmentally friendly method for managing pests like insects, diseases, weeds, and unwanted wildlife. IPM can be used by anyone: homeowners, tenants, farmers, gardeners, janitors, groundskeepers, professional landscapers and pest control operators, and more.
IPM focuses on the long-term management of pests...
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