Snails and slugs can be destructive pests in gardens and landscapes when they devour entire seedlings or chew holes in leaves, flowers, fruit, and even the bark of plants.

Manage these pests by getting rid of their hiding places, setting up traps, or planting resistant plants.

For more information about effective ways to manage snails and slugs, read the newly revised Pest Notes: Snails and Slugs by Cheryl Wilen, Area IPM Advisor, San Diego, Orange, and Los Angeles counties; and Mary Louise Flint, Extension Entomologist Emerita, UC Davis and UC IPM.

This Earth Day, Sunday April 22, help natural enemies by growing insectary plants. Natural enemies, also called beneficials or biological control agents, include lady beetles (ladybugs), lacewings, spiders, parasitic wasps, and even some mites! These natural enemies feed on pests in the garden and landscape and may reduce the need for insecticides. Protect natural enemies by avoiding the use of pesticides that kill them and keeping ants out of pest-infested plants.

Insectary plants provide nectar, pollen, and shelter throughout the year for natural enemies. In order to provide a year-round source of food for them, choose plant species and cultivars that flower at different times and are well-adapted to your area. Here are a...

This time of year, you may notice a white, powdery looking growth on fruit, vegetable plants or ornamental plants in your garden. What is it? It could be powdery mildew.

Powdery mildew is caused by several different fungi that may attack plant leaf surfaces, shoots, fruits, and flowers. There are several species of powdery mildew; all are spread by wind and thrive in shady areas when temperatures are between 60-80 °F. The fungi attack both new and old foliage, and can be a problem on certain plants. The disease usually occurs first on new leaves, before spreading to older parts of the plant. This is why over fertilizing worsens powdery mildew. 

Ornamental Plants

Many woody and herbaceous...

Controlling unwanted trees, shrubs, and woody perennial grasses can be difficult in landscapes, gardens, and natural areas. These troublesome woody plants often resprout after being cut back, and the resprouting shoots can outnumber the original plants. Some woody weed plants are natives but in certain settings can create fire hazards and become problematic to human health and movement.

So how can you manage plants like ivy, bamboo, and poison oak?

A new version of Pest Notes: Woody Weed Invaders, authored by UC Davis plant scientists Joseph DiTomaso and Guy Kyser, is now available online and in print. Use this guide to find answers to the...