- Author: Karey Windbiel-Rojas
![Adult honey bee [Photo by J. K. Clark]](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/UCIPMurbanpests/blogfiles/37046small.jpg)
In observance of National Pollinator Week, we thought we'd share how you can manage pests around your home, garden, and landscape and still protect pollinators.
Natural enemies (predators, parasites, and pathogens) reduce pest populations and help prevent damage to plants. Pollinators such as domesticated honey bees, wild bees, and other pollinating insects, are essential in the production of many of the fruits, vegetables, and nuts we grow in California, both in our backyards and in commercial agriculture.
Natural enemies and pollinators can be harmed by pesticides...
![Catchweed bedstraw. [J. DiTomaso]](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/UCIPMurbanpests/blogfiles/35450small.jpg)
Weeds can be found in just about every lawn. Weeds are not only unattractive to some people, but they compete with turfgrass for water and nutrients. But did you know that weeds are seldom a problem in well-managed, vigorously growing lawns?
Why Does Your Lawn Have Weeds?
Most lawns fall prey to weeds due to poor maintenance practices that weaken it. The three main factors likely to weaken lawns are improper irrigation, fertilization, or mowing.
In order to know how to manage weeds correctly, you'll need to identify the weeds and understand their life cycle. Certain weeds are associated with conditions such as compacted soil, overwatering, and poor drainage.
Weed Management
The newly updated...
![Reproductives of dampwood, drywood and subterranean termites (L-R). [R. Tabuchi]](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/UCIPMurbanpests/blogfiles/35186small.jpg)
Termite Awareness Week (March 16-22) is a campaign created by the National Pest Management Association to call attention to the damage termites can cause to structures and to make sure homeowners understand how to prevent and deal with termite infestations.
Did you know?
- Of the 23 species of termites in California, only three are considered pests. The three pest species are dampwood, drywood, and subterranean termites.
- Subterranean termites are the most common in California. They can be found infesting wood that is in contact with the soil, including structural lumber in homes and landscapes, as...
- Author: Niamh Quinn
![Eastern fox squirrel. [C.L.Christie]](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/UCIPMurbanpests/blogfiles/33868small.jpg)
[From the November 2015 issue of the UC IPM Retail Nursery and Garden Center IPM News]
...Continued from Tree or Ground Squirrel: What's the Difference?, Part I
Eastern Fox Squirrel Management
Of the four tree squirrels, the eastern fox squirrel is considered to be the most serious pest to homes and gardens in urban and suburban environments. Fox squirrels that are found to be injuring growing crops or...
- Author: Niamh Quinn
![Western gray squirrel. [K.A. Cabrera]](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/UCIPMurbanpests/blogfiles/33863small.jpg)
[From the November 2015 issue of the UC IPM Retail Nursery and Garden Center IPM News]
Read Part 2 of this article.
California is home to several species of squirrels, which can be divided into three groups: tree squirrels, ground squirrels, and flying squirrels.
Ground squirrels have been identified as the most common vertebrate pest in agricultural areas, but...
